Articles tagged with Birth Control
A study led by Kaiser Permanente found that drospirenone-containing birth control pills increase the risk of arterial thrombotic events and venous thromboembolic events. The study suggests that these drugs should be used cautiously for women seeking hormonal contraception, with alternatives available to minimize risks.
A new study found that providing free birth control reduced unplanned pregnancies and cut abortion rates by 62-78%. Most women chose long-acting methods like IUDs or implants, which have lower failure rates than commonly used birth control pills. The study enrolled 9,256 women and adolescents in the St. Louis area between 2007 and 2011.
Despite the need for a male version of the oral contraceptive pill, pharmaceutical companies have discontinued research due to significant challenges. New research on non-hormonal male contraceptives offers hope for the development of a male birth control pill within a decade.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a compound called JQ1 that inhibits sperm production and mobility without any side effects. The finding is promising for the development of a male birth control pill, with potential human trials on the horizon.
A study found that distressing life events and poverty are significant factors behind many abortions in the US. Nearly half of women who used contraception at the time of pregnancy reported disruptions from these events affecting their contraceptive use.
Researchers have discovered a compound that reversibly infertile men without affecting their sex drive, using the small molecule to target fertility proteins. The new form of birth control works by reducing sperm count and motility, making it an effective and novel strategy for male contraception.
A new direction in research for male contraceptives has been identified using the small molecule JQ1, which blocks chromatin remodeling necessary for sperm production. Studies show that mice treated with JQ1 have lower sperm counts and reduced sperm motility, paving the way for potential development of a male contraceptive pill.
Researchers found that continuous oral contraceptive pills provide earlier relief for moderate to severe menstrual cramps, reducing symptoms by up to six months. Women taking the continuous treatment reported significant pain relief due to uninterrupted treatment, outperforming cyclic treatment in terms of pain relief timing.
A new study estimates that contraceptive use prevents more than 272,000 maternal deaths from childbirth each year. The researchers found that satisfying the global unmet need for contraception could reduce maternal deaths by an additional 30%. Effective contraception also averts nearly 230 million unintended births annually.
A study led by Dr. Christina Wang at LA BioMed has shown a new male contraceptive gel containing testosterone and Nestorone to sharply lower sperm counts in men, achieving low sperm concentrations in 88-89% of participants. The results warrant further study as a safe and effective hormonal male contraceptive.
A Northwestern University study found that many college students cannot track down reliable information on emergency contraception pills (ECPs) online. Only two-thirds of the participants were able to conclude that their friend should seek ECPs, with fewer than half providing the ideal response.
The study reveals a prevalence of 70.4% for contraceptive use during the first sexual encounter among Spanish women, with notable differences observed between regions and socio-economic groups. Factors such as education level and geographical location significantly impact contraceptive use in this context.
A new type of male contraceptive may be developed thanks to a key gene essential for sperm development, Katnal1. The gene regulates microtubules that support and provide nutrients to developing sperm cells.
A new type of male contraceptive could be created by regulating the Katnal1 gene, which controls sperm maturation and development. This finding offers an alternative to hormone-disrupting treatments that can cause side effects.
A study of over 7,500 women found that IUDs and implants were significantly more effective than birth control pills, patches, or rings in preventing unintended pregnancies. The study also showed that educating women about the effectiveness of these methods and providing them for free could reduce unintended pregnancy rates.
A systematic review of data from 35 years found that intrauterine devices (IUDs) have a failure rate of less than one per thousand and are more effective than the morning after pill. IUDs also provide long-term protection against unwanted pregnancy, making them a recommended option for emergency contraception.
A new study has found a link between injectable contraceptives and increased breast cancer risk in young women, particularly those who have recently used the birth control method. Recent DMPA use for over a year was associated with a 2.2-fold increased risk of invasive breast cancer, which dissipates after discontinuation.
A new study by Oregon State University found that half of young adult Latino men and women acknowledge not using regular effective contraception despite expressing a desire to avoid pregnancy. Involvement in sexual decision-making is crucial for contraception use, with those who are more active tend to use male condoms.
Research links injectable progesterone contraceptives to poor periodontal health, with DMPA users at higher risk of gingivitis and periodontitis. Women currently taking or past users of the contraceptive may need to prioritize oral care.
A large Scandinavian study has found that combined oral contraceptive pills reduce painful menstrual periods by 0.3 units on the VMS scale, with a reduction of nine millimeters on the VAS scale. Increasing age also alleviated symptoms, but not as much as COC use, which had a greater effect.
Researchers have confirmed that therapeutic ultrasound can be used as a male contraceptive, providing up to 2.5 months of protection in rats with two 15-minute sessions. The method was initially overlooked for decades due to concerns over its effectiveness, but new evidence suggests it may offer an alternative to existing options.
New research uses commercially available therapeutic ultrasound equipment to reduce sperm counts in male rats, resulting in infertility. The non-invasive treatment reduced sperm reserves far below levels seen in fertile men.
A large Scandinavian study confirms that combined oral contraceptive pills reduce dysmenorrhoea, with women experiencing less pain and improved daily activities. The study also highlights the independent effects of increasing age and childbirth on symptom severity.
A study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that young women are more likely to recognize weight gain if they are black or using DMPA. The researchers surveyed 466 women with an average age of 25, finding nearly one-third and one-quarter did not recognize gains of 4.5 and 8.8 pounds during a six-month interval.
A study found that emergency contraception misinformation is common in low-income neighborhoods, with pharmacies incorrectly stating the age limit for over-the-counter access. This misinformation can restrict access to emergency contraception, a vital service for adolescents and individuals of childbearing age.
Experts Roger Short and Kara Britt argue that nuns should be given the contraceptive pill due to its link to reduced ovarian and uterine cancer risk. The pill's overall mortality benefits, particularly in nulliparous women, make it a viable health option for nuns.
A recent Lancet comment proposes that Catholic nuns consider taking the contraceptive pill for health reasons, citing reduced mortality and cancer risks. Studies have shown a significant decrease in ovarian and endometrial cancer rates among pill users, with long-term benefits persisting for up to 20 years.
Research published in BMJ Open found a significant association between contraceptive pill use and increased rates of new prostate cancer cases and deaths globally. The study suggests that environmental oestrogen exposure from oral contraceptive metabolism may contribute to this risk.
A study found that drospirenone-containing oral birth control pills are associated with a significantly increased risk of venous thrombotic events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Risk was highest in the early months of use and was also influenced by factors such as age, high blood pressure, and obesity.
A landmark survey of 1,006 mothers found that only 24% discussed their decision to stop childbearing with their OB/GYNs. Women were largely unaware of non-surgical permanent birth control methods like the Essure procedure, which has a 99.8% effectiveness rate.
A study from Arizona State University found that the hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in Depo Provera shots impairs memory in rodents. The researchers also measured GABA's impact on brain function, which may contribute to memory loss.
A new Indiana University study found that hormonal birth control can still hamper women's sexual satisfaction, including arousal, lubrication, and orgasm. The research involved over 1,100 women using different forms of contraception and suggests that non-hormonal options like lubricants may help alleviate negative effects.
CONRAD will develop and test the safety and effectiveness of a combined contraceptive barrier and HIV-prevention product, supported by a $2 million USAID award. The study aims to provide women with non-hormonal, easy-to-use methods for preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
A University of Washington-led study found that using hormonal contraception increases an HIV-uninfected woman's chances of becoming infected by double. Women with HIV who use hormonal contraception are also twice as likely to transmit the virus to their male partners.
A study of nearly 3800 couples found that hormonal contraception increases a woman's chances of becoming infected with HIV-1. Women using injectable methods were twice as likely to transmit the virus to their male partner, emphasizing the need for alternative methods.
A Phase I study is underway to test the safety and tolerability of a new androgen dimethandrolone undecanoate as a potential male contraceptive. Dr. Christina Wang hopes to develop an oral agent that can effectively decrease sperm production, offering men more frequent doctor visits and improved reproductive system understanding.
The SILCS Diaphragm, a single-size contoured diaphragm, has shown effectiveness rates similar to traditional diaphragms, and is easy to use and comfortable to wear. This new contraceptive method offers women more control over their reproductive health, particularly in low-resource settings.
UCI researchers found that hormonal contraceptives improve women's ability to remember the gist of an emotional event, but not the details. This discovery may help explain why women experience post-traumatic stress syndrome more frequently than men.
Researchers at OHSU's ONPRC have developed a new contraceptive that directly targets the key enzymes responsible for releasing an egg from the ovary. This approach aims to prevent pregnancy while minimizing systemic effects and improving effectiveness compared to existing hormonal birth control methods.
The GonaCon vaccine blocks sex hormones that spark undesirable behaviors in household pets and farm animals, reducing scent-marking, fighting, and aggressive behavior. The vaccine also shows promise for controlling white-tailed deer populations and preventing automobile-deer collisions.
A study by Group Health Research Institute found that oral contraceptives can slow down bone gain in young women, especially those taking higher hormone doses. The study measured bone densities in 301 teen and 305 young adult women who used oral contraceptives, compared to similar women who did not use this method.
A new study at Oregon Health & Science University found that immediate IUD insertion after abortion significantly reduces unintended pregnancies compared to delayed insertion. The study also highlighted the challenges of accessing IUDs due to federal policy restrictions.
A long-term study of 1,749 women found no link between taking the combined contraceptive pill and weight gain. Women who took the pill did not put on more weight than their peers who never took it, with ageing and smoking being the only factors affecting weight.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have developed a potential non-steroidal birth control pill for men that prevents conception with reversible male sterility. The compound, which interferes with retinoic acid receptors, showed no apparent side effects and restored fertility soon after drug administration was terminated.
Research published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery suggests that taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy may reduce the risk of developing cerebral aneurysms. The study found that women with cerebral aneurysms were less likely to have taken these medications and had an earlier average age of menopause.
A recent study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found no clinically significant difference in the risk of gallbladder disease among women using different formulations of oral contraceptives. The study, which followed over 2.7 million women, suggested that reporting bias may contribute to perceived increased risk associ...
A new study by University of British Columbia researcher Mahyar Etminan found that newer oral contraceptive drospirenone carries a similar risk of gall bladder disease compared to older birth-control pills. The study analyzed data from 2.7 million U.S. women using oral contraceptives over 18 months.
A new ACS podcast analysis concludes that birth control pills account for less than 1% of estrogens found in US drinking water. The main source of estrogen is instead from natural sources like animal waste and industrial production.
Researchers found a significant decrease in unintended pregnancies and abortions when women received a one-year supply of oral contraceptives. The study suggests that a larger supply allows for more consistent use, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits or resupply trips.
New research suggests prevention of unwanted births may be a larger factor in fertility decline in developing countries. Contraception's success has played a significant role, especially in low-income countries, where meeting unmet demand could reduce population growth by 250 million by 2050.
A study of rhesus macaque monkeys found that oral contraceptives did not lead to significant weight gain or changes in food intake. In fact, obese monkeys lost weight and reduced body fat due to increased basal metabolic rate.
A national survey of US family physicians found that many have gaps in knowledge about IUDs, are uncomfortable discussing them with patients, and believe their patients would not be receptive. In contrast, those who insert IUDs in their practice tend to be more knowledgeable and confident in discussing the devices with their patients.
A recent study from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) has found that women using injectable or oral contraception, including DMPA and desogestrel, do not experience adverse effects on glucose and insulin levels. The research, conducted over three years, provides reassuring news for non-diabetic women using hormonal c...
Scientists analyzed studies on estrogen in drinking water and found most estrogens come from natural sources such as soy, dairy, and animal waste, not birth control pills. Researchers concluded that the pill accounts for less than 1% of estrogens in drinking water supplies.
Researchers at OHSU are exploring the safety and effectiveness of a non-surgical female sterilization method that uses polidocanol foam to close fallopian tubes, potentially reducing unintended pregnancy rates. The study aims to provide a game-changing family planning strategy for women in low-resource settings.
Adolescents are more likely to engage in unprotected sex, despite early education promoting safe practices. Research also finds a decrease in age at contraction of sexually transmitted diseases among younger individuals.
Three papers were selected for the inaugural Contraception Article Award for their exceptional quality and impact on the field of family planning. The awarded articles cover topics such as bone mineral density recovery after contraceptive use, medical abortion follow-up, and postpartum intrauterine contraception cost-effectiveness.
A UCSF study confirms that a woman's race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status impact whether healthcare providers recommend the most effective form of contraception. The interaction between these factors also plays a role in clinicians' decisions.
A pilot study led by UC Davis School of Medicine found that specifically asking young women about pregnancy coercion during reproductive health visits can reduce the likelihood of future pressure, with a 70% drop in odds. The intervention also increased awareness of intimate-partner violence resources.
A new study by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that the birth control pill works equally well in women with obesity and thinner women. The study's findings strengthen the message to patients that the pill will only work if it is taken every day.