Articles tagged with Birth Control
Researchers found that African American women who use oral contraceptives are more likely to develop estrogen receptor negative breast cancer. The study, based on data from the Black Women's Health Study, also revealed a significant increase in risk for women who have used oral contraceptives for 10 or more years.
A Duke University study found that hormonal contraceptives alter the chemical cues used by ring-tailed lemurs to determine genetic fitness and relatedness. The study also showed that males are less interested in females treated with contraceptives, suggesting potential effects on human mate choice.
A recent study has found that women who use IUDs are less likely to become pregnant compared to those using hormone injections. The IUDs' longer duration and lack of hormonal effects also make them a preferred long-term option.
A 25-year study found that intrauterine devices significantly reduced repeat abortions among young women. The researchers suggest that healthcare providers should increase the use of long-acting contraceptive methods like IUDs as an effective alternative to the pill.
Dr. Henry Gabelnick was awarded the lifetime achievement award at the 6th International Microbicides Conference for his dedication to developing microbicides. He has contributed significantly to the field through research on preclinical algorithms and primate models.
A Spanish study finds that teenage mothers tend to emancipate earlier, enter romantic relationships, and experience career disruptions. The study also reveals a decline in age of onset for sexual activity and contraceptive use, leading to a significant increase in teen pregnancy.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have developed a male contraceptive method using therapeutic ultrasound, which has shown promising results in animal studies. The method involves 15 minutes of ultrasound treatment for six months of contraception, with permanent sterilization achieved with no vasectomy needed.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Exploration Grant to develop a long-term, reversible male contraceptive. They plan to use therapeutic ultrasound instruments to depletion testicular sperm, making it impossible for men to father children.
A new study found that long-term use of DMPA injections increases the risk of bone fractures in women under 50, with a 50% higher risk for users of progestin-only contraceptives. The results suggest that combined estrogen-containing oral contraceptives do not increase fracture risk
A recent study found that women taking hormonal contraceptives were at highest risk for Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD), while those using non-hormonal contraceptives had the lowest risk. The researchers also discovered a significant association between smoking status and total sexual function scores.
Researchers will test a combination of two hormonal gels on men's skin to suppress sperm production and prevent pregnancy. The study aims to develop a male contraceptive that would give men greater control over their reproductive choices.
Researchers found that US women living along the US-Mexico border prefer buying over-the-counter oral contraceptives from Mexican pharmacies due to their convenience and affordability. The study also showed that older women and those born in Mexico were more likely to take advantage of this option.
Researchers have discovered that traces of medicines can be found in fish swimming in treated wastewater. Elevated levels of the hormone levonorgestrel were found in fish blood, leading to infertility. The study highlights the impact of synthetic hormones on fish reproduction and calls for more environmentally friendly alternatives.
A new review found that advance emergency contraception provision does not decrease pregnancy rates despite increased use and faster use after unprotected sex. Women with access to emergency contraception had similar rates of unintended pregnancy as those without it.
A study by Ohio State University found that college-age women who watched a televised drama about teen pregnancy were more likely to use birth control, compared to those who watched a news program. The drama's narrative effect was linked to feelings of vulnerability and emotional connection with the characters.
A recent study found that ulipristal acetate is more effective than levonorgestrel in preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. The new findings provide women and healthcare providers with an alternative option for emergency contraception, available up to five days post- intercourse.
A recent study found that young women and teenage girls are targeted by male partners attempting to sabotage birth control or coerce pregnancy, frequently associated with physical or sexual violence. The risk of unintended pregnancy doubles when women experience both reproductive coercion and partner violence.
A recent study found that many young women view gynaecological visits as a chance to discuss their sex lives and relationships. Women, doctors, and midwives agree that these visits can foster confident women who better understand their bodies and sexuality.
AIDS research reveals that Ugandan communities lack education on contraception, with only 8 out of 421 participants using dual protection methods. This is problematic due to misconceptions and incorrect use of condoms as sole form of contraception.
A study examined associations between antibiotic use during pregnancy and birth defects, finding that certain antibiotics like sulfonamides and nitrofurantoins may be associated with severe birth defects. Many commonly used antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, were not linked to an increased risk of birth defects.
A European study found that 1,088 women (10% of the sample) use longer-lasting IUDs as their primary long-acting reversible contraceptive method. Women over 30 who do not want more children and are looking for a long-term solution are most likely to use this method.
A study of young women with antiphospholipid syndrome reveals a significantly increased risk of stroke and heart attack, particularly when combined with smoking and oral contraceptive use. The findings emphasize the need for screening and warning young women about these cardiovascular risks.
Researchers identified 'early gainers' who averaged 24 pounds of weight gain over three years, linked to increased abdominal fat and metabolic syndrome. The study recommends physicians tailor counseling based on women's risk factors and suggest alternative contraception methods for those who gain significant weight.
Researchers identified a potential biological mechanism for reduced effectiveness of oral contraceptives in obese women, as it takes twice as long to reach the necessary blood concentration levels. The study's findings have important implications for approximately 30% of adult Americans who are obese and rely on birth control pills.
A recent study found that teen contraceptive use declined between 2003 and 2007, despite no change in teen sexual activity. The authors suggest faltering HIV prevention efforts or inadequate sex education as contributing factors.
Research and policy making must align to promote better sexual health, addressing curable and incurable STDs, lack of access to services, and unsafe abortion. The US healthcare system faces a significant burden of disease from 19 million new STD cases annually.
A new vaginal ring has been designed to prevent both HIV transmission and unintended pregnancy, offering a non-hormonal alternative to existing methods. The device combines multiple antiviral drugs and compounds that arrest sperm motility, making it a promising solution for empowering women to protect themselves.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that injecting testosterone undecanoate monthly can effectively prevent pregnancy. After thirty months, the cumulative contraceptive failure rate was 1.1 per 100 men.
A new study found that oral contraceptive use impairs muscle gains in young women, with lower hormone levels and elevated cortisol concentrations. The researchers also noted significant differences in lean mass gains between OC users and non-users.
A large observational study found that combined oral contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly among women who started using them recently. The study suggests a possible dose-response effect of estrogen on SLE onset.
A woman developed a large blood clot in her left leg after eating grapefruit for breakfast every morning on an aggressive weight-loss diet. Treatment with clot-busting medication and a stent resolved the issue, but underlying factors included oral contraceptive use and an inherited mutation.
Researchers identified a genetic abnormality, CATSPER1, that may prevent men from conceiving. The gene's mutation affects sperm motility and hyperactivity, leading to potential targets for a pharmacological male contraceptive.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that improved physician education increases prescription rates of emergency contraception pills for adolescents, reducing unintended pregnancy rates. The study identified five common barriers to prescribing ECPs, including lack of patient follow-up and concerns about birth defects.
Researchers at UTMB discovered that DMPA users gained an average of 11 pounds and increased their body fat by 3.4 percent over three years. Nonhormonal contraception reversed this weight gain, with women losing nearly four pounds over two years.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that despite strict abortion laws in Peru, nearly 12% of women reported having induced abortions. The study, which surveyed over 8,000 women aged 18-29, highlights the need for improved access to contraception and education to reduce abortion rates.
Experts warn that while hormonal contraceptives may be safe for many women, gaps in knowledge remain. The article highlights the need for further research on low-dose oral contraceptives and alternative forms of contraception for high-risk individuals.
A new study from The Kinsey Institute reveals that many women associate condoms with decreased sexual pleasure, but those who use both hormonal contraception and condoms report higher overall satisfaction. Women using hormonal methods only reported the lowest levels of sexual enjoyment.
Researchers discovered that past oral contraceptive use can reduce estrogen levels for years after treatment is stopped, potentially leading to a reduced risk of ovarian and uterine cancers. The study used cynomolgus monkeys and found significant reductions in estrogen metabolites three years after surgical menopause.
Researchers found that many teens have misconceptions about emergency contraception, including side effects and confidentiality. Targeted health education is needed to address these concerns and promote effective use of the pill.
Researchers are conducting a clinical trial using low-dose contraceptives to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which affects 5-10% of women. The study aims to understand the underlying physiology and develop new treatments for this debilitating condition.
Researchers at Tufts University identified groups with inadequate vitamin B6 status, including women of reproductive age and smokers. The study found a significant link between oral contraceptive use and low plasma pyridoxal 5'- phosphate levels.
Research found that postmenopausal hormone users had a 48% lower risk of neovascular AMD, but unexpectedly higher risk of early AMD. Women who gave birth had a 26% lower risk of early AMD.
Researchers found that continuous oral contraceptives significantly improved pain and behavioral changes in women compared to standard 28-day birth control pills. The study also showed a significant decrease in moderate to heavy bleeding days among women who received the continuous birth control regimen.
A study published in Contraception reports that the Standard Days Method brings new women to family planning, with over half having never used a method before. The method's effectiveness and ease of use led to increased contraceptive use among participants.
A multi-center study of 500 women found that more women preferred the contraceptive ring over the skin patch due to lower complication rates and higher satisfaction. The ring was also reported to have fewer side effects compared to the patch.
A study found that only 65% of Illinois public school sex education teachers covered the four basic topics required for comprehensive instruction. Additionally, 30% of teachers had never received sex-education training, and most lacked confidence in teaching these topics without such training.
A collaborative study found that oral contraceptive use reduces ovarian cancer incidence by 8 per 1000 women before age 75. Long-term use significantly lowers mortality from the disease, preventing approximately two ovarian cancers and one death per 5000 woman-years of use.
Current oral contraceptive users have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer, but this risk returns to normal after 10 years of not using the contraceptives. The study also found that women who test positive for high-risk human papillomavirus are more likely to develop in-situ or invasive cervical cancer.
The Lancet study reveals that nearly a third of pregnancies in Europe end in abortion, while the rate in Africa is significantly lower. The study attributes the decline in abortion rates in Eastern Europe to increased use of modern contraception methods.
A study found that two-thirds of women are interested in stopping their periods but lack understanding of the medical implications. Physicians, however, believe continuous oral contraceptive therapy is medically safe and acceptable, sparking a need for better patient-physician dialogue.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in developing new male contraceptives, including a hormone-based regimen that worked in 90% of men, a vasectomy alternative with high success rates, and a vitamin A-blocking drug that showed no health effects. These advancements offer hope for men seeking reliable birth control options.
Researchers at the NIH conference present advances in male contraception, including a non-hormonal pill and a testosterone-like treatment. These developments aim to provide men with more control over their fertility, offering an alternative to existing methods like condoms and vasectomy.
A new study finds that a quarter of teenage girls in abusive relationships say their partners are actively trying to get them pregnant. Healthcare providers should ask about the possibility of abuse and reproductive control in relationships, according to researchers.
A study found that half of women prescribed medications linked to birth defects do not receive contraceptive counseling. Women filling prescriptions for these medications are no more likely to use contraception than other women, highlighting the need for increased awareness among physicians and women who may become pregnant.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered that intrauterine devices (IUDs) are acceptable for women at high risk of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found lower rates of complications and greater acceptability with the Mirena IUS.
Young women in urban China want more information on contraception but need private and anonymous access due to judgmental attitudes. A pilot workplace intervention showed promising results with popular information leaflets, but low uptake of free family planning services.
A new study found that a natural family planning method called symptothermal method (STM) is as effective as the contraceptive pill in preventing unplanned pregnancies when used correctly. The STM method uses two indicators to identify the fertile phase in a woman's menstrual cycle and has an unintended pregnancy rate of 0.4% per year.
The study found that 86% of doctors feel obligated to present all options, but only 63% believe it's ethical to describe their objections. Male physicians and those who personally object to certain practices are less likely to refer patients to alternative providers.
Researchers found that the poorest people in developing countries are least likely to use contraception, with significant regional variations. The authors emphasize the need for governments and international health organizations to focus on providing contraceptive services to those with very low incomes.
A new protein called sperm flagellar energy carrier (SFEC) has been discovered in the sperm tail, which may play a role in disabling sperm swimming. The discovery is significant because SFEC is linked to glycolysis, a process that produces energy in the sperm's tail.