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A contraception integration model at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) has helped to ensure comprehensive healthcare for reproductive-age individuals in some rural areas, new research shows. Investigators studied how FQHCs integrated services — not just offering contraceptives, but also integrating contraception care with primary care.
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Reproductive health providers use contraceptive counseling techniques largely based on an able-bodied norm, ignoring the needs of people with disabilities. New research suggests that better communication tactics are needed to reduce disparities and remove barriers for people who are deaf or hard of hearing as well as for people with other disabilities.
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Several new studies highlight problems people with disabilities experience when trying to access contraceptive care. These include barriers related to educational material that is not designed with disabilities in mind as well as attitudes and biases among reproductive health providers and clinicians.
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Individuals with substance use disorder and higher rates of unintended pregnancies could benefit from a family planning intervention targeted for that population. The peer-led family planning navigation intervention employed women who were successful in connecting with study participants.
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A new program using smart speakers could function as a birth control and other medication reminder, improving adherence, according to the authors of a recent study.
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Researchers are studying a novel contraceptive delivery system, which uses a vaginal film to produce antibodies to sperm. The same film also could be developed to protect against HIV infection and herpes.
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New research shows more supportive counseling in reproductive health is needed for adolescents, especially after sexual initiation, and in support of adherence or tolerance of side effects. Access to different types of birth control has increased in the past decade, but not as much progress has been made in supporting decision-making or counseling with respect to neurodevelopmental functioning.
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Social and behavioral change are important factors to consider and incorporate into family planning, even before a woman enters a provider’s office. Some social and behavioral change tactics include shared decision-making, ideational models, multifaceted community campaigns, and value clarification exercises.
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A new study revealed opportunities for improvement in OB/GYN knowledge of sexual health education. OB/GYN residents, while knowledgeable on subjects like decreased sexual desire, sexual pain, contraception, and more, could benefit from learning more about transgender care, caring for sex trafficking survivors, and cultural competency in care.
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The easing of the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy restriction on mifepristone will make it easier for women to obtain the drug and could allow for pharmacy dispensing of the drug. Pharmacists should have a seat at the table in the conversation on dispensing prescription medication.