With the growing popularity of a new approach to sterilization in the form of the Essure device (Conceptus, San Carlos, CA), family planning providers need to update their counseling information in presenting the option to women considering permanent contraception.
What is the role of estrogen in protecting post-menopausal womens hearts? While recent research indicates that the hormone may not benefit cardiovascular health in older women,1-3 a group of privately funded researchers is re-examining the role of the hormone in women ages 40-55.
Planned Parenthood of the Columbia/Willamette (PPCW) in Portland, OR, is using its Internet site, www.ppcw.org, to provide birth control pills, the Ortho Evra contraceptive patch (Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Raritan, NJ), and the NuvaRing contraceptive vaginal ring (Organon, West Orange, NJ) to women across the state. The pilot Contraception Online program, the first of its kind among Planned Parenthood of America affiliates, is allowing women to undergo an on-line assessment and place orders for these three forms of birth control without having to visit a providers office.
While the avenue to broader access to emergency contraception (EC) has hit a roadblock with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)s initial rejection of over-the-counter (OTC) status for the levonorgestrel-only drug Plan B, the drugs manufacturer is eyeing two alternative approaches for seeking OTC approval of the drug.
Breast Cancer and the Use of Statins; Warnings Issued for IBS Drugs; FDA Actions
