Contraceptive Technology Update – December 1, 2023
December 1, 2023
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ICAN! Project Improved Reproductive Care at Several Illinois FQHCs
Less access to traditional family planning clinics in many states has created a greater need for public and private primary care providers to offer comprehensive contraceptive care. Research into a demonstration project by the Illinois Contraceptive Access Now project found a 16% improvement in contraceptive care access after providers received training.
Contraception Access Project Focuses on Reproductive Justice and Access Barriers
ICAN! focuses on expanding contraception access beyond what can happen if Title X programs are more fully funded because it works on training non-Title X providers to also offer quality contraceptive care.
Levonorgestrel IUDs and Combined Oral Contraceptives Alleviate Menstrual Bleeding
Women with concerns about menstrual bleeding could improve their bleeding-related quality of life with either the levonorgestrel intrauterine device system or combined oral contraceptives at six or 12 months, new research shows.
Telemedicine Abortion Services Not as Accessible to Many in Need
Medication abortion through telehealth services has grown dramatically in the past couple of years, but it is not accessible to everyone who may need the service. For example, younger people, those with health conditions, and those with limited English proficiency are less likely to use telemedicine abortion services.
Progestin-Only Birth Control Is Safe for Breastfeeding Mothers
Reproductive health organizations should consider updating contraceptive counseling guidelines for patients who are breastfeeding to reflect that it is safe for them to use progestin-only contraceptive methods, according to the authors of a recent paper.
Incarcerated People Face Nearly Insurmountable Odds of Maintaining Reproductive Autonomy
About one out of six incarcerated pregnant people may need an abortion in the coming years. But their ability to access that care is blocked or nearly blocked in states with abortion bans and major restrictions, according to the authors of a recent study.
CDC Issues New Guidance on Using Doxycycline for PEP
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published proposed guidelines for the use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for preventing bacterial sexually transmitted infections.
Clinicians Should Develop Sexual Health Screening Soft Skills
At a time when STIs are on the rise, all providers need to develop skills in sexual health screening. New research shows these skills are lacking among many physicians, and there are other barriers to screening patients for STI risk factors.
Superinfection of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis D on the Horizon
Called a satellite virus, hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is making an outsized impact on liver disease and cancer worldwide. HDV only appears alongside a hepatitis B infection, and people living with HIV infection are particularly at risk of the disease.