Contraceptive Technology Update – May 1, 2008
May 1, 2008
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New results released from WHI: What do they mean for patients?
Results from a follow-up study of women who were enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) indicate that while many health effects of hormones are diminished after about three years after cessation of combined hormone therapy (CHT), risks for stroke, blood clots, and cancer remain elevated. -
How does new technology impact cervical cancer?
Several strides have been made when it comes to cervical cancer prevention. Research has identified high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) as causal agents, a test has been developed to detect HPV infection (Digene HPV Test, Digene Corp.; Gaithersburg, MD), and a vaccine (Gardasil, Merck & Co.; Whitehouse Station, NJ) is now marketed to prevent infection of the most common types of HPV. -
Up the radar for pelvic floor disorders
Are you talking to your patients about pelvic floor disorders (PFDs)? You should. Results from a study of 4,000 U.S. women ages 25-84 indicate one-third of them reported one or more pelvic floor disorders. -
'Good bacteria' may aid in slowing HIV spread
Early research indicates that beneficial bacteria found in the healthy vagina aids in reducing the amount of vaginal HIV among HIV-infected women and may make it more difficult for the virus to spread. -
1 in 4 teen females has an STD, study says
Check the next four files of your teenage female patients: chances are one of these young women has a sexually transmitted disease (STD), according to study results just released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). -
Syphilis rates continue to climb in the U.S.
In 1998, the United States was on the verge of eliminating syphilis, one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Today, the national syphilis rate has increased for the seventh consecutive year, according to preliminary data presented at the March 2008 National STD Prevention Conference. -
Save the dates for national conferences
Be sure to pencil in dates for two upcoming women's health conferences sponsored by the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, Planned Parenthood Federation, the Society of Family Planning, and the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH). -
STD Quarterly: Microbicide candidate found safe, but not effective — What's the next step in research?
Bad news: Results of the first large-scale effectiveness trial for a microbicide indicate that while the candidate, Carraguard, is safe, it was not shown to be effective in preventing male-to-female transmission of HIV. -
STD Quarterly: Tenofovir eyed as potential microbicide
An experimental anti-HIV tenofovir gel is safe for women to use on a daily basis, according to research conducted by the scientists at the University of Pittsburgh (PA) School of Medicine and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).