Contraceptive Technology Update – May 1, 2003
May 1, 2003
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Time for Today sponge in Canada — will U.S. see vaginal contraceptive?
Four years after its initial announcement to revive the Today contraceptive sponge, the company responsible for its rebirth finally has released the product in Canada and says it is pressing for Food and Drug (FDA) approval to market the device over the counter in the United States. -
The Pill for PMS relief? New research says yes
New research indicates that use of the oral contraceptive (OC) Yasmin decreased the physical and emotional symptoms associated with a womans menstrual cycle. -
Yasmin is the focus of Dutch safety alert
While the oral contraceptive (OC) Yasmin has been the focus of interest in the United States for its potential in treating premenstrual syndrome, its safety has been questioned by Dutch medical officials, who are calling for more epidemiological data on the potential risk for venous thrombosis. -
Menstruation on hold? More women favor option
Scientists recently conducted an international survey to explore womens willingness to use a contraceptive that induces amenorrhea. -
No link found between abortion, breast cancer
Epidemiological evidence presented at a recent Bethesda, MD-based National Cancer Institute (NCI) workshop could help end a longstanding debate on the question of induced abortion and risk of breast cancer. -
Ask the Experts: Questions on Pap smears and pills? Look no further
What is your approach when it comes to oral contraceptives and women who smoke? What is your facilitys standard practice for informing patients on Pap test results? -
Washington Watch: Family planning cited for counseling efforts
Without fanfare, the Bush administration has issued an important report to Congress on nondirective pregnancy options counseling in family planning clinics. Specifically, the report sought to assess the extent to which adoption information and referral is provided as part of nondirective counseling in publicly funded clinics. -
STD Quarterly: World’s first large-scale HIV vaccine trial doesn’t indicate protection for overall population
The news is in from the worlds first large-scale trial of a HIV vaccine, and it isnt good: The vaccine failed to achieve a statistically significant reduction of HIV infection within its study population as a whole. -
STD Quarterly: Herpes numbers rise — you must know your options
Its back to the research drawing board in the search for more treatment options for genital herpes. A clinical trial of an experimental drug, resiquimod, has been suspended since preliminary data showed it was not as effective as expected.