Contraceptive Technology Update – September 1, 2007

September 1, 2007

• Update on emergency contraception: Has status change increased access?

  A year after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved behind-the-counter status for the emergency contraceptive (EC) pill Plan B (Barr Pharmaceuticals; Pomona, NY) is the drug more available to women? While the company says sales have increased from about $40 million annually to an expected $80 million for 2007, availability is mixed, according to reports around the country.

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• What do young women know about IUDs?

  The next patient in your exam room is an 18-year-old female. What do you think she knows about intrauterine contraception?

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• Conferences highlight intrauterine contraception

  To obtain up-to-the-minute education on intrauterine contraception, attend A Clinical Update on Intrauterine Contraception continuing medical education program organized by the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP).

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• Start spreading the news: NYC Condom unwrapped

  Take that vision and expand it a thousandfold, as evidenced by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's new NYC Condom.

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• Research eyes HPV vaccine effectiveness

  Results from a new international meta-analysis study of Gardasil (Merck & Co.; Whitehouse Station, NJ), the cervical cancer vaccine, indicate the shot is nearly 100% effective against the two types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

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• Pain: Chief complaint during heavy periods

  Results of a new survey indicate that in women experiencing heavy periods, pain is the most commonly reported problem.1 What are some clinical strategies to help ease these symptoms?

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• Sexual behavior: Review national survey details

  Understanding sexual behavior is an important piece of the family planning puzzle, and a new national report provides insights on current sexual practices.1

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