Contraception
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Analysis Focuses on Testosterone Use in Postmenopause
Results of a comprehensive meta-analysis indicate that testosterone can improve sexual well-being for postmenopausal women. According to the analysis, benefits included improved sexual desire, function, and pleasure, and fewer concerns about sex.
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Year-Long Supply of Pills Effective in Preventing Pregnancy, Cutting Costs
Findings from the new paper, published by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, indicate that reducing birth control refills would be more effective for preventing undesired pregnancies among female veterans. The money saved on healthcare costs would more than outweigh the expense of providing multiple pill packs at one time.
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Revamping the Daily Pill: Research to Begin on Monthly Pill
Although lowering side effects plays an important role in oral contraceptive compliance, one of the biggest challenges for patients is adhering to the daily schedule of the pill. Forgetting one to three pills per cycle is a frequent problem among 15-51% of users, particularly among adolescents. Lyndra Therapeutics has received a $13 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and is setting out to remove the daily pill compliance challenge. The company is in early development of a monthly oral contraceptive to provide women with a discreet, noninvasive, reversible contraception option.
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New Target May Lead to Chlamydia Treatment Options
Reproductive health providers battle against chlamydia every day, as it is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. According to data from the CDC, more than 1.7 million cases were diagnosed in 2017, with 45% among females ages 15-24 years. New research has identified a potential target for drug treatment that may help develop alternate approaches to stem infections.
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HIV Screening, PrEP Receive USPSTF Recommendation
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has issued final recommendations that providers screen for HIV in everyone ages 15-65 years, and all pregnant women as well as younger adolescents and older adults at increased risk for HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) also should be offered to people at high risk of HIV, USPSTF recommends. Since 2006, the CDC has recommended universal HIV screening at least once for people ages 13-64 years, with annual or more frequent rescreenings for persons at increased risk. However, new data indicate that such recommendations have not been fully implemented.
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Focus on Integrative Approaches to Pain, Anxiety Management During Adolescent IUD Insertion
On Jan. 1, 2018, The Joint Commission implemented new and revised pain assessment and management standards for accredited hospitals. The additions and revisions require hospitals to “provide at least one non-pharmacological pain treatment modality.” There are several non-pharmacologic approaches to offer adolescents to help manage anxiety and pain related to intrauterine device (IUD) insertions. Such methods include hypnotic language, music, heat therapy, social support (“IUD doula”), acupressure, and aromatherapy.
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Study Examines Effect of Vitamin D, Estradiol Deficiency on Metabolic Syndrome
Menopause is associated with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. New research indicates that vitamin D and estradiol may help protect against these conditions.
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Research Continues Toward Potential Herpes Vaccine
After promising research for a potential herpes vaccine stalled in 2018, scientists are finding new paths for investigation that may lead to a potential candidate. Recently published research by Yale University investigators may offer clues to an effective vaccine option.
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Medicaid Reimbursement Change Increases Interbirth Intervals Among Teens
After changing its Medicaid policy to provide reimbursement for immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) separate from the global labor and delivery payment, South Carolina saw an increase in immediate postpartum LARC initiation and increased birth spacing among young women.
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ACIP Recommends HPV Vaccination for Older Men and Women
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently approved use of the 9-valent HPV vaccine for persons ages 27-45 years. The recommendation to expand use of the vaccine comes as findings from a large meta-analysis indicate that the HPV vaccine has substantially reduced infections and precancerous lesions. Providers are encouraged to discuss the potential benefits of HPV vaccination with patients in the mid-age category, addressing the reduced efficacy compared to vaccination within the younger target age range, as well as the reduced risk of high-grade disease and cervical cancer.