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In your care of HIV-infected patients, are you including information about what they can do to prevent transmitting the virus to others?
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Expect to see more insurance coverage of a recently released cervical cancer screening test now that it has been included in just-published practice guidelines issued by the Washington, DC-based American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).1
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When a patient discusses possible switches in birth control, what contraceptive options can you offer her?
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The next patient in your office is a nervous 23-year-old newlywed. While she was given a prescription for oral contraceptives (OCs) at her last visit, she admits she has not been diligent in taking them. A lab test confirms she is two months into her pregnancy.
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Because the use of barrier methods other than male condoms has decreased, contraceptive research has focused on finding an acceptable female-controlled method serving the dual function of protecting against pregnancy and HIV. The latest barrier method on the market, approved in March 2003, is the FemCap.
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Over-the-counter (OTC) status for emergency contraception has moved a step closer with the Washington, DC-based Womens Capital Corp.s April 2003 filing with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to switch its levonorgestrel drug Plan B from prescription to OTC status.
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No birth control pill has been marketed that has instructed a woman to take more than 21 consecutive pills that are hormonally active. The new pill, Seasonale, under review by the Food and Drug Administration at press time, will instruct women to take 84 consecutive pills.
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For patients who are considering extended or continuous use of combined oral contraceptives (OCs), thorough counseling is an important aspect of ensuring success with the method.
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Extending the traditional 21/7 regimen of several forms of hormonal contraception has captured the attention of research scientists, and results of their investigations may lead to new approved uses of birth control drugs.
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What are womens preferences when it comes to frequency and characteristics of menstrual bleeding in relation to reproductive status and oral contraceptive use? Here are highlights from a 2002 survey.