Contraceptive Technology Update
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Pharmacist Prescribing of Hormonal Contraceptives Available in Utah
Contraceptive access has expanded for adult women in Utah, as pharmacists have begun to prescribe hormonal contraceptives. As of September 2019, pharmacies in more than 75 Utah cities signed up to participate in the program. In 2018, the Utah legislature passed Senate Bill 184 to allow women aged 18 years and above to obtain hormonal contraceptives from a qualified pharmacist without a visit to a healthcare provider.
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Experts Push for Adolescent HPV Vaccination
New information indicates that an estimated 92% of HPV-related cancers could be prevented by vaccine. Several national professional organizations have come together to emphasize the critical importance of immunization visits to help teens receive the HPV shot and other needed immunizations.
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Research Examines Effect of Immediate Postpartum Use of DMPA in Breastfeeding Moms
While the contraceptive injection DMPA is a popular birth control option for many women, there is no definitive evidence on its immediate postpartum effect on breastfeeding. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has awarded funding to Ohio State University researchers to evaluate the effects of immediate postpartum initiation of DMPA on breastfeeding and on long-term patterns of contraceptive use.
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New Tool May Identify People at Risk for HIV
A potential analytical tool may help providers identify those at risk for HIV in efforts to offer pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Using a machine-learning algorithm to predict who could become infected with HIV during a three-year period, researchers were able to flag 2.2% of 3.7 million patients as high or very high risk.
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Check Postpartum Opioid Use in New Moms
In a new national cohort study of more than 300,000 deliveries, findings indicate that women who received a peripartum opioid prescription had rates of new persistent opioid use of 1.7% for vaginal delivery and 2.2% for cesarean delivery.
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Researchers Examine Use of Dapivirine Ring for HIV Prevention
In 2017, estimates indicated there were 37 million people living with HIV and 1.8 million new infections around the globe. In hard-hit sub-Saharan Africa, where young women are disproportionately affected by HIV, new research from an open-label trial of a dapivirine vaginal ring confirms that women will use the device to prevent HIV. The ring was estimated to reduce the risk of HIV by 39%, according to statistical modeling.
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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.