Contraceptive Technology Update
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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.
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No Substantial Difference in Risk of Acquiring HIV in IUD, Implant, Injection Users
Results from a large, randomized trial among African women found no substantial difference in HIV risk using the copper intrauterine device, the levonorgestrel implant, and the depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injection. The data counter research that suggested a potential association between some types of contraceptives and risk of acquiring HIV.
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Many Teens Do Not Fill ED Prescriptions for STI Treatment
Results from a recent study of U.S. teens ages 13-19 show that when they are prescribed antibiotics for sexually transmitted infections during ED visits, some 60% fail to fill the prescriptions. The findings are a concern for providers, since adolescents represent nearly half of all diagnosed sexually transmitted infections annually.
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The Push Is On to Reduce Pregnancy-Related Deaths
Pregnancy-related death can occur during pregnancy, delivery, and even up to one year after. National health experts are outlining ways to reduce maternal deaths in light of new research indicating that about three out of every five such deaths are preventable.
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Telemedicine May Offer Access Option for Abortion
The TelAbortion study is designed to evaluate the use of telemedicine in providing medication abortion to women who have difficulty accessing abortion clinics.