Contraceptive Technology Update
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Ways to Help Patients with Bleeding from Contraceptive Implant
Some patients experience bothersome uterine bleeding after receiving a contraceptive implant, according to a new study of implants and adolescent/young adult patients. Investigators found that 27% of people with an average age of about 19 years reported subsequent bleeding. Those who reported irregular menses before the implant were more likely to report bleeding after receiving the implant.
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Patients Who Experience Homelessness Face Multiple Barriers to Contraceptive Care
Homelessness adds multiple barriers to contraception counseling and care. These patients often cannot access OB/GYNs or family planning clinics because of transportation and insurance obstacles. It is important for all clinicians to ask patients experiencing homelessness about their contraceptive needs and to counsel them on all methods.
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Contraceptives Can Help Patients with a Variety of Concerns and Illnesses
The noncontraceptive benefits of the levonorgestrel IUD and other hormonal contraceptives are much more than just reducing menstrual pain and bleeding. Hormonal contraceptives can help people treat acne, sickle cell disease, gastrointestinal issues, and uterine anomalies.
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Hormonal Contraceptives Help Women Manage Perimenopause
Women near the end of their reproductive years may experience fewer perimenopausal symptoms if they use a hormonal contraceptive, such as a hormonal intrauterine device.
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Contraceptives Dramatically Decrease Risk of Some Gynecological Cancers
Contraceptives can reduce the risk of some gynecological cancers, including protection against ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and uterine cancer. Women who have used oral contraceptives have a lower risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers than women who have never used the product, with a risk reduction of at least 30%.
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Contraceptives Can Alleviate Menstrual Cramping and Endometriosis Pain
Research suggests hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) can relieve pelvic pain and endometriosis. One recent study revealed that levonorgestrel IUDs can improve endometriosis and ovarian function when combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. They also can alleviate the symptoms of sexual intercourse pain and dysmenorrhea and control the risk of postoperative recurrence.
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LARC, Pills Can Reduce or Stop Menstrual Bleeding for Extended Periods
Modern contraception offers a variety of benefits to users, in addition to effective pregnancy prevention. Perhaps the most common noncontraceptive reasons people may select some of these hormonal methods is to reduce or stop menstrual bleeding, cramping, and pain.
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Telehealth Contraception Is an Option for Victims of Violence
Patients who experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) reported favorable outcomes for both telehealth contraceptive care and IPV services. From a clinician’s perspective, this means they can be assured that patients will receive the same quality of care, whether they meet with the patient through a telehealth visit or in person.
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Teenagers Respond Well to a Sexual Health Texting Intervention
Sexually active women, ages 15 to 19 years, report higher rates of unintended pregnancy than other age groups. Women ages 15 to 24 years are at greater risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections. A text messaging intervention designed to engage adolescents could help them improve their reproductive health and prevent pregnancies, research shows.
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Title X Programs Could Expand into Primary Care Settings
Family planning services could reach more low-income and underserved communities if Title X services integrated family planning into primary care settings, according to recent research.