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The authors review chromium, cinnamon, fenugreek, garlic, and Gymnema sylvestre as complementary and alternative medicine supplements for managing type 2 diabetes.
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Adherence to the dapivirine vaginal ring, a topical HIV-1 agent to prevent HIV infection, improved over time, according to the results of a recent study. The vaginal ring is an investigational pre-exposure prophylactic agent that is inserted in the vagina. The silicone matrix ring is loaded with a microbicidal agent.
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New research on the proportion of adolescents and young adults who are adherent to pre-exposure prophylaxis revealed that young cisgender women have a lower adherence rate than young men who have sex with men and serodiscordant heterosexual couples.
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Rural areas in the United States have limited access to screening and testing of sexually transmitted infections. Tailored interventions for these populations are important.
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Individuals with substance use disorder and higher rates of unintended pregnancies could benefit from a family planning intervention targeted for that population. The peer-led family planning navigation intervention employed women who were successful in connecting with study participants.
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A new program using smart speakers could function as a birth control and other medication reminder, improving adherence, according to the authors of a recent study.
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Researchers are studying a novel contraceptive delivery system, which uses a vaginal film to produce antibodies to sperm. The same film also could be developed to protect against HIV infection and herpes.
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Access to contraceptives for reproductive-age minors varies across the United States but should be accessible to all, according to the authors of a recent paper. State laws often prevent minors from consenting to contraception by themselves or only allow access without parental permission if the minor is married.
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New research shows more supportive counseling in reproductive health is needed for adolescents, especially after sexual initiation, and in support of adherence or tolerance of side effects. Access to different types of birth control has increased in the past decade, but not as much progress has been made in supporting decision-making or counseling with respect to neurodevelopmental functioning.
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Social and behavioral change are important factors to consider and incorporate into family planning, even before a woman enters a provider’s office. Some social and behavioral change tactics include shared decision-making, ideational models, multifaceted community campaigns, and value clarification exercises.