Contraception

This summary of SMFM Consult Series #48 provides answers to 15 frequently asked questions about postpartum contraception.  

Since hormonal contraception was introduced in the 1960s, the risks and benefits of the drugs have been the topic of considerable debate. How much do you know about the subject?   

A recent population-based cohort study examined whether women with schizophrenia are at higher risk for rapid repeat pregnancy than their peers without schizophrenia.

Results from the HOPE study indicate that a monthly vaginal ring could significantly reduce HIV-1 incidence rates. 

According to recent findings, a self-administered contraception could lead to improved contraceptive continuation rates and equivalent pregnancy prevention compared to provider administration.

A review of more than 100 trials compared the effectiveness and safety of levonorgestrel, mifepristone, and the Yuzpe regimen for emergency contraception.

This flowchart can help ensure a smooth procedure by helping the ob/gyn recognize potential challenges.

A recent model challenges the rationale of limiting oral contraceptive dispensing as a means to control costs. 

When a patient is interested in having the device removed, her physician needs to examine several factors before deciding on a surgical approach.

New research indicates that while combined oral contraceptives can be used to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, evidence points to other contraceptive options as being even more effective.

An Egyptian study found that adding a simple step to the IUD insertion process resulted in a 93% success rate for women whose previous insertion attempt failed.

New research indicates an alarming number of men and women are uninformed about the health risks of pregnancy, and this ignorance may be contributing to the malpractice crisis. 

The LNG-IUS and IUD are both highly effective, but one is associated with changes in uterine artery blood flow.

Dr. Kimble discusses a new progestin hormone that can be used for birth control and identifies which patients could benefit from it.

This installment in our series looks at postpartum contraceptive options for a pregnant patient with comorbidities

Oral contraceptives (OCs) may have an additional benefit for young athletes.

Although OCs do not provide total protection of bone mass, they may help limit bone loss in young patients with AN.

A fourth-generation progestogen-only pill (POP) with drospirenone may be an effective and safe alternative for women for whom estrogen-based contraceptives are contraindicated.

A new study aimed to better understand why birth control may fail for some women by looking at genetic variants.

Analysis shows that providers aren't including information about all available options when counseling their patients on CHCs.

Unprotected sex without immediate adverse events may empower women to believe they are not at high risk.

A recent Cochrane Review examined eight randomized trials which compared COCs to placebo, NSAIDs, IUS, and the hormonal vaginal ring.

A recent review found that DMPA and OCPSs are effective against some STIs but may increase the risk of others.

An in-depth analysis examined screening effectiveness as well as further steps to reduce potential complications.

A meta-analysis aimed to determine whether the lower exposure of COCs in obese women is enough to increase risk of unintended pregnancy.