Tag

Hormonal Contraception

All articles tagged with #hormonal contraception

Birth control access under scrutiny as surgeon general pick defends options
health-policy3 hours ago

Birth control access under scrutiny as surgeon general pick defends options

The article reports that the Trump administration’s surgeon general nominee faced questions about her past remarks on birth control but reiterated support for access for all women, emphasizing that patients should discuss risks with their doctors. It notes hormonal contraception is widely used for pregnancy prevention and other health reasons, with mostly mild side effects. While meta-analyses show a small, very low increase in breast cancer risk, overall cancer risk remains low and some data suggest protective effects for other cancers. Experts urge maintaining all contraceptive options and caution against inflammatory rhetoric that could limit informed choices.

"New Male Birth Control Gel Offers Fast, Reversible Contraception"
health1 year ago

"New Male Birth Control Gel Offers Fast, Reversible Contraception"

Preliminary research on the NES/T gel, a male birth control option, shows it can suppress sperm counts faster than expected, with many men achieving suppression within eight weeks. The gel, which combines nestorone and testosterone, aims to maintain stable hormone levels and minimize side effects. Early results from a Phase IIB trial are promising, and further studies are planned to bring the product to market.

"New York Allows Over-the-Counter Birth Control Sales"
health1 year ago

"New York Allows Over-the-Counter Birth Control Sales"

New York State Department of Health has authorized pharmacists to dispense a year's supply of hormonal birth control without a prescription, including birth control pills, vaginal rings, and contraceptive patches, to both residents and out-of-state visitors. The aim is to improve access to contraception and safeguard reproductive freedoms, in contrast to other states that are restricting them. This move aligns with New York's efforts to establish itself as a safe harbor for reproductive care, including allocating funds to support health care workers and reproductive health care providers.

The Impact of Contraceptive Pills on Women's Brain Function
health2 years ago

The Impact of Contraceptive Pills on Women's Brain Function

A study conducted in Canada has found that women who use oral contraceptives (OCs) have a thinner ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) compared to men, potentially impairing emotion regulation. The study suggests that this effect may be reversible after discontinuing OC use. The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to understand the impact and reversibility of OC use on brain anatomy and emotional regulation. They also highlighted the importance of considering the effects of sex hormones on brain development, particularly in adolescence when many girls start using OCs. The objective of the study is to raise awareness about the potential effects of OCs on the brain and promote further research in women's health.

The Dangerous Combination: Birth Control Pills and Painkillers Increase Risk of Fatal Blood Clots in Women
health2 years ago

The Dangerous Combination: Birth Control Pills and Painkillers Increase Risk of Fatal Blood Clots in Women

Women who are on birth control pills and also take common painkillers, specifically non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may have an increased risk of developing potentially fatal blood clots, according to new research. The risk is higher for women using combined oral contraceptives containing third or fourth-generation progestins. The study suggests that women should be informed about the potential risks, and health authorities should consider these findings when assessing the safety of over-the-counter diclofenac. Alternatives to NSAIDs for pain relief should be considered for women on the pill.

Potential Dangers: Painkillers and Hormonal Contraception Increase Blood Clot Risk
health2 years ago

Potential Dangers: Painkillers and Hormonal Contraception Increase Blood Clot Risk

A Danish study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that taking common painkillers, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while on hormonal contraception may slightly increase the risk of blood clots. The study found that the risk was greater in women using ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen while on combined pills containing progesterone and estrogen. However, the risk was smaller in women using progestogen-only pills, implants, and coils. While the risk is low, experts recommend informing women about the potential link between NSAIDs and hormonal contraception.

Hormonal contraception increases risk of postpartum depression.
health2 years ago

Hormonal contraception increases risk of postpartum depression.

New research suggests that prior depression associated with the use of hormonal contraception may be a risk factor for subsequent postpartum depression. The study, which utilized Danish national health registers, found that women with a history of depression associated with hormonal contraception had a higher risk of postpartum depression compared to women with a history of depression that was not associated with hormonal contraception. The findings remained consistent even when adjusting for potential confounding factors and conducting sensitivity analyses. However, the study is observational and cannot infer causal relationships.