A recent study reveals hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) are safe and effective as emergency contraception. Hormonal IUDs are more effective at preventing pregnancy than the Plan B levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill, and they provide a long-term contraception solution.

In this retrospective cohort study of 1,015 women at one institution, there was no association between type of contraceptive prescribed immediately postpartum and attendance at the postpartum visit.

In this national sample of obstetrician-gynecologists, the majority (84%) reported offering at least one form of emergency contraception, with 80% offering the levonorgestrel pill, 18% offering ulipristal acetate, and 29% offering the copper intrauterine device.

Although most international trips, including students’ study abroad programs, were put on hold in 2020, these might resume this year after the COVID-19 vaccine reaches student populations. Reproductive health providers can help young women prepare for the contraceptive needs and uncertainties of travel. A new study revealed that young female travelers overwhelmingly say they will be abstinent during their travels, but their actual experience is the opposite.

Data comparing changes in birth rates before and after the Affordable Care Act was passed suggest that reducing out-of-pocket costs is associated with increased contraceptive use.

Women who seek most forms of contraception do not need a routine pelvic examination before they are prescribed a contraceptive. Still, these exams are routine for many OB/GYN offices and reproductive health clinics, and this creates a barrier for some women — particularly those who have experienced sexual assault and intimate partner violence, according to new research.

The marathon race for finding an effective and safe male contraceptive has reached a hurdle that was not as much of a barrier for the research race to bring the first female contraceptive to market: Someone needs to prove men want their own contraceptive and will use whatever method succeeds.

There is a wide variety of potential male contraceptive products in the research pipeline. Hormonal contraceptive products have been studied a long time, but nonhormonal products also are under study.