A culturally tailored intervention for a particularly vulnerable group of Black women has reduced the odds of testing positive for a sexually transmitted infection and increased condom use in vaginal or anal intercourse, the authors of a recent study found.

The authors of a new paper noted the reasons why women decide to undergo an abortion include many mental health risk factors, such as poverty, lack of social supports, domestic violence, rape, incest, pre-existing mental illness, and lack of education. But post-abortion, women’s mental health status does not deteriorate, although stress levels might increase if they experience barriers in obtaining the abortion.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed a new Title X rule to ensure access to quality family planning services. The proposed changes would revise the Trump administration’s 2019 rules that Title X advocates say are harmful to women served by these public health services.

Cardiovascular disease among women of reproductive age has increased in recent years for a variety of reasons, and reproductive health providers should be aware of particular risk factors and issues involving this population. Clinicians should help this high-risk group prevent unplanned pregnancies, researchers noted.

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.