Contraceptive Technology Update – October 1, 2006
October 1, 2006
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Finally! Emergency contraception given approval by FDA for nonprescription sale
One of the final barriers to availability of emergency contraception (EC) has been toppled with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of nonprescription sales of the EC drug, Plan B. The drug is manufactured by Barr Pharmaceuticals of Pomona, NY, and marketed by its Duramed subsidiary. -
Talk with teens about sex: Unwanted sex common?
In taking a sexual history from your next patient, a 15-year-old female tells you she is in a monogamous relationship with her boyfriend. She discloses that he often uses marijuana, and sometimes they have sex without a condom. When you ask further about the relationship, she tells you that sometimes she has unwanted sex with the boyfriend rather than risk an argument. -
Progestin eyed for use in contraceptive gel
Your next patient is a 17-year-old female who is seeking contraception for pregnancy prevention. She is not sure if she wants to take the Pill, and says she's leery of wearing a contraceptive patch. What options can you offer her? -
Add option of fertility awareness-based methods
How much do you know about natural methods of family planning? While such options may be exactly what some women are seeking, many providers don't learn about them during their medical training. -
Banish the myths about fertility, contraception
Review the following scenario: a patient has used oral contraceptives for 15 years, starting her first pill pack at age 28. Now at age 43, she tells you, "I had three children by 28 when I started using the Pill. I got divorced three years ago, and now I'm remarried. Why can't I get pregnant? It must be the Pill." What is your counseling strategy? -
The Pill & bone health: New study eyes impact
Revamp your oral contraceptive (OC) counseling: Results of a new study indicate that Pill use is not associated with an increase or a decrease in fracture risk. -
STD Quarterly: Repeat chlamydia infection: Improve partner notification and treatment
The next patient in your exam room is a 25-year-old single woman who has come in for her quarterly contraceptive injection. At her last visit, she tested positive for chlamydia. She was given a prescription to treat the infection and counseled to have her partner come in for treatment as well. When her lab results are returned prior to your present exam, results are positive for chlamydia. -
STD Quarterly: Stay vigilant in stemming gonorrhea
While strides have been made in stemming gonorrhea, clinicians are advised to keep the sexually transmitted disease (STD) on the radar screen. Preliminary new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show sharp increases in reported gonorrhea cases since 2000 in seven states: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.