Contraceptive Technology Update – July 1, 2020
July 1, 2020
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Abortion Access Problems Arise During COVID-19 Pandemic
Some states used the COVID-19 pandemic to stop abortion clinics from operating, saying abortions were nonessential medical services. Lawsuits helped reopen some sites, but abortion access was limited.
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Associations and Regulators Recommend Guidelines for Reopening Clinics
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Infectious Diseases Society of America offered guidelines for how physician offices, clinics, and other facilities can reopen to in-person, nonessential services in the next phase of the pandemic.
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Contraceptive Implants Are an Option for Patients Taking Isotretinoin
When clinicians prescribe the acne medication isotretinoin, they advise reproductive-age women to avoid pregnancy through two different contraceptives and an online iPledge app. Since the drug causes severe birth defects, it is important young women do not become pregnant while taking the drug. Etonogestrel contraceptive implants could be one contraceptive option for women taking isotretinoin, but there are concerns the acne drug would decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
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Study: Copper IUDs Do Not Appear to Prevent Implantation or Increase HIV Risk
For decades, clinicians and the public assumed that copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) prevented pregnancy by preventing implantation. There also was fear that IUDs could increase a woman’s risk of HIV infection. Results of a new study suggested these assumptions are incorrect.
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Servicewomen Experience Barriers to Contraception
A follow-up survey of United States servicewomen and their access to contraceptives during their deployment revealed both good and bad news. Some women reported greater access to contraception, while others experienced barriers to obtaining contraceptives in the weeks leading up to their deployment.
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Study Reveals Low Rate of Contraceptive Use in Women with Recent Preterm Births
Medicaid claims data among a North Carolina cohort show that women were less likely to fill a contraceptive claim within 90 days after preterm birth. Investigators theorized it would be harder for women to access contraception after a preterm birth because they would be caring for a medically fragile infant. Also, women who deliver preterm experience shorter pregnancies, which means there is less time for a conversation with their healthcare providers about contraception.