Contraceptive Pearl: the Patch, Deep Vein Thrombosis and Communicating Risk to Patients

Studies of the contraceptive patch and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) have yielded conflicting results. In 2006, two trials found a higher incidence of nonfatal blood clots among women using the patch than among women taking oral contraceptives, while a third study found no significant difference. How can we frame this discussion so that we communicate honestly without alarming patients?

Contraceptive Pearl: Twelve Month Prescriptions

One barrier in terms of a patient’s adherence to their prescription contraceptives is lack of supply. In this Contraceptive Pearl, read about how prescribing a larger supply can increase adherence.

Contraceptive Pearl: Does Hormonal Birth Control Increase Cancer Risk?

Fear of cancer prevents many women from using hormonal contraceptives. This Contraceptive Pearl covers the facts about hormonal contraception and cancer risk.

Contraceptive Pearl: Treating Chlamydia with an IUD in Place

I ordered a gonorrhea/chlamydia test for my asymptomatic 17-year-old patient the day I inserted her progestin IUD. The chlamydia test was positive. I treated her and her partner with azithromycin. I left the IUD in place. Does my patient need a test of cure? If so, when? Dr. Anjna Ganatra – New York, NY Contraceptive…

Contraceptive Pearl: What are the Most Effective Contraceptive Methods for Obese Teens?

What are the recommended screening questions and particularly the most effective contraceptive methods for obese teens?

Contraceptive Pearl: Can you Quickstart with Depo?

Don’t wait for your patient’s next menses — give Depo today! Using Quick Start with Depo prevents pregnancies that can occur while waiting.

Contraceptive Pearl: Fertility following IUD use

After IUD use, women return to fertility right after an IUD is removed. This Contraceptive Pearl busts the myth that IUDs negatively affect fertility.

Contraceptive Pearl: Contraceptive Adherence and Patients’ Choice

Contraceptive counseling is more art than science. Success depends heavily on timing, interpersonal skills, and other intangible, hard-to-measure factors – and despite its obvious importance, contraceptive counseling is an area in which there’s very little evidence to guide us.

Contraceptive Pearl: Is it okay to prescribe antibiotics to a patient using oral contraceptive pills?

It turns out that oral contraceptives don’t interact with antibiotics (except rifampin/rifabutin). Even broad-spectrum antibiotics don’t lower estrogen blood levels significanlty, and the pregnancy rate for women taking antibiotics doesn’t exceed the baseline pregnancy rate for oral contraceptive users.

Contraceptive Pearl: Introducing ella, A New Emergency Contraception Option

This Contraceptive Pearl is about ella, a new emergency contraception pill which can be taken up to five days after unprotected intercourse.