Do progestin contraceptives help control the symptoms of fibroids? A recently updated Cochrane review addressed this question. The review examined four studies of 221 premenopausal patients with symptomatic fibroids. The results were inconclusive, with uncertainty about progestins’ effects on uterine bleeding and fibroid size. Ulipristal, on the other hand, showed more promise. A study of…
Most patients can safely begin using hormonal contraception at any point in their menstrual cycle. This article covers an evidence-based, flexible, patient-centered approach to initiating contraception promotes health and enhances patients’ reproductive autonomy. This article was published in American Family Physician in March 2021. It is an update of an article originally published in 2006.…
FDA-approved options for emergency or post-coital contraception include the copper IUD, oral levonorgestrel, and oral ulipristal. For ongoing contraception, more people in the United States choose progestin IUDs over copper IUDs, and previous studies show many patients would select a progestin IUD if it were available as emergency contraception. A new study suggests that progestin…
Anita’s Miscarriage: A Story of Early Pregnancy Loss is a zine that follows one couple’s experience with an early pregnancy loss and explains the treatment options a person can access when experiencing an early pregnancy loss.
Creating a supportive, safe, and welcoming clinic environment can help reduce the barriers transgender and gender diverse individuals face when accessing reproductive health care. It is vital to understand the contraceptive needs, fertility, and reproductive goals of each individual when providing contraceptive counseling. Gender-affirming testosterone therapy alone does not prevent pregnancy. We do not know…
Providers may wonder whether or not uterine abnormalities, like fibroids, cervical stenosis, or congenital anomalies would preclude IUD use. For questions like this, the US Medical Eligibility Criteria (US MEC), published by the CDC, is a good resource to turn to. Uterine Fibroids: Category 2-A condition for which the advantages of using the method generally…
Dysmenorrhea causes distress and missed days of school/work for millions of people. What’s the best way to treat it? All hormonal contraceptives can help. The pill, patch, ring, implant, injection, and progestin IUD have evidence for benefit. Continuous use of the pill/patch/ring may provide extra help. The copper IUD, on the other hand, may worsen…