Contraceptive Technology Update – December 1, 2022

Attacks on Contraception Access Happening in Abortion-Ban States

Faster than most reproductive health providers could have anticipated, some abortion-ban states, politicians, and institutions have attacked contraception access. Some predict a coordinated attack on contraception in 2023 in states that have already toyed with the idea of banning emergency contraception and IUDs.

Contraception Access Is Especially Challenging for Youth in Foster Care

Children affected by maltreatment and involvement in the child welfare system tend to have an earlier age of first sexual intercourse, have more sexual partners, and are more likely to engage in sex work. This makes them vulnerable to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Plus, research shows that about half of females in the foster care system report a pregnancy by age 19 years.

Family Planning Providers Struggled with Restrictions, Funding After Title X Gag Rule

Providers at more than 50 family planning facilities in three states reported disruptions and challenges after the 2019 Trump-era rule that changed the federal Title X program.

Contraception for Youth in Texas Is Affected by Dating Violence

A study of Texas high school students’ information on sexual and other risks revealed that 11% of the adolescents surveyed reported experiencing physical or sexual dating violence. Those who reported violence were more likely to report not using contraception.

Women Express Range of Feelings on Pregnancy and Contraceptives

New research into pregnancy preferences and contraceptive use among women in the Southeastern United States shows that a woman’s pregnancy preferences strongly influenced the likelihood of contraceptive use. Researchers concluded that contraceptive care and counseling should be delivered in a way that respects patients’ feelings and desires regarding pregnancy. It also should take into account that many people hold a range of feelings.

The Challenges of Reproductive Health Equity in the 2020s

The reversal of Roe v. Wade and the COVID-19 pandemic — both of which have had a disproportionate impact on Black, indigenous, and people of color — have added to a reproductive health crisis in the United States. Contraceptive Technology Update asked Cherisse Scott, chief executive officer and founder of SisterReach, to discuss the challenges and possible solutions, such as a patient-led model or framework.

Providers Should Educate Patients About HPV and Oral Healthcare

In decades past, cancers of the oropharynx were primarily caused by tobacco and alcohol use. But now, an estimated 70% of oropharyngeal cancers are caused by HPV infection, according to the CDC.

Study Reveals Real-Time Data on STIs by Following Reddit Posts

Recent research shows that using the social media platform Reddit can help investigators gain insights into sexual risk behaviors and symptoms of STIs in real time. Anonymous Reddit posts were leveraged by investigators to better understand people’s sexual behaviors and experiences with STIs before and during COVID-19.

Study: STI Rates Increased After Family Planning Clinics Closed in Iowa

The results of a recent study revealed that gonorrhea case rates nearly doubled in Iowa after some publicly funded family planning health centers were closed due to state officials’ efforts to ban abortions. Rates of other STIs also increased significantly.