Contraceptive Technology Update – May 1, 2009
May 1, 2009
View Issues
-
Large-scale study of anti-HIV gel shows promise — What's the next step?
Research findings presented at a February 2009 international conference indicate that an investigational gel known as PRO 2000 (Indevus Pharmaceuticals; Lexington, MA) proved about 30% effective in preventing HIV infection in women. -
Check progress of emergency contraception
Access barriers to the dedicated emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) Plan B are set to be lifted. A federal judge has instructed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make Plan B available to 17-year-olds and ordered the agency to review whether to make the ECP available to females 17 and under without prescription. -
Contraception safe for HIV-positive women
Today, women account for more than one-quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. -
DMPA and weight gain: Science considers link
The next patient in your exam room is a 17-year-old female who uses the contraceptive injection depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) for birth control. -
Advocates move to rescind 'conscience' rule
Reproductive health advocates are throwing their support behind the Obama administration's move to rescind a controversial "conscience" rule that would expand the right of health care personnel and institutions to refuse to provide or assist in the provision of services on moral or religious grounds. -
Research supports safety of HPV vaccine
Your next patient is an adolescent female who has requested immunization with the vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV). When she asks specifically about the vaccine's safety, what can you tell her?