Browse Obstetrics/Gynecology Articles by Topic

Zika Update: Sexual Transmission Is More Common Than First Thought

With evidence that sexual transmission of the Zika virus has occurred, public health officials are moving quickly to inform the public and educate healthcare professionals on disease prevention.

Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals and Female Reproductive Disorders

The endocrine-disrupting chemicals diphenyl-dichloroethene and phthalates appear to contribute substantially to the incidence of the most common reproductive disorders in women, endometriosis and fibroids, and lead to total costs of 1.5 billion euros in the European Union.

Still Highly Effective: LNG IUS 52 mg at 7 Years

Data from a large randomized study conducted by the World Health Organization demonstrate that pregnancy rates do not increase after year five, and support the continued use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system 52 mg for contraception through seven years.

Infection Risk with Same-day Testing and IUD Insertion

In this prospective trial of same-day chlamydia/gonorrhea testing with intrauterine device insertion among 1,714 women, the risk of subsequent pelvic infection was extremely low (0.2%) over two years of follow-up.

Prolonged Second Stage of Labor

A recent randomized clinical trial has shown that using a more liberal threshold for second stage labors in nulliparous patients with and without epidural can result in a major decrease in the need for cesarean sections.

Screening for Ovarian Cancer: Helpful or Harmful?

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality of any of the gynecologic cancers. Due to the poor prognosis associated with this disease, researchers have been searching for 50 years for an early detection tool.

A Low-Dose Estrogen Capsule Examined as Possibility for Vaginal Atrophy

About 32 million postmenopausal women in the United States are affected by vulvar and vaginal atrophy, which can cause painful sexual activity and urination, as well as vaginal dryness, itching, and irritation. Recent data presented at ENDO 2016, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, suggests an investigational low-dose vaginal estrogen capsule may help relieve such symptoms.

Medicaid Pushes Forward on Family Planning

With the end of the Obama administration rapidly approaching, federal agencies have stepped up their efforts to finalize long-brewing regulations and guidance. CMS has been particularly active. In April 2016, the agency issued three documents that all have considerable importance for family planning services and providers under Medicaid.

Data Suggest Hormonal Therapy Doesn’t Increase VTE Risk in Women on Anticoagulant Therapy

Women on anticoagulant therapy can take estrogen-containing contraception or hormone therapy without an increased risk of blood clots or uterine bleeding, findings from a recent study suggest.

Update on Contraceptive Implant — What Family Planners Need to Know

The contraceptive implant Nexplanon (Merck, Whitehouse Station, NJ) offers top-tier effectiveness against unintended pregnancy. How can you identify appropriate candidates, present counseling tips on the contraceptive and noncontraceptive benefits, and recognize and treat side effects and rare complications?