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What’s a simple way to improve adherence to prescription contraceptives? Easy: prescribe a one-year supply. One-year prescriptions also decrease trips to the pharmacy and the health center, thereby promoting social distancing in the time of COVID-19. Dispensing a year’s worth of contraceptives is even better than prescribing a year’s worth. In the states that allow…
An intrauterine device (IUD) can be inserted immediately postpartum, minutes after delivery of the placenta. Post-placental IUD insertion is simple and safe, with a low rate of complications. This video demonstrates the procedure. Pregnant patients who choose an IUD can get one without experiencing the risk of an extra office visit during the COVID-19 epidemic. The risk…
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) can be prescribed as a subcutaneous injection that patients give themselves at home. The self-administered version helps patients avoid the need for office visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. This method, also known as Depo SubQ, contains the same hormone, works in the same way, and has the same medical eligibility criteria…
COVID-19 is putting a strain on the entire health system, requiring clinicians to step into difficult roles and take on risks they may not have been expecting. To all health care workers out there, we stand with you and are grateful for the tireless work you are putting in to help end this pandemic. We…
Contraceptive counseling is an art. We adapt and improve as we learn from our patients and our colleagues. The SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective defines reproductive justice as the “human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.” The United States…
IUDs are typically removed by clinicians during a pelvic exam in the office. There can be numerous barriers to this arrangement, such as difficulty scheduling an appointment, concern about appointment cost, and clinician refusal of patient’s request for removal. Unsurprisingly, these barriers can raise patients’ concerns about ability to retain control over their own reproductive…
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that begin after ovulation and resolve within the first 4 days of menstruation. Over 90% of women experience PMS at some point during their reproductive years, and approximately 5% of women experience the more severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMS symptoms include irritability, fatigue,…
Natural Family Planning (NFP) methods, also known as Fertility Awareness, help women track their fertile and non-fertile days. This Contraceptive Pearl discusses Natural Planning Methods, their efficacy and important considerations.
The Affordable Care Act mandates free birth control pills for most patients with health insurance. However, uninsured people and many people with a religious employer don’t benefit from this policy. For uninsured and underinsured people, access to affordable contraception is difficult. Fortunately, there are several ways for clinicians to help patients get birth control pills…
There are 3 mainstays of treatment for emergency contraception: copper IUD, ulipristal acetate, and levonorgesterel. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex; it does NOT end a pregnancy and will not work if the patient is already pregnant. *May be cheaper with 340B pricing or the Paragard Patient Assistance Program. The copper IUD is the…
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