Contraceptive Pearl: IUDs for Teens

The United States has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the developed world. This Contraceptive Pearl demonstrates how IUDs can be a good contraceptive option for teens.

Contraceptive Pearl: Hormonal Contraceptives and Smoking

About one-quarter of American women smoke cigarettes. Can smokers safely use hormonal contraceptives? This Contraceptive Pearl examines contraceptive options for smokers.

Contraceptive Pearl: The Shot (Depo Provera) 101

Depo Provera (Depo) is a progestin injected into the upper arm every three months. This Contraceptive Pearl is about how the shot/depo works.

Contraceptive Pearl: The Myth of the Required Pelvic Exam

Many clinicians require patients to have a recent pelvic exam and pap smear before starting or renewing hormonal birth control. Do women really need a pelvic exam before starting hormonal contraception?

Contraceptive Pearl: Nexplanon – The New Single Rod Progestin Implant

Do some of your patients wrinkle their noses at the idea of an intrauterine device (IUD)? Don’t forget to suggest the progestin implant! Learn about the single rod progestin implant in this Contraceptive Pearl.

Contraceptive Pearl: Non-Prescription Birth Control Methods

Cost is one of the biggest barriers to effective contraception. About 18% of American women are uninsured, and many more are under-insured. This Contraceptive Pearl explores low-cost, non-hormonal methods of contraception.

Contraceptive Pearl: Do You Quick Start?

When a patient wants to start hormonal contraception, many clinicians use the Sunday start method – but Sunday start isn’t the only way. Quickstart means initiating contraception on the day of an office visit, at any point in the patient’s menstrual cycle. Learn about Quickstart in this Contraceptive Pearl.

Contraceptive Pearl: Do You Under Use IUDs?

In most developed countries, 10-25% of women of reproductive age use intrauterine devices (IUDs) – yet in the United States, only 2% of reproductive-age women use IUDs. This Contraceptive Pearl explores the benefits of IUDs.

Contraceptive Implant Localization: Non-Palpable Implants

Written by Ellen Stoke, MD In the United States, the contraceptive implant is a single, soft, flexible progestin rod that is inserted subdermally in the upper arm. Globally, two-rod systems are also available and some patients still have a discontinued six-rod system in place. All contraceptive implants should be placed superficially, but occasionally patients and…

Contraceptive Implant Types and Removal – A Global Perspective

Written by Ellen Stoke, MD In the US, the contraceptive implant has become increasingly popular.1-2 This soft, flexible progestin implant is the size of a matchstick and is inserted subdermally in the upper arm. It was first licensed in 1983 as a six-rod contraceptive system (Norplant), and by 1984, the World Health Organization recommended the…