Most patients can safely begin using hormonal contraception at any point in their menstrual cycle. This article covers an evidence-based, flexible, patient-centered approach to initiating contraception promotes health and enhances patients’ reproductive autonomy. This article was published in American Family Physician in March 2021. It is an update of an article originally published in 2006.…
Payment Assistance Programs: DepoProvera (Progestin Injection) Pfizer Patient Assistance Program: Provides injected progestin, intramuscular for office administration and subcutaneous for home administration. IUDs (Intrauterine Devices) ARCH Foundation: Patient Assistance Program for Mirena, Kyleena, and Skyla IUDs Liletta Patient Savings Program ParaGard Patient Assistance Program Oral Contraceptive Pills 340B Drug Pricing Program: Offers 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…
Clinical Question: Can a patient use ulipristal acetate (ella) for emergency contraception more than once a menstrual cycle? Jodi K, FNP New York, NY Jodi’s patient took ulipristal for emergency contraception one week ago and had a second condom rupture six days later. The patient’s body mass index is 31, and she did not want…
Emergency contraceptives with ulipristal may lower the efficacy of hormonal birth control. This Contraceptive Pearl explains how to use effective birth control after taking ulipristal.
Even though progestin emergency contraception (EC) is now available over the counter, health care providers continue to play an important educational role. This Contraceptive Pearl covers three types of EC and their risks and benefits.
Nearly half of all pregnancies in the U.S are unintended, and teens are at highest risk for experiencing an unwanted pregnancy. Does comprehensive contraceptive counseling affect women’s decisions?
Hormonal contraceptives’ effect on blood pressure depends on the type of synthetic estrogen/progestin and hormone dosage. This Contraceptive Pearl covers the risks of hormonal contraception and how to best establish medical eligibility for initiating hormonal contraception.
Are emergency contraception (EC) pills less effective for overweight patients? Unfortunately, the answer is yes – and the degree of this effect depends on the patient’s body mass index (BMI) and the type of EC. This Contraceptive Pearl discusses how BMI plays a roll in choosing the most effective emergency contraception for each patient.
When a woman needs emergency contraception (EC), remember the Copper IUD! This Contraceptive Pearl covers use of the Copper IUD as emergency contraception.