Help Us Protect Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Today!
Sep 17
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…
Aug 20
Though IUDs are among the most effective forms of contraception, some patients and providers are often deterred from this option due to fear of painful insertion. Lidocaine spray, gel, and 1% lidocaine paracervical block have been utilized as methods of pain reduction with IUD insertion; research shows that some methods may be more effective than…
Jun 18
We’re fortunate to have various options to offer patients desiring progestin intrauterine devices (IUDs) for contraception. Which IUD is best for each patient? Mirena, Liletta, Skyla, and Kyleena have a few differentiating characteristics, including dose, size, duration, and cost. Apart from the inserter device, Mirena and Liletta IUDs are nearly identical. Liletta’s federal 340b pricing…
Dec 11
Misoprostol and IUD Insertion Misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin, causes cervical dilation and has multiple uses in obstetrics and abortion. Can misoprostol help with IUD insertion, as well? Research has shown that misoprostol self-administered before IUD insertion in nulliparous women did not ease IUD insertion or reduce patient-perceived pain. In fact, several studies found that patients who…
Aug 14
Many clinicians schedule a follow-up visit after an IUD insertion. Is this necessary? The CDC does not suggest that patients return for a routine follow-up after IUD insertion. Instead, patients should be encouraged to contact their clinician at any time if they have questions or concern about their IUD. The CDC recommends that at other…
Dec 19
This Contraceptive Pearl clarifies how to communicate risk to address questions regarding cancer risk for users of hormonal contraception.
Nov 01
Simple algorithm for clinicians to follow when a removing an IUD from a patient when no strings are visible. Created November 2017
Aug 01
Why have a period? Hormonal contraception products allow for plenty of flexibility. This Contraceptive Pearls explains how to skip periods by using hormonal birth control. This Contraceptive Pearl was first published March 2010.
Aug 09
As of September 2014, HCPCS codes for removing and inserting IUDs and contraceptive implants have changed. Read the new codes in this Contraceptive Pearl.
Nov 10
In this Contraceptive Pearl, options of contraception for women who have experienced abnormal pap smears are detailed.