The number of U.S. women who use long-acting reversible contraceptive devices is soaring, according to a new federal report. The National Center for Health Statistics this week released findings from a national survey based on personal interviews of about 10,400 women. Whereas the birth control pill and the condom are the most commonly used methods, the number of women using long-acting implants such as intrauterine devices (IUDs)—the third-most common method—has gone up dramatically since the beginning of this century.
Author: ASRM News and Research
More Women Embracing Tiny Uterine Sperm-Blockers
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the use of intrauterine devices and implants has almost doubled in recent years as more women open their arms (and uteri) to these highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptives — also known as LARCs.
Scientists Discover that Sperm Cells Can Slither
Scientists have discovered that sperm have a previously unrecognized skill – they can swim in a “slither” mode when they are close to the wall of their environment.
Larsen Bill Would Help Veterans With Disabilities Start Families
Veterans who sustained injuries during their military service that prevent them from conceiving children will get access to advanced fertility treatments and adoption assistance if Congress passes a bill announced today by 2nd District Rep. Rick Larsen. Larsen announced the bill in advance of Veterans Day.
ACOG: Committee Opinion Highlights Importance of Contraceptive Implants, IUDs
Obstetrician-gynecologists may help lower unintended pregnancy rates by increasing access to contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs) for patients, according to a Committee Opinion paper issued by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Menopause: A Gold Mine For Marketers, Fewer Payoffs For Women
There have been a few notable exceptions. Menopause showed up on hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Cosby Show. There was a cheeky off-Broadway production, Menopause — the Musical!
Drug Protects Fertility and May Prolong Life in Chemo Treated Mice
A University of Wisconsin-Madison physician and her research team have shown that a heart medication can prevent ovarian damage and improve survival in adolescent mice after chemotherapy. The treatment also increased the number of their healthy offspring.
Hormones May Help Younger Women with Menopause Symptoms
Today, menopausal women are young in the scale of things, says Dr. Wulf Utian, noting that menopause typically starts between age 45 and 60. If women start hormones within in a few years of menopause or even a few years before, he says there are numerous benefits beyond controlling hot flashes. These benefits include reduced risk of bone fractures, reduced risk of diabetes and for many women, an overall boost in their quality of life — meaning better sleep, maintenance of libido and more comfortable sex.
Estrogen Receptor ‘Beta’ Helps Endometrial Tissue Escape the Immune System and Cause Disease
Endometriosis – tissue usually found inside the uterus that grows outside – thrives because of altered cellular signaling that is mediated by estrogen, said researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in a report that appears in the journal Cell.
INVOcell Intravaginal IVF Embryo Incubator FDA Approved
In-vitro fertilization is a laborious process that requires careful preparation and incubation of embryos. INVO Bioscience out of Medford, Massachusetts just received FDA de novo approval to introduce its INVOcell intravaginal culture system that allows women to use their bodies as the incubator.