Contraceptive News and Research

RSS

B.C. sees major shift in contraceptive choices after making them free

More than 11,000 additional women opted for the most effective form of birth control-long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)-within just 15 months of B.C. making prescription contraception free.

28 Jul 2025

Promising new male birth control pill could be taken every three days

YCT-529, a novel non-hormonal male contraceptive, demonstrates safety and tolerability in early trials, offering a potential solution for male birth control.

28 Jul 2025

Eating habits directly influence vaginal microbiome, research finds

A cross-sectional study of young Italian women found that higher intake of animal protein and alcohol is associated with vaginal microbiota dysbiosis, while linolenic acid (a plant-based omega-3) and dietary fiber support beneficial Lactobacillus communities.

7 Jul 2025

HHS eliminates CDC staff who made sure birth control is safe for women at risk

For Brianna Henderson, birth control isn’t just about preventing pregnancy.

1 Jul 2025

Long term use of desogestrel linked to small increase in brain tumor risk

Taking the progestogen-only contraceptive pill desogestrel continuously for more than five years is associated with a small increased risk of developing a type of brain tumor called an intracranial meningioma, finds a study from France published by The BMJ today.

12 Jun 2025

Promoting more respectful and inclusive care in reproductive health cinics

Millions of young women around the world face stigma and bias when seeking reproductive health services, often limiting their access to contraception and quality care.

3 Jun 2025

Higher BMI, not menopause age, increases hypothyroidism risk

Researchers analyzed over 15,000 postmenopausal Canadian women to investigate whether age at natural menopause influences the risk of developing overt hypothyroidism. The study found no association, but higher BMI was linked to increased hypothyroidism risk.

29 May 2025

Combined oral contraceptive use associated with threefold increase in stroke risk in young women

New research presented today at the European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2025 revealed that the use of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) is associated with a threefold increase in the risk of cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (CIS) in young women.

20 May 2025

Even where abortion is still legal, many brick-and-mortar clinics are closing

On the last day of patient care at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Marquette, Michigan, a port town on the shore of Lake Superior, dozens of people crowded into the parking lot and alley, holding pink homemade signs that read "Thank You!" and "Forever Grateful."

16 May 2025

Testosterone use not linked to increased gynecological cancer risk in early years

Transmasculine and gender-diverse individuals who use testosterone are not at increased risk of gynecological cancer in the first years of hormone therapy.

12 May 2025

Progesterone-only contraceptive pill linked to increased asthma attacks in some women

A major study of around 260,000 women shows that taking the progesterone-only contraceptive pill can increase asthma attacks in some women.

7 May 2025

Rising antibiotic resistance threatens UTI treatment in Malawi

A growing resistance to antibiotics is complicating the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Malawi, with new research revealing that nearly half of women presenting with symptoms at a major referral hospital had infections resistant to multiple drugs.

3 May 2025

WHO launches new guidelines to tackle adolescent pregnancy and related health complications

In a bid to tackle the leading cause of death globally among 15–19-year-old girls, the World Health Organization (WHO) today released a new guideline aimed at preventing adolescent pregnancy and its significant related health complications.

23 Apr 2025

Small antibody fragment shows potential for non-hormonal contraception

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows how a small antibody fragment can block fertilization by targeting a key protein on the surface of the egg.

15 Apr 2025

Study reveals high prevalence of menstrual discomfort among women in Spain

A study by the Institute for Innovation and Knowledge Management (INGENIO), a joint centre of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), the Department of Applied Mathematics of the UPV and the University of Western Australia indicates that 70.9% of women in Spain experience menstrual discomfort every month or almost every month.

9 Apr 2025

Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures: A Conversation with WHO’s Dr. Allotey

Dr. Pascale Allotey advocates for comprehensive maternal health policies, stressing the importance of women's voices in shaping effective healthcare solutions.

7 Apr 2025

Hormonal contraceptives linked to higher postpartum depression risk

Researchers investigate whether the use of hormonal contraception increases the risk of postpartum depression.

4 Apr 2025

New research reveals factors influencing steroid hormone levels in healthy adults

Steroid hormone levels in healthy adults are influenced by oral contraceptives and smoking, as well as other lifestyle choices and factors such as biological sex and age, according to new research that has just been published in leading international journal Science Advances.

28 Mar 2025

Novel long-acting contraceptive implant can be delivered through tiny needles

Mass General Brigham and MIT investigators have developed a long-acting contraceptive implant that can be delivered through tiny needles to minimize patient discomfort and increase the likelihood of medication use.

24 Mar 2025