Articles Index
Drospirenone and the Risk of Blood Clots
Drospirenone is a type of progestin found in combination birth control pills. There has been concern that pills containing drospirenone (like Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Safyral) may put women at a greater risk for blood clots, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism than pills with a different type of progestin. Find out what the FDA warns about using these pills.
Weight and Birth Control Pill Effectiveness
Nearly half of all unintended pregnancies occur in women who report contraceptive use during the month they conceive. Research has shown a relationship between birth control pills and weight -- a woman’s weight could contribute to oral contraceptive failure. Women should understand that obesity and weight could decrease birth control pill effectiveness. Although birth control pills tend to be a popular method in preventing pregnancy, their effectiveness may be compromised in heavier women.
Who Can Buy Plan B One Step (the new Plan B)?
Plan B is a brand of progestin-only pills approved by the FDA specifically for emergency contraception (EC). Since 2006, those 18 or older can buy Plan B over the counter at local pharmacies. Females under the age of 18 must obtain a prescription for Plan B from their doctor. As of September 2009, 17-year-olds could now buy Plan B OTC without a prescription. But - the product is NOW called Plan B One-Step (there is no more Plan B). Why is there such confusion, and what is the status of this EC?
The Emergency Contraception Debate
The use of emergency contraception is an ongoing debate in the United States. Emergency contraception (EC), or Plan B One-Step, continues to cause controversy among both Pro-Life advocates and Pro-Choice groups. It continues to be a highly emotional and controversial issue. Part of the debate stems from people confusing emergency Contraception (Plan B) with the Abortion Pill (RU486).
Teen Birth Control: Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Contraception Decision-Making
Given that teen pregnancy rates are on the rise, researchers are trying to understand teen sexual behavior and teen pregnancy prevention. New research about adolescent contraception decisions shows how teen relationship characteristics are linked to higher contraceptive use. These results support past research confirming that there are patterns of teen birth control use, and that relationship and partner characteristics are important when it comes to adolescent decisions about contraceptive use.
Campaign 2008: Avoiding an "Unintended Presidency"
If you plan to vote in the presidential primaries in 2008, it is important to know where the candidates stand on reproductive rights Campaign 2008 is gearing up to be an influential election. The next president can have a dramatic effect on funding and policies that include reproductive health issues, access to birth control, abortion, research for newer and more effective contraception, and available sex education. Find out each presidential candidates stance on birth control and abortion.