Contraception
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To assess associations of intimate partner violence (IPV) with pregnancy intendedness and pre-pregnancy contraceptive use among pregnant women in South Asia. ⋯ Family planning services are reaching women affected by sexual IPV, and programs should be sensitive to this concern and the heightened vulnerability to contraceptive failure these women face. Long-acting reversible contraception could be beneficial by allowing women to have greater reproductive control in situations of compromised sexual autonomy.
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This study estimates how making oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) available without a prescription may affect contraceptive use, unintended pregnancies and associated contraceptive and pregnancy costs among low-income women. ⋯ Interest in OTC access to oral contraceptives is high. Removing the prescription barrier, particularly if pill packs are available at low or zero out-of-pocket cost, could increase the use of effective methods of contraception and reduce unintended pregnancy and healthcare costs for contraceptive and pregnancy care.
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Emerging data suggest that mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD) are important risk factors for inconsistent contraceptive use. We investigated whether mental illness without or with SUD is associated with contraceptive adherence and continuation of hormonal methods among women Veterans. ⋯ Women Veterans have a high burden of mental illness and SUD, which we found are associated with inconsistent contraceptive use. Efforts to improve adherence to hormonal contraceptives and to increase availability of long-acting reversible methods in this vulnerable population are warranted.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Adjunct mifepristone for cervical preparation prior to dilation and evacuation: a randomized trial.
The objective was to investigate mifepristone as a potential adjunct to cervical preparation for surgical abortion after 19 weeks of gestation, with the aim of improving procedure access, convenience and comfort. ⋯ Use of mifepristone for cervical preparation before surgical abortion after 19 weeks allows for fewer visits and fewer osmotic dilators without compromising cervical dilation or increasing procedure time.
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The aim of this study was to report on the safety and efficacy of an evidence-based medical abortion regimen utilizing 200 mg of mifepristone orally followed by home use of 800 mcg misoprostol buccally 24-48 h later through 63 days estimated gestational age. ⋯ This study reinforces the safety and efficacy of the evidence-based regimen for medical abortion (200 mg mifepristone orally followed by home use of 800 mcg of misoprostol buccally 24-48 h later) through 63 days estimated gestational age, and contributes to the existing evidence against restrictions requiring use of the FDA-approved regimen.