New research has found that using progestogen-only birth control pills slightly raises the risk of breast cancer, similar to the risk associated with pills containing both progestogen and estrogen. A study published in PLOS Medicine on March 21 showed that after five years of use, both types of contraceptives led to a 20% to 30% increased risk of breast cancer.
Birth control
Birth control is voluntary method of fertility control of the number of children conceived, by planned use of different contraceptive techniques of contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Morning After Pills to all ages allowed in US
Girls can buy morning – after pill for now — FDA wins temporary halt on some morning-after pills – An appeals court ordered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make certain forms of “morning-after” birth control pills available freely over the counter to anyone who wants to buy them.
New hormonal gel combination testosterone and nestorone – reversible birth control for men
New hormonal gel combination shows promise as reversible birth control for men – Male hormonal contraceptives applied daily to the skin reduce sperm production, finds a new study. Very low sperm counts resulted for about 89 percent of men using a new combination of hormones, the researchers reported.
IUDs amd implants are most effective birth control methods
IUDs, implants most effective birth control – Women who used birth control pills, the patch or vaginal ring were 20 times more likely to have an unintended pregnancy than those who used longer-acting forms such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or implant.
Pfizer recalls Lo Ovral 28 And Norgestrel Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets
Pfizer Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall Of Lo/Ovral?-28 And Norgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Due To Possibility Of Inexact Tablet Counts Or Out Of Sequence Tablets – Pfizer Inc. announced that it has voluntarily recalled 14 lots of Lo/Ovral?-28 (norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol)Tablets and 14 lots of Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets (generic)for customers in the U.S. market.
Susan G. Komen stops funding breast cancer programs at Planned Parenthood
Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation decides to stop funding breast cancer prevention, screenings and education at Planned Parenthood health centers – Planned Parenthood Federation of America expressed deep disappointment in response to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation’s decision to stop funding breast cancer prevention, screenings and education at Planned Parenthood health centers.
Erivedge approved for skin cancer metastatic basal cell carcinoma
FDA approves new treatment for most common type of skin cancer – Erivedge or vismodegib was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adult patients with basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. The Erivedge drug is intended for use in patients with locally advanced basal cell cancer who are not candidates for surgery or radiation and for patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
Hormonal contraception doubles HIV risk in Africa
Study in Lancet finds use of hormonal contraception doubles HIV risk — University of Washington researchers conducted trial in Africa – Women using hormonal contraception — such as a birth control pill or a shot like Depo-Provera ? are at double the risk of acquiring HIV, and HIV-infected women who use hormonal contraception have twice the risk of transmitting the virus to their HIV-uninfected male partners.
Flame retardant exposure may lead to fertility problems
Study links reduced fertility to flame retardant exposure – Women with higher blood levels of PBDEs, a type of flame retardant commonly found in household consumer products, took longer to become pregnant compared with women who have lower PBDE levels.
Birth control pills may alter choice of partners
Unnatural selection: Birth control pills may alter choice of partners – There is no doubt that modern contraception has enabled women to have unprecedented control over their own fertility. However, is it possible that the use of oral contraceptives is interfering with a woman’s ability to choose, compete for and retain her preferred mate?