Contraception
Audio Summaries

Women's Attitudes Toward Over-the-Counter Oral Contraceptive Pills: A Cross-Sectional Survey

May 10, 2026

The authors aimed to characterize women's attitudes toward the first FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) oral contraceptive pill in the U.S. and identify demographic and clinical predictors of these attitudes. While there was strong policy support for OTC access, personal trust and willingness to use the pill varied significantly across different demographic groups, highlighting potential equity issues in implementation. The findings suggest that efforts to improve trust and accessibility should consider diverse user education and decision-support tools.

Effect of a mobile application-delivered educational video on interest in and uptake of contraception among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in Thailand: A randomized controlled trial

May 8, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the effectiveness of a mobile application-delivered educational video on contraceptive use among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to traditional in-person counseling. While the LINE-based intervention increased intentions to use long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) immediately after the session, it ultimately resulted in lower actual uptake of effective contraceptive methods at four weeks, highlighting the need for additional support to translate intentions into practice. Both methods improved contraceptive knowledge, but in-person counseling proved more effective for immediate method provision and uptake.

Abortion Volume Reported by Graduating Residents in Obstetrics and Gynecology Training Programs

May 7, 2026

The authors aim to evaluate national trends in procedural abortion training among U.S. OB/GYN residents over the past 15 years in light of increasing legislative restrictions on abortion access. Their analysis reveals a significant decline in the mean number of abortions performed per graduating resident, despite an increase in the number of residents and residency programs, indicating a potential gap in clinical training. The findings emphasize the need for innovative educational strategies to ensure future OB/GYNs are adequately trained in reproductive healthcare.

Over-the-counter contraceptive pill availability in New York State

May 7, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the availability of the over-the-counter contraceptive pill norgestrel (Opill) in New York State one year post-approval. Their study found that only 56.46% of contacted pharmacies stocked the pill, with chain pharmacies being more likely to have it available, indicating that access to this contraceptive option is not universal across the state.

Midwives as Abortion Care Providers: Evidence from a National Survey of Early Career U.S. Midwives

May 2, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the involvement of early-career U.S. midwives in providing abortion care. Their analysis of a 2024 national survey revealed that 18.8% of respondents reported offering abortion services, with higher rates (26.0%) among those in states where abortion is legally permitted. The study highlights the role of early-career midwives in the abortion care workforce and suggests that their contributions vary based on policy context and individual provider characteristics.

Society of Family Planning Committee Statement: Telemedicine in family planning care part 1 - Background and overarching principles

Apr 29, 2026

The authors aim to provide evidence-based guidance for the effective delivery of telemedicine in family planning care, particularly focusing on contraceptive services and medication abortion in the U.S. They emphasize the importance of a person-centered approach to ensure accessibility and equity, while also addressing the legal and ethical considerations clinicians must navigate when providing telemedicine services. This document serves as part one of a series that will outline actionable clinical recommendations for telemedicine in family planning.

Society of Family Planning Clinical Recommendation: Telemedicine in family planning care part 2 - Contraception

Apr 29, 2026

This clinical recommendation aims to provide evidence-based guidance for optimizing contraceptive care through telemedicine in the United States. The authors address how to effectively deliver various contraceptive services remotely, including counseling, initiation, and follow-up care, while emphasizing the importance of patient choice in service delivery modes and the safe prescribing of contraceptives, particularly combined hormonal contraceptives and progestin-only methods. Additionally, the document advocates for a hybrid approach for long-acting reversible contraception, allowing for both telemedicine and in-person options.

Induced abortions during COVID-19 in Japan: deviation from long-term trends in a setting with self-imposed mobility reduction

Apr 23, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether the incidence of induced abortions in Japan deviated from pre-pandemic trends during the COVID-19 pandemic and if these changes were associated with reduced mobility. Their analysis revealed that induced abortions were significantly lower than expected from FY2020 to FY2024, with a continued decline observed even after FY2022, despite a decrease in mobility driven by non-compulsory measures.

Effectiveness of Intrauterine Anesthesia on Pain Management During IUD Insertion: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Apr 22, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intrauterine anesthesia (IUA) compared to normal saline infusion in reducing pain during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. Their meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials involving 651 women found that IUA significantly reduced pain during the procedure, particularly when lidocaine was used, although pain after insertion did not differ significantly between groups. Overall, while IUA appears to be beneficial for pain management during IUD insertion, the impact of saline infusion on procedural discomfort remains unclear.

PASS, VAS, or Satisfaction: A prospective observational study of IUD placement pain experiences

Apr 22, 2026

The authors aimed to identify factors associated with unacceptable Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) responses, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and overall satisfaction during intrauterine device (IUD) placement. They found that higher anticipated and experienced pain, as well as personal trauma history, significantly correlated with unacceptable PASS responses, while satisfaction was influenced by pain levels but did not always align with acceptability. The study concludes that IUD placement pain experiences are complex and influenced by multiple factors beyond just pain intensity.