contraception

In all of medical history, there are only two known cases of 'semi-identical twins' where two separate sperm wriggled their way into a single egg before the embryo split in two. That rarity shows just how many defenses a human egg deploys, almost always successfully, to stop more than one sperm breaking through its outer coat. A new study reveals in greater detail how one of those defenses occurs: with rapid molecular changes to a membrane protein called ZP2. "It was known that ZP2 is cleaved after the first sperm has…

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Since the repeal of Roe V. Wade, the reproductive rights and bodily autonomy of the people of the United States are increasingly under attack. Twenty-one states have either banned abortion entirely or have restricted the window in which one can legally get an abortion. On Feb. 16th, the Alabama Supreme Court also ruled that frozen embryos, which are essential for in vitro…

Recent research indicates that synthetic progesterone in oral contraceptives may heighten the risk of suicidal behavior in women with depression. The study underscores the importance of healthcare professionals screening for mental health issues before prescribing these medications, highlighting the role of progesterone in activating the brain’s opioid system, which could lead to increased suicide risk.The administration of oral contraceptives that include a synthetic variant of progesterone (progestogen) could elevate…

A new study by the Salk Institute presents a groundbreaking non-hormonal and reversible male contraceptive method using HDAC inhibitors to block sperm production without affecting libido. This method, targeting the regulation of gene expression in sperm production, promises fewer side effects and fully reversible fertility, indicating a significant advance in the development of male contraceptives.Administering an HDAC inhibitor orally stopped sperm production and fertility in mice without impacting their libido.Surveys…

Canadian researchers have found that women using Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) show changes in brain regions related to emotion regulation, raising concerns about the potential impact on brain development and emotional health. These effects may be reversible, highlighting the need for increased awareness and further research in this area.Scientists have discovered that the use of oral contraceptives may influence the morphology of brain regions related to fear. This finding could enhance our comprehension of…

The purpose of the current trial is to assess the gel’s safety and longevity, not how well it prevents pregnancy. Participants were asked to use a back-up form of birth control while being enrolled in the trial.The gel is designed to dissolve at the end of its lifetime, so the men will be followed for two years to determine how long it takes for that to happen. Eisenfrats says the goal is to have a product that lasts one to two years.But men might want to restore their fertility before that time frame, so Contraline wants…

Cari Siestra first learned about menstrual regulation when they were working on the Myanmar-Thailand border. At the time, abortion was broadly criminalized in both countries. But if a person’s period was late, it was relatively easy to get access to pills that would induce menstruation in just a few days. In Bangladesh, where abortion is largely illegal, menstrual regulation is available up to 10 weeks after a missed period, and public health advocates routinely talk about it as a promising way to reduce maternal…

A study found that women currently using oral contraceptive pills report lower rates of depression compared to former users. The study, involving 6,239 American women, suggests that alleviating pregnancy concerns and a potential ‘survivor bias’ could explain this difference.Researchers analyzed data from 6,239 women in the United States in a new study.A recent study revealed that women using oral contraceptive pills (OCP) are less likely to experience depression.The study analyzed data from 6,239 women in the United…

New research finds an elevated risk of blood clots in women using NSAIDs with hormonal contraception, particularly high-risk types and diclofenac. The research calls for greater awareness and careful consideration of safer pain relief and contraceptive options. Researchers advise that while the absolute risk remains low, women should be informed accordingly. People using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers in combination with hormonal contraceptives may face a slightly higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE),…

Early clinical trials of norgestrel, the active ingredient in Opill, have shown that the pills can be up to 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, but only when the drug is taken exactly as indicated and used along with a back-up form of birth control. In real life, effectiveness is usually lower.Doctors in the US more commonly prescribe birth control pills that contain both progestin and a synthetic form of estrogen. These combination pills thicken the mucus of the cervix while also preventing the ovaries from…