Direct pharmacy access to EC does not increase use
The ability to obtain emergency contraception (EC) directly from a pharmacist does not mean women would be more inclined to use it than if they only had access through a clinic, according to a randomized, controlled trial of over 2,000 women.
The ability to obtain emergency contraception (EC) directly from a pharmacist does not mean women would be more inclined to use it than if they only had access through a clinic, according to a randomized, controlled trial of over 2,000 women.
The participants, who were between 15 and 24 years of age, were assigned to one of three groups: pharmacy access to EC; advance provision of three packs of levonorgestrel EC, or clinic access (control).
The researchers found that the women with pharmacy access were no more likely to use EC than controls (24.2% vs. 21.0%, respectively; P=0.25), while the women in the advance provision group were almost twice as likely to do so (37.4% vs. 21.0%, respectively; P<0.001), even though the frequency of unprotected intercourse was similar (39.8% vs. 41.0%, respectively, P=0.46) between the groups.
Raine TR, Harper CC, Rocca CH, et al. Direct access to emergency contraception through pharmacies and effect on unintended pregnancy and STIs: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2005;293:54-62.
Cesarean delivery reduces mortality risk in preterm breech births
December 2nd 2024In a recent study, infants born very preterm or extremely preterm had reduced odds of mortality when cesarean delivery was chosen as the mode of delivery, without a notable increase in any morbidity risk.
Read More
Early preterm birth risk linked to low PlGF levels during pregnancy screening
November 20th 2024New research highlights that low levels of placental growth factor during mid-pregnancy screening can effectively predict early preterm birth, offering a potential tool to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes.
Read More
Major congenital malformations not linked to first trimester tetracycline use
November 20th 2024A large population-based study found that first-trimester tetracycline exposure does not elevate the risk of major congenital malformations, though specific risks for nervous system and eye anomalies warrant further research.
Read More
No link found between prenatal cannabis use and childhood developmental delay
November 5th 2024In a recent study, offspring of women with cannabis use in early pregnancy confirmed by self-report or toxicology test were not at an increased risk of childhood early developmental delay up to the age of 5.5 years.
Read More
