- Trauma-informed care is respectful care
A practical guide for providers to provide trauma-informed physical examinations.
A practical guide for providers to provide trauma-informed physical examinations.
read the full article » - Abortion in primary care
How primary care providers can support increased abortion access for all.
How primary care providers can support increased abortion access for all.
read the full article » - Research roundup: May 2022 edition
Zinc supplements to help clear cervical HPV, unmet needs for reproductive health care in primary care settings, distance related barriers to abortion access, and more.
Zinc supplements to help clear cervical HPV, unmet needs for reproductive health care in primary care settings, distance related barriers to abortion access, and more.
read the full article » - Clinical minute: Effects of birth control on lactation
What providers need to know when counseling patients about their birth control options and achieving their lactation* goals
What providers need to know when counseling patients about their birth control options and achieving their lactation* goals
read the full article » - PrEP: A Provider’s Guide
A quick reference guide and resources for providers on prescribing and managing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for prevention of HIV
A quick reference guide and resources for providers on prescribing and managing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for prevention of HIV
read the full article » - nPEP: A Provider’s Guide
A quick reference guide and resources for providers on prescribing and managing nonoccupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) for prevention of HIV.
A quick reference guide and resources for providers on prescribing and managing nonoccupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) for prevention of HIV.
read the full article » - Clinical minute: Managing abnormal cervical cancer screening tests
Putting the 2019 ASCCP Risk Based Management Consensus Guidelines into practice
Putting the 2019 ASCCP Risk Based Management Consensus Guidelines into practice
read the full article » - Gender affirming hormone therapy, impacts on fertility, and future family formation
What providers need to know about family building for transgender and gender-nonbinary people beginning gender affirming hormone therapy.
What providers need to know about family building for transgender and gender-nonbinary people beginning gender affirming hormone therapy.
read the full article » - Birth control options for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases
We talked to experts and reviewed the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines on birth control for people with rheumatic diseases like lupus.
We talked to experts and reviewed the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines on birth control for people with rheumatic diseases like lupus.
read the full article » - Meet Twirla—a new, lower dose patch
A new lower dose estrogen patch is now available!
A new lower dose estrogen patch is now available!
read the full article » - Research roundup: August 2021 edition
Provision of medication abortion via telehealth, updated CDC treatment guidelines for sexually-transmitted infections, barriers to IUD and implant access for adolescent and young adult patients, and more.
Provision of medication abortion via telehealth, updated CDC treatment guidelines for sexually-transmitted infections, barriers to IUD and implant access for adolescent and young adult patients, and more.
read the full article » - Clinical minute: How long are IUDs and implants effective?
What providers need to know when talking to patients about evidence-based recommendations about IUD and implant duration of use and effectiveness.
What providers need to know when talking to patients about evidence-based recommendations about IUD and implant duration of use and effectiveness.
read the full article » - How to answer your patient’s most frequently asked questions about abortion
Honest answers—supported by facts and research—and patient resources too!
Honest answers—supported by facts and research—and patient resources too!
read the full article » - Research roundup: April 2021 edition
Public health benefits of widespread HPV vaccination, potential for IUDs to be placed as emergency contraception 6-14 days after unprotected vaginal sex, etonogestrel implants to help with pelvic pain, and more.
Public health benefits of widespread HPV vaccination, potential for IUDs to be placed as emergency contraception 6-14 days after unprotected vaginal sex, etonogestrel implants to help with pelvic pain, and more.
read the full article » - Clinical minute: Placing an IUD after unprotected sex
What providers need to know about placing a levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) after unprotected sex.
What providers need to know about placing a levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) after unprotected sex.
read the full article » - Research roundup: May 2021 edition
Pre-treatment with mifepristone for pain management in first-trimester surgical abortion care, high patient and provider satisfaction with telemedicine contraceptive counseling, an update to the CDC’s recommendation on self-administered DMPA-SC, and more.
Pre-treatment with mifepristone for pain management in first-trimester surgical abortion care, high patient and provider satisfaction with telemedicine contraceptive counseling, an update to the CDC’s recommendation on self-administered DMPA-SC, and more.
read the full article » - Research roundup: March 2021 edition
Importance of trans-inclusive clinics and accessible education on evidence-based self-managed abortion techniques for gender-expansive individuals, an update to the CDC’s treatment guidelines for gonococcal infection, the effects of stigma and barriers to access on abortion method preference, and more.
Importance of trans-inclusive clinics and accessible education on evidence-based self-managed abortion techniques for gender-expansive individuals, an update to the CDC’s treatment guidelines for gonococcal infection, the effects of stigma and barriers to access on abortion method preference, and more.
read the full article » - Meet Phexxi—a hormone-free, user-controlled prescription birth control gel
Used only when needed, Phexxi changes the vaginal pH in the presence of semen to prevent pregnancy.
Used only when needed, Phexxi changes the vaginal pH to prevent pregnancy.
read the full article » - Research roundup: February 2021 edition
Comparable effectiveness of Levonorgestrel and copper IUDs as emergency contraception, use of the Natural Cycles app for fertility awareness contraceptive method, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as highly effective pain management in medication abortion care, and more.
Comparable effectiveness of Levonorgestrel and copper IUDs as emergency contraception, use of the Natural Cycles app for fertility awareness contraceptive method, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as highly effective pain management in medication abortion care, and more.
read the full article » - Taking to patients about their sexual health
Asking about the 6th P—sexual pleasure, problems, and pride.
Asking about the 6th P—sexual pleasure, problems, and pride.
read the full article » - DMPA-SQ: A Provider’s Guide
A quick reference guide and resources for providers on prescribing and managing subcutaneous (SQ) administration of the birth control shot at home.
A quick reference guide and resources for providers on prescribing and managing subcutaneous (SQ) administration of the birth control shot at home.
read the full article » - Research roundup: December 2020 edition
An analysis of the use of verbal anesthesia vs. oral tramadol for pain management in IUD placement, potential effectiveness of DMPA as a self-bridging emergency contraceptive, the importance of access to PrEP among people at risk of HIV infection through receptive vaginal intercourse, and more.
An analysis of the use of verbal anesthesia vs. oral tramadol for pain management in IUD placement, potential effectiveness of DMPA as a self-bridging emergency contraceptive, the importance of access to PrEP among people at risk of HIV infection through receptive vaginal intercourse, and more.
read the full article » - Clinical minute: Emergency contraception for transgender or gender nonbinary patients
What providers need to know about offering emergency contraception (EC) to transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) patients.
What providers need to know about offering emergency contraception (EC) to transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) patients.
read the full article » - Take the survey!
read the full article » - Now Offering: One Key Question® Online!
Interested in becoming One Key Question certified? With online training, you can get certified from wherever you are.
Interested in becoming One Key Question certified? With online training, you can get certified from wherever you are.
read the full article » - Research roundup: September 2020 edition
Guidance for providers on medication abortion provision up to 70 days gestation, the need for expanded access to the most effective forms of emergency contraception, the important role partner treatment can play in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, and more.
Guidance for providers on medication abortion provision up to 70 days gestation, the need for expanded access to the most effective forms of emergency contraception, the important role partner treatment can play in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, and more.
read the full article » - Research roundup: August 2020 edition
The benefit of ultrasound guidance in IUD placement for patients with retroverted uteri, a demonstrated need for trauma-informed care in sexually-transmitted disease clinics, demand among abortion patients for more autonomous care options, and more.
The benefit of ultrasound guidance in IUD placement for patients with retroverted uteri, a demonstrated need for trauma-informed care in sexually-transmitted disease clinics, demand among abortion patients for more autonomous care options, and more.
read the full article » - Research roundup: July 2020 edition
Society of Family Planning’s clinical recommendations for contraceptive counseling for transgender and gender-expansive patients, the positive effect of levonorgestrel IUDs on female sexual function, barriers to abortion care within religious hospital systems, and more.
Society of Family Planning’s clinical recommendations for contraceptive counseling for transgender and gender-expansive patients, the positive effect of levonorgestrel IUDs on female sexual function, barriers to abortion care within religious hospital systems, and more.
read the full article » - How to answer FAQs about getting birth control online
Straightforward answers to the most common questions Bedsider users have about getting birth control online.
Straightforward answers to the most common questions Bedsider users have about getting birth control online.
read the full article » - Taking a transgender-inclusive sexual health history
What providers need to know about taking transgender-inclusive sexual health histories.
What providers need to know about taking transgender-inclusive sexual health histories.
read the full article » - Research roundup: April 2020 edition
The ACOG Committee Opinion’s stance on telehealth, an analysis of the safety and efficacy of self-administered vs. provider-administered medication abortion, influential factors in postpartum contraception use and short inter pregnancy intervals, and more.
The ACOG Committee Opinion’s stance on telehealth, an analysis of the safety and efficacy of self-administered vs. provider-administered medication abortion, influential factors in postpartum contraception use and short inter pregnancy intervals, and more.
read the full article » - Getting sexual and reproductive health care online
What providers need to know about telehealth options for birth control, STI, abortion, and more.
What providers need to know about telehealth options for birth control, STI, abortion, and more.
read the full article » - Sexual health care for people experiencing homelessness
Additional barriers and unique challenges to accessing sexual and reproductive health care services.
Additional barriers and unique challenges to accessing sexual and reproductive health care services.
read the full article » - Telehealth research roundup
What the research shows about telehealth’s safety, acceptability, and ability to improve access to sexual and reproductive health care services.
What the research shows about telehealth’s safety, acceptability, and ability to improve access to sexual and reproductive health care services.
read the full article » - Meet ANNOVERA—a vaginal contraceptive ring offering one year of birth control
Each ANNOVERA can be used for up to a year, no refrigeration needed.
Each ANNOVERA can be used for up to a year, no refrigeration needed.
read the full article » - Research roundup: December 2019 edition
The importance of patient-centered contraceptive counseling, expedited scheduling of interval tubal ligation as a way to improve access to sterilization, a study of barriers to IUD access for adolescent patients, and more.
The importance of patient-centered contraceptive counseling, expedited scheduling of interval tubal ligation as a way to improve access to sterilization, a study of barriers to IUD access for adolescent patients, and more.
read the full article » - No more fainting in your practice
How to prevent vasovagal syncope in your patients, your friends, your family, and yourself in one simple step.
read the full article » - How to help people get the emergency contraception (EC) pills they need
Barriers to accessing EC pills exist, what are they and how can you help people get the EC pills they need.
Barriers to accessing EC pills still exist, what are they and how can you help people get the EC pills they need.
read the full article » - Research roundup: October 2019 edition
The CDC’s yearly STD report, potential for a trivalent vaccine for genital herpes in the future, hormonal contraceptive use among women with opioid use disorder, improved patient bleeding patters with correct fundal placement of IUDs, and more.
The CDC’s yearly STD report, potential for a trivalent vaccine for genital herpes in the future, hormonal contraceptive use among women with opioid use disorder, improved patient bleeding patters with correct fundal placement of IUDs, and more.
read the full article » - Let’s Talk About Sex: Empowering families in sexual and reproductive health conversations
Talking with patients and their families about sexual and reproductive health conversations
read the full article » - U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)
Talking to your patients with HIV about their transmission risk
People living with HIV often have questions about the risk of passing HIV to their negative partners. Recent research has shown HIV treatment with antiretriviral therapy (ART) antiretroviral therapy (ART) to maintain consistently undetectable levels of HIV are effectively unable to transmit HIV to their sexual partners, commonly referred to as U=U or “Undetectable = Untransmittable.
read the full article » - Why (and how) providers should get consent in the exam room
Using the principles of explicit consent to give patients better care
From the #metoo movement to reports of sexual assault being front and center on national television with the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, consent has been making the news headlines. Health care providers have an opportunity to provide a safe space to discuss enthusiastic consent in relationships and to model it in the exam room by obtaining explicit consent from our patients prior to performing intimate exams in the office. Consent is an important component of establishing a respectful and trusting relationship with your patient—one that improves satisfaction, adherence, and ultimately, outcomes.
read the full article » - Talking fertility awareness methods with your patients
You may have your doubts about FAM, but what if your patients want to use it?
In the last few years, one of the most ancient contraceptive methods has taken a modern turn. At last count, there are over 200 fertility awareness method (FAM) mobile applications (“apps”) for measuring, monitoring, and tracking women’s cycles. Before we dive into the apps, here’s an oh-so-brief overview of FAM.
read the full article » - Your patient has the answer
We can only listen when we create a space for the patient to speak. Listening can be augmented through open-ended questions. During a period of listening, consider opting for one open-ended question in lieu of a series of closed-ended questions.
read the full article » - What makes the Liletta IUD different from Mirena?
Here’s what you and your patients should know about these two (very similar) hormonal IUDs.
Many of you are likely already stocking and placing Liletta, the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (IUS, a.k.a. IUD) introduced in 2015. But you and your patients may still be trying to sort out how Liletta is different from—or very similar to—another IUD that’s been out there for years, the Mirena. Here are the details.
read the full article » - Starting birth control after using ‘ella’ for EC
Here’s what you need to know to help your patients balance risks and uncertainties related to starting hormonal birth control after ella.
In March 2015, the FDA changed the label for one brand of emergency contraception (EC)—ulipristal acetate (UPA), sold as ella. The new label warned against starting a hormonal birth control method within 5 days of taking UPA. Why the change, and what does this mean for your practice?
read the full article » - Nobody’s perfect: Pill efficacy for the real world
Our patients shouldn’t have to be perfect to protect themselves from accidental pregnancy.
It’s no secret that many women’s health care providers use IUDs, likely because they have the highest efficacy and continuation rates. But the most common method of birth control among our patients remains the pill. The pill is advertised as having 99% efficacy, but in real life we know that about it’s closer to 90%. That means about one in 10 women will have an unplanned pregnancy while using this method. How can the advertised number and real life numbers so different? And what can we do to help our patients narrow the gap between these numbers?
read the full article » - Excellent care for LGBTQ patients
Here's how to be part of the solution when it comes to the health disparities LGBTQ people face.
We’ve known for a long time that LGBTQ people have health disparities compared to heterosexual and cis-gendered people. So what can you as a provider do to reduce these disparities?
read the full article » - Changing the conversation about contraception
The most useful tool for providing contraceptive care may be to ask the right questions.
Talking to women about their pregnancy intentions is an important part of responding to their requests for contraception.
read the full article » - What do YOU use for birth control?
Pros, cons, and alternatives when it comes to telling your patients about your own birth control method.
Self-disclosure by providers is a controversial topic in all areas of medicine. In the field of reproductive health, in which it’s common to discuss the most intimate of topics with our patients, self-disclosure is an especially important consideration. Studies by Evans and by Zapata suggest that, when appropriate, provider self-disclosure about contraception can be done without negative consequences. But how can we be certain that a situation is appropriate? And in circumstances when a clinician isn’t using birth control (e.g., she is trying to conceive; she is infertile; or, like me, she has a female partner), how should she handle the situation?
read the full article » - Misinformed: What do pharmacy staff say about emergency contraception?
Do you know what info your patients are getting about EC?
Many patients head straight to the pharmacy when they need EC. It’s convenient and may be more affordable for them, depending on their health care coverage. So what do we know about women’s ability to access EC at pharmacies?
read the full article » - Open enrollment is over: Can you still get covered?
Big changes in your life? They could make you eligible to get health insurance coverage.
Certain life changes might mean you’re eligible to get health insurance (including coverage of your birth control with no out-of-pocket costs!) before open enrollment starts again. Read on to find out more about your options.
read the full article »
