Using a sample of 656 men and 930 women from rural Malawi in 2000, the authors examined the association between various individual and community level factors, as well as participation in social groups, and four reproductive health outcomes: intentions to use any contraceptives in the next six months, current use of modem contraceptives, wanting an HIV test, and having had an HIV test. Women in...

 Some cancers depend on naturally occurring sex hormones for their development and growth. Researchers are interested in learning whether the hormones in oral contraceptives affect cancer risk in women (see Question 1).  Some studies have shown an increased risk of breast cancer in women taking oral contraceptives, while other studies have shown no change in risk (see Question 2).  Oral cont...

Key Points A number of studies suggest that current use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) appears to slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, especially among younger women. However, the risk level goes back to normal 10 years or more after discontinuing oral contraceptive use. Women who use oral contraceptives have reduced risks of ovarian and endometrial cancer. This protective...

In a cross sectional study of 137 women of childbearing age (16-40) the effects of normal pregnancy, hypertensive pregnancy, and oral contraceptives on red cell electrolyte content and sodium efflux rates were examined and the results compared with values in a control group of normotensive, non-pregnant women. Efflux rate constants were significantly increased in normotensive pregnancy and in w...

Studies about the association between oral contraceptives use and liver cancer risk have generated controversial results. Therefore, a meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies was performed to quantitatively summarize the existing evidence.Eligible studies were identified by a computer search of PubMed and Embase databases and handed-search of reference lists, without any limitations. S...

INTRODUCTION Hormonal contraceptives can influence female sexual function. AIM The goal of this article was to provide a comprehensive review of the effects that various hormonal contraceptives may have on female sexual function. METHODS A Medline search was conducted using several terms related to and including the terms contraception, oral contraceptive, female sexual function, dyspareuni...

Emergency contraceptives (EC) give woman a second chance to prevent unwanted pregnancy from unprotected intercourse. The importance of EC becomes even more in India with high prevalence of unmet need for family planning. This study was done to assess the knowledge about emergency contraceptives among women. A crosssectional study was done among 300 married women residing in an urban slum of Bij...

This note traces the historical development of an adult’s right to privacy, explore and evaluate the minor’s right of access to contraceptives, and focus on parental involvement in a minor’s personal decisions regarding abortion and contraceptives.

1. There are conflicting reports regarding the effect of oral contraceptives on serum and erythrocyte folate concentrations and on folate absorption. A detailed study of this problem was therefore undertaken. 2. It was first ascertained that there was no significant variation in serum folate concentrations at different stages in the normal menstrual cycle. 3. No significant difference was found...

OBJECTIVE This study sought to assess the attitude of Healthcare Providers towards providing contraceptives for unmarried adolescents in four Local Government Areas in Ibadan, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 490 Healthcare Providers in 24 randomly selected healthcare facilities using self-administered, pre-tested questionnaires. RESULTS...