Contraception: Recent Episodes
ReachMD
Host: David L. Eisenberg, MD, MPH, FACOG
Intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants, also called long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), are the most effective reversible contraceptive methods. The major advantage of LARCs compared with other reversible contraceptive methods is that they do not require ongoing effort on the part of the patient for long-term, effective use. In addition, after the device is removed, the return of fertility is rapid. Join Dr. David Eisenberg has he discusses when LARCs should be recommended as a first-line contraceptive choice and when they should not. He further details how to approach a shared decision-making discussion with patients about their contraceptive options.
Host: Mitchell D. Creinin, MD
In-office delivery of sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) services was markedly restricted for 2 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, in-office access to these services has begun to improve. What have we learned since 2020 that can prepare us for future periods of reduced access? Join Dr. Mitchell Creinin as he discusses SRH service strategies initiated during the pandemic that remain useful even in times of full in-office access.
Host: Patty Cason, RN, MS, FNP-BC
Guest: Joely Pritzker, RN, MS, FNP-C
Are you ready to apply the latest counseling techniques to address the contraceptive revolution?
Join nurse practitioners Patty Cason and Joely Pritzker as they briefly review the history of contraceptive counseling and then use case vignettes to illustrate how shared decision-making techniques will support the appropriate use of nonhormonal contraceptive options, such as the vaginal pH modulator (VPM).
Participating in this activity will ensure that you are ready to effectively counsel patients on their many options so that each patient’s reproductive and sexual health goals can be met.
Host: David J. Portman, MD
Guest: Patty Cason, RN, MS, FNP-BC
Guest: David L. Eisenberg, MD, MPH, FACOG
Are you ready for the contraceptive revolution? Are you applying the latest information on contraceptive efficacy, recent clinical trial data, and sexual satisfaction when counseling your patients on contraceptive options? Join Dr. David Portman, Dr. David Eisenberg, and Ms. Patty Cason as they discuss the novel mechanisms of action of cutting-edge, non-hormonal contraceptive options, such as the vaginal pH modulator (VPM). Participating in this activity will ensure that you are prepared to discuss sexual and reproductive goals with your patients and confirm that your patients’ goals are being met.
Host: Brooke M. Faught, DNP, WHNP-BC,NCMP, IF
Our patients express a number of misperceptions about combined hormonal non-LARC contraceptives such as the contraceptive patch, vaginal rings, and oral contraceptive pills. How well do you explain the advantages and disadvantages of these different options to your patients? How often have you prescribed what appeared to be a good contraceptive method for your patients only to have them be dissatisfied and become nonadherent?
Join Dr. Brooke Faught in this Women’s Health 2021 lecture as she tackles these issues and offers insights into how to discuss the full range of combined hormonal non-LARC contraceptive options with your patients using shared decision-making strategies. Remember, each patient’s needs, goals, and cultural background are important factors in a patient-centric approach to the choice of contraception.
Host: David L. Eisenberg, MD, MPH, FACOG
Many women prefer to use a nonhormonal contraceptive. They also want the freedom to self-administer on demand and want assurances that the contraceptive is safe, effective, and has received FDA approval. One such contraceptive is a self-administered, hormone-free gel that functions as a vaginal pH modulator. Join Dr. David Eisenberg as he describes the evolution of this vaginal pH modulator and the clinical trials leading to FDA approval. Even more significant is patient acceptance, which was remarkably high for this contraceptive. In fact, approximately 9 out of 10 women participating in the clinical trials indicated they would continue using the vaginal pH modulator and also recommend this novel method to their friends.
Host: Lee P. Shulman, MD, FACMG, FACOG
Guest: Jeffrey T. Jensen, MD, MPH
The effort to reduce the estrogen concentration in combination oral contraceptives (COCs) and strike the right balance between efficacy and safety appears to be never-ending. However, a recently FDA-approved estetrol/drospirenone COC formulation offers some unique properties not seen in current COC formulations. Join us as Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Lee Shulman discuss if this estetrol/drospirenone COC formulation will allow physicians to better address these efficacy and safety issues.
Host: David L. Eisenberg, MD, MPH, FACOG
Guest: David J. Portman, MD
A new form of contraception based on vaginal pH modulation is available. In this activity, Dr. Eisenberg reviews the risks and benefits of the hormone-free, user-controlled gel, and Dr. Portman provides his perspective on clinical trial results within the context of the “creeping Pearl Index.”
Host: Lee P. Shulman, MD, FACMG, FACOG
Guest: Barbara Dehn
Physicians continue to seek the safest and most effective formulations for combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs). The goal is to ensure that the patient’s chosen option optimizes the many benefits of estrogen but also reduces its adverse events—particularly those that are cardiovascular and thromboembolic in nature. Lower estrogen concentrations do not always mean better; sometimes better means better. But just like in a game of beach limbo, we have to ask: How low can you go?
Join us as Dr. Lee Shulman and Barbara Dehn, a nurse practitioner with vast contraception counseling and prescribing experience, discuss the dynamics of a new, lower-strength estrogen with the potential for use in combined oral contraceptives.
Host: Lee P. Shulman, MD, FACMG, FACOG
Guest: Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD, FACOG
The estrogen component of combined oral contraceptives in part helps to suppress FSH and folliculogenesis, stabilizes the endometrium, minimizes unscheduled bleeding, and supports progestin activity. Nonetheless, there are downsides to estrogen, including an increased risk for cardiovascular and thromboembolic adverse events such as pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.
Join Drs. Lee Shulman and Andrew Kaunitz as they envision a better oral contraceptive—one formulated with a high NEST activity estrogen that has less potential to increase the risk of thromboembolic events while maintaining good cycle control.