Top in women’s health: Hormone-free contraceptive; risks tied to irregular menstrual cycle
Preliminary data show that an investigational hormone-free monthly vaginal contraceptive device successfully blocked sperm in a small open-label study recently published in Contraception.
Ovaprene (Daré Bioscience) consists of an approximately 2-inch silicon ring with a permeable barrier that has tiny pores to block the passage of sperm but allow the passage of fluid. Additionally, the ring releases ferrous gluconate, which damages the sperm tail and inhibits its ability to swim.
Researchers evaluated how well Ovaprene prevented motile sperm from penetrating midcycle cervical mucus in 23 healthy, sexually active women. It was the top story in women’s health last week.
In another top story, women with irregular menstrual cycles had a higher risk for cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Researchers said the data suggest that menses history is a vital sign for health.
Read these and more top stories in women’s health below:
Monthly hormone-free contraceptive device successfully blocks sperm in early-phase study
An investigational hormone-free contraceptive device left in place for 21 days demonstrated preliminary evidence of contraceptive efficacy in a small early-phase study, researchers reported in Contraception. Read more.
Apple data: Irregular menstrual cycles may predict cardiometabolic risk
Women reporting irregular menstrual cycles with or without diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to have cardiometabolic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, according to new data from the Apple Women’s Health Study. Read more.
OASIS: Fewer, less severe hot flashes observed with nonhormonal elinzanetant
In two phase 3 trials, the nonhormonal investigational agent elinzanetant was associated with decreased frequency and severity of menopausal vasomotor symptoms over 12 weeks with a favorable safety profile, according to two poster presented at the ACOG Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting. Read more.
Oral lasofoxifene associated with improved vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms in menopause
Postmenopausal women assigned daily oral lasofoxifene had significant and clinically meaningful improvements in vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms with a favorable safety profile, researchers reported in Menopause. Read more.
Breast, cervical, colorectal cancer screening low in federally qualified health centers
Federally qualified health centers reported substantially lower breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings compared with the general U.S. population, highlighting a gap in screening rates for adults from underrepresented groups. Read more.