Browsing by Subject "Emergency contraception"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Emergency Contraception Counseling in California Community Pharmacies: A Mystery Caller Study
    (MDPI, 2019-04-23) Ditmars, Lindsay; Rafie, Sally; Kashou, Gellan; Cleland, Kelly; Bayer, Lisa; Wilkinson, Tracey A.; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
    This study was conducted to determine which emergency contraception (EC) methods are offered by community pharmacists in response to patient calls. Female mystery callers called all community pharmacies in two California cities using standardized scripts. The callers inquired about options available to prevent pregnancy after sex and whether that method was available at the pharmacy, using follow-up probes if necessary. A total of 239 calls were completed in San Diego (n = 127, 53%) and San Francisco (n = 112, 47%). Pharmacists indicated availability at most sites (n = 220, 92%) with option(s) reported as levonorgestrel only (LNG; n = 211, 88.3%), both ulipristal acetate (UPA) and LNG (n = 4, 1.6%), UPA only (n = 1, 0.4%), or non-specific EC (n = 4, 1.7%). Nineteen pharmacies (7.9%) did not have EC available on the day of the call. Following additional probing, some pharmacists discussed UPA (n = 49, 20.5%) or the copper intrauterine device (n = 1, 0.4%) as EC options. LNG EC products were available same-day in 90.1% of pharmacies, whereas UPA was available same-day in 9.6% of pharmacies. The majority of pharmacies called in this study offered and stocked at least one EC option, but the focus of discussions was on LNG and matched what was in stock and available.
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    Experiences of sexual and reproductive health screening and counseling in the clinical setting among adolescents and young adults with rheumatic disease
    (Springer Nature, 2025-01-20) Huynh, Brittany; Ott, Mary A.; Tarvin, Stacey E.; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
    Background: Our objective was to describe differences among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with rheumatic disease using teratogens compared to non-users in receipt of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) counseling, teratogenicity knowledge, perceived importance of SRH topics, and preferences around counseling. Methods: AYAs ages 14-23 years and assigned female at birth were recruited from pediatric rheumatology clinics at a Midwest tertiary care program. Participants completed a one-time online survey assessing SRH. Results: One-hundred eight participants completed the survey, representing a range of rheumatic diseases. 24% reported ever having sex. 36% used a teratogen. Rates of screening and counseling regarding SRH topics were low. Notably, pregnancy prevention and emergency contraception (EC) counseling by rheumatologists were uncommon and not associated with teratogen use or sexual activity. Among AYAs on teratogens, only half reported screening for sexual activity or counseling on teratogenicity or pregnancy prevention. Gaps in pregnancy prevention and EC counseling remained even when accounting for counseling by other providers. Knowledge of medication teratogenicity was also low. AYAs reported SRH topics of high importance, and many reported recent concerns. They preferred to receive information from their rheumatologist, and most agreed it is important to talk to their rheumatologist regarding these topics. Conclusions: AYAs with rheumatic disease report low levels of SRH screening and counseling by their rheumatologist yet report these topics are important and want to discuss them. Gaps in teratogenicity knowledge were identified. This study identifies a need for improved communication with AYAs regarding their SRH.
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    Role of the community pharmacist in emergency contraception counseling and delivery in the United States: current trends and future prospects
    (Dove Press, 2017-03-23) Rafie, Sally; Stone, Rebecca H.; Wilkinson, Tracey A.; Borgelt, Laura M.; El-Ibiary, Shareen Y.; Ragland, Denise; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
    Women and couples continue to experience unintended pregnancies at high rates. In the US, 45% of all pregnancies are either mistimed or unwanted. Mishaps with contraceptives, such as condom breakage, missed pills, incorrect timing of patch or vaginal ring application, contraceptive nonuse, forced intercourse, and other circumstances, place women at risk of unintended pregnancy. There is a critical role for emergency contraception (EC) in preventing those pregnancies. There are currently three methods of EC available in the US. Levonorgestrel EC pills have been available with a prescription for over 15 years and over-the-counter since 2013. In 2010, ulipristal acetate EC pills became available with a prescription. Finally, the copper intrauterine device remains the most effective form of EC. Use of EC is increasing over time, due to wider availability and accessibility of EC methods. One strategy to expand access for both prescription and nonprescription EC products is to include pharmacies as a point of access and allow pharmacist prescribing. In eight states, pharmacists are able to prescribe and provide EC directly to women: levonorgestrel EC in eight states and ulipristal acetate in seven states. In addition to access with a prescription written by a pharmacist or other health care provider, levonorgestrel EC is available over-the-counter in pharmacies and grocery stores. Pharmacists play a critical role in access to EC in community pharmacies by ensuring product availability in the inventory, up-to-date knowledge, and comprehensive patient counseling. Looking to the future, there are opportunities to expand access to EC in pharmacies further by implementing legislation expanding the pharmacist scope of practice, ensuring third-party reimbursement for clinical services delivered by pharmacists, and including EC in pharmacy education and training.