Posts By: south ave

Plant-Based Chemicals Could Become New Contraceptive Option

Last week, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley announced their discovery of two wild plant compounds that could serve as “molecular condoms,” blocking fertilization in what could become the next generation of male contraception. The compounds themselves are derived from chemicals found in dandelion roots, as well as the plant Tripterygium wilfordii, better known… Read more »

Many Women Still Lack Access to Long-Term Birth Control

Despite recent scientific gains in the world of female reproductive research, a significant number of American women still lack access to long-lasting contraception following childbirth. According to research conducted at the University of Michigan, although the rate of postpartum IUDs and implants has increased sevenfold over the past five years, 96 percent of those cases… Read more »

Lab Device Helps Scientists Study Female Reproductive Cycle

Half of the human population has female reproductive organs, and yet a significant amount of mystery still surrounds women-specific health issues. But hope may be on the horizon: only a few weeks ago, scientists revealed they had successfully created a miniature device that can mimic the female reproductive cycle. What does this mean for women… Read more »

Improved Contraceptive Access Could Save $12 Billion a Year

Recently, we’ve reported at length about the positive benefits of reliable, long-term contraceptives. From research that suggests birth control may help protect women against endometrial cancer to our latest breakdown of IUD advantages, the team at South Avenue Women’s Services is dedicated to monitoring encouraging developments for women’s health—and now, we can add economics to… Read more »

Trudeau Pledges $650 Million for Reproductive Health Efforts

Earlier this month, International Women’s Day sparked demonstrations around the world in an encouraging show of support for women and gender-oppressed individuals. It also represented an important day for global health efforts, in large part due to a $650 million pledge made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to “close existing gaps” in reproductive health… Read more »

Birth Control Pills May Have Saved Thousands From Cancer

Years of research have touted the positive health benefits that result from taking birth control pills. Aside from protecting against unwanted pregnancy, oral contraceptives often contribute to fewer acne breakouts, as well as lighter and less painful periods for women. Now, a recent study released by a group at Oxford suggests birth control may also… Read more »

9 Facts About IUDs [Infographic]

Long-term birth control options have completely changed the landscape of women’s contraceptives in recent years. Some of the safest and most effective of these long-term contraceptives are intrauterine devices, or IUDs. Hormonal IUDs typically last between 3 and 6 years, while non-hormonal options can last as long as 12 years. But despite their growing popularity,… Read more »

Foreign Governments Unite to Counter Global Gag Rule

Since Donald Trump reinstated a revised version of the so-called “global gag rule,” NGOs that provide abortions or abortion referrals to women are now prohibited from receiving federal funding, regardless of whether they use private funds for these services. Although the rule is designed specifically to target organizations that provide abortions, it could also block… Read more »

Male Contraceptive Gel Passes Clinical Trials in Monkeys

The prospect of effective male contraceptives has been discussed for decades, though a successful product has yet to hit the market. Despite news of a hormonal birth control shot for men making headlines late last year, the study was curtailed after subjects reported experiencing “too many side effects” during the initial trials. But now, there’s… Read more »