The Initiative for MPTs (IMPT)’s Post

I am doing an analysis on EU's policies on - and funding for - sexual and reproductive health R&I; I've been looking in Horizon Europe's Strategic Plan and Work Programmes, the EU GHS, GAP III and the GES, and I find nothing. No mention of issues like contraception, menstrual health, eclampsia, post-partum hemorrhage, and barely anything on STIs. There are some commitments on HPV (Mission and Action Plan on Cancer). The word "women" is mentioned *once* in the 101 pages of Horizon Europe Strategic Plan (2021-2024). Once. Am I missing something or are these issues completely overlooked in EU R&D? Ursula von der Leyen Iliana Ivanova

🚨 New updates to U.S. medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use! The CDC has released updated guidelines for contraceptive use, replacing the 2016 U.S. MEC. This report includes: 1️⃣ New recommendations for individuals with chronic kidney disease 2️⃣ Updated guidance for those with conditions like obesity, postpartum, thrombosis, HIV & more 3️⃣ The inclusion of newer contraceptive methods such as updated formulations of oral contraceptives, patches, and IUDs. At Dama Health, we're committed to supporting evidence-based, person-centered care. These updates aim to break down medical barriers, ensuring contraception is accessible and tailored to each individual's health needs. Read the research for yourself: https://lnkd.in/daCqU4ND #ContraceptiveCare #WomensHealth #SRHR #PersonCenteredCare #HealthcareInnovation

FHI 360 is leading a Phase I clinical trial for a biodegradable contraceptive implant—the first for this type of implant in over 20 years. Called Casea S, the long-acting method wouldn't require a visit to a health care provider for removal and has the potential to address some of the barriers people may face when seeking care. “Improving contraceptive access requires diversifying the variety of available methods. We believe that Casea S can offer a new and exciting contraceptive option and fill a gap in the contraceptive method mix,” says Kavita Nanda, MD, MHS, principal investigator of the Casea S study. #Contraception #Contraceptive #FamilyPlanning #FP #SexualAndReproductiveHealthandRights #SRHR  https://lnkd.in/gtFFzcFQ

Sexwise.org.uk Closing Despite FPA Offering to Run it for Free! Below - our offer to run Sexwise but it might be easier to read here: https://lnkd.in/daAmnXhx The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has sent out the following to clinicians: “As you may be aware, Sexwise was launched by Public Health England (PHE) …and management of the website was inherited by DHSC in 2021. “DHSC currently contracts a provider to deliver technical maintenance and support for the website, and this contract will end on 2 March 2024. Following the end of this contract Sexwise will close, and the site will no longer be available.   “We understand that the website has been a valued sexual and reproductive health resource for professionals, and the general public, and that this may be disappointing news. “We are closing Sexwise due to financial challenges, in part because of the significant resources needed to bring Sexwise completely up to date, and to develop and maintain it for the long term to fully meet required digital and clinical standards. “There is also extensive sexual and reproductive health information already available from other sources…In addition, DHSC does not routinely provide bespoke for-public websites on other health topics.” === Family Planning Association Offer to Run Sexwise for Free === FPA developed & launched Sexwise in 2016 on behalf of PHE because there is a need for a free-to-access national digital sexual and reproductive health resource for both professionals and the public. Due to a lack of government funding, Sexwise was handed back over to PHE/DHSC in 2019 but the basic need for this resource has not gone away. We are deeply disappointed that Sexwise was not maintained. Despite significant resources needed to update it, we offered to run Sexwise free of charge: 1) Sexwise.org.uk would remain free-to-access for patients and clinicians 2) FPA would create up-to-date free-to-access keynote patient information guides on popular methods of contraception 3) FPA would create up-to-date free-to-access keynote patient information guides on common STIs (A keynote guide would typically be the equivalent of a 3-to-4-page guide summarising the typical 15-to-20-page FPA patient information guides.)         4) Sexwise would have other free-to-access information including where to get: * Free STI tests * More free-to-access information online and over the phone 5) Free Booklets: Supporting the Healthcare Community FPA also offered to give £10,000 of patient information booklets to NHS Trusts / NHS-run GUM clinics - that’s nearly 40,000 detailed sexual health booklets. Offer Rejected!!! The DHSC has rejected our offers to run Sexwise and we do not understand why. Help save Sexwise We can’t see a downside for patients, clinicians or the DHSC. If you have contacts at DHSC/OHID - please can you ask them to reconsider the FPA offer and save this valuable resource? Thank you Adam

In addition to the surveys I've been conducting on reproductive health, I've gathered key findings from reputable organizations that highlight the significant gaps in women’s healthcare that I would like to share: 🌍 Pew Research Center: 63% of women prefer healthcare providers who share similar cultural or ethnic backgrounds for better understanding of their needs. 🏥 National Women’s Health Network (2017): 75% of women emphasized the importance of providers who understand their cultural needs. 💊 Kaiser Family Foundation (2020): 72% of women feel uncertain about the effectiveness and safety of medications and supplements for reproductive health. 😕 Guttmacher Institute (2021): 69% of women expressed frustration over the lack of reliable information on reproductive health options. 📉 World Health Organization (2021): 75% of women feel inadequately informed about their reproductive health medication options. 👩🏽🦱 KFF: 62% of women, especially women of color and those in rural areas, feel their health concerns are not adequately addressed. 🌿 ACOG (2019): 68% of women want more information on both Western medicine and holistic approaches. 📊 Digging Deeper into Women’s Healthcare Needs 📊 This week, I’ll be working on crafting questions for user interviews to kick off next week! The goal is to uncover additional pain points and insights in reproductive health, particularly regarding inclusivity, trust, and access to reliable information. If you’ve faced challenges finding the right provider, navigating treatment options, or want to share your experience, I’d love to hear from you. 🙌 Let’s connect if you’re interested in being part of this research or have insights to share. 💖

Yesterday, nearly 40 attendees from across the sexual and reproductive health and commissioning landscape joined Bayer in a virtual workshop exploring how developing sustainable commissioning approaches for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) within the Integrated Care Systems (ICS) can realise a significant return on investment for women, the system and society. While women’s health is currently seeing an unprecedented policy focus, in reality many women still face a stark postcode lottery in access to different types of LARC methods – a core women’s health service – from their general practice. This means that systems are missing out on a significant return on investment: every £1 invested in the provision of LARC in primary care saves £48 in healthcare and non-healthcare costs over 10 years, while LARC can help to deliver national priorities for the NHS within and beyond the remit of the Women’s Health Strategy. Moderated by Ursula Montgomery, Bayer UK’s Head of Healthcare Policy and Partnership, supported by the FSRH – Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, the Bayer-led workshop aimed to support ICSs to deliver on national ambitions for Women’s Health Hubs to increase women’s access to reproductive health services, by highlighting how action to redesign LARC pathways can support achievement of ICS statutory duties to improve population health outcomes and tackle health inequalities. We would like to thank all workshop participants who represented key stakeholders across different NHS regions including the South East, the South West, London, The North West and the Midlands. As outlined in our recent consensus statement on fair and sustainable LARC provision (https://lnkd.in/erVmtmNE) continued national direction will be pivotal for creating change in this space, and helping ICSs overcome funding barriers to a more joined-up approach to LARC prescribing. We look forward to further discussions and collaborations. #FairFeesForFitting #WomensHealth #WomensHealthMatters #ReproductiveHealth #Contraception #BayerUKI

On International Contraception Day, it is crucial to recall that сontraception protects against not only unwanted pregnancies but also sexually transmitted infections.  While women used to bear the burden of responsibility for contraception and the negative consequences and risks of it, today, this responsibility is shared between partners. More new contraceptive methods are being developed for both women and men, creating better opportunities for shared management of reproductive health and family planning. In the post, we will explore the revolutionizing contraception products and services.   In the Miranna app, you can discuss with your intimacy coach any aspect of your sexual well-being and intimate relationships. Join us to start a journey to your best self. P.S. In the infographic, we highlighted the following companies: YourChoice Therapeutics, Daye, Nurx from Thirty Madison, Remi Health, Zults™, Hervana Bio Ltd., Dama Health

In our ongoing commitment to providing inclusive and accessible sexual and reproductive health care, Famcare is thrilled to announce the launch of Telehealth Fridays! 💻 👩🏽⚕️ Starting May 17th 2024, we're breaking new ground by offering telehealth services to complement our existing in-person support, ensuring that individuals and families can access the care they need, regardless of their circumstances. At Famcare, we understand that accessing sexual and reproductive health services can sometimes be challenging due to various reasons such as transportation barriers, busy schedules, or concerns about privacy and stigma. That's why we're stepping up to bridge these gaps by introducing telehealth appointments, making it easier than ever for our clients to connect with our experienced healthcare providers from the comfort and convenience of their own homes. Whether you have questions about birth control options, need a refill on your prescription, or simply want to discuss your reproductive health concerns with a trusted professional, our telehealth appointments offer a confidential and compassionate space for you to receive the care and support you deserve. Here's how it works: 📞 Schedule Your Appointment: Give us a call to schedule your telehealth (856-794-1235) appointment. Our friendly staff will assist you in finding a convenient time slot that works for you. 🤳🏽 Connect from Anywhere: On the day of your appointment, simply log in to our secure telehealth platform from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. There's no need to commute or worry about finding childcare – you can access our services from wherever you feel most comfortable. 💜 Receive Personalized Care: During your telehealth appointment, you'll be connected with one of our experienced healthcare providers who will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and work with you to develop a personalized care plan that meets your needs and preferences. By piloting Telehealth this spring, we're not only expanding access to care but also prioritizing the privacy, comfort, and dignity of our clients. We believe that everyone deserves access to stigma-free sexual and reproductive health care, and we're committed to breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. So mark your calendars and join us for Telehealth Fridays this May 17th– because your health and well-being are always our top priority. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the support and resources they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

An estimated 218 million women of reproductive age living in low- and middle-income countries do not want to become pregnant but do not use effective contraceptive methods. For some, access to contraception is limited; for others, available methods are not acceptable or affordable. #reproductivehealth #contraception #health #healthcare

🚨 The CDC broadened pain management options for IUD insertion 🚨 This simple change to CDC's guidelines could make a HUGE difference for those seeking contraception and the level of care they receive. 👩⚕️ Check out our blog for more details on this update and why it feels like such a big step towards better, more compassionate care. https://lnkd.in/gQA-UeBJ