Abortion Access and Training

Number 424

ABSTRACT: Despite a decrease in abortion rates over the past decade, numerous political, social, and provider barriers limit access to abortion services. Barriers include state restrictions and manda...

Access to Emergency Contraception

Number 542

ABSTRACT: Emergency contraception includes contraceptive methods used to prevent pregnancy in the first few days after unprotected intercourse, sexual assault, or contraceptive failure. Although the ...

Access to Postpartum Sterilization

Number 530

ABSTRACT: Postpartum tubal sterilization is one of the safest and most effective methods of contraception. Women who desire this type of sterilization typically undergo thorough counseling and inform...

Addressing Health Risks of Noncoital Sexual Activity

Number 417

ABSTRACT: Noncoital sexual behaviors, which include mutual masturbation, oral sex, and anal sex, are common expressions of human sexuality. Couples may engage in noncoital sexual activity instead of ...

Adolescents and Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices

Number 539

(Replaces No. 392, December 2007)

ABSTRACT: Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)—intrauterine devices and the contraceptive implant—are safe and appropriate contraceptive methods for most women and adolescents. The LARC method...

Adult Manifestations of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Number 498

ABSTRACT: Long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse are varied, complex, and often devastating. Many obstetrician-gynecologists knowingly or unknowingly provide care to abuse survivors and should s...

Age-Related Fertility Decline

Number 413

(Reaffirmed 2010)

ABSTRACT: Age is a significant factor influencing a woman's ability to conceive. Social trends have led to deferred childbearing, and an increasing number of women are experiencing age-related infert...

Aromatase Inhibitors in Gynecologic Practice

Number 412

(Reaffirmed 2012)

ABSTRACT: Aromatase inhibitors appear to be effective as an adjuvant treatment for early-stage and late-stage breast cancer. Their role in chemoprevention of breast cancer in high-risk patients remai...

At-Risk Drinking and Alcohol Dependence - Obstetric and Gynecologic Implications

Number 496

ABSTRACT: Compared with men, at-risk alcohol use by women has a disproportionate effect on their health and lives, including reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes. Obstetrician–gynecologists h...

Avoiding Inappropriate Clinical Decisions Based on False-Positive Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test Results

Number 278

(Reaffirmed 2009)

ABSTRACT: Clinically significant false-positive human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test results are rare. However, some individuals have circulating factors in their serum (eg, heterophilic antibodie...

Benefits to Women of Medicaid Expansion Through the Affordable Care Act

Number 552

ABSTRACT: Many U.S. women are uninsured and face avoidable adverse obstetric and gynecologic health outcomes. The Affordable Care Act requires an expansion of Medicaid that would increase the percent...

Brand Versus Generic Oral Contraceptives

Number 375

(Reaffirmed 2010)

ABSTRACT:The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers generic and brand name oral contraceptive (OC) products clinically equivalent and interchangeable. The American College of Obstetricians and G...

Cervical Cancer in Adolescents - Screening Evaluation and Management

Number 463

ABSTRACT: Based on several recent studies, new guidelines for initiation of cervical cancer screening have been developed. Evidence shows that screening before the age of 21 years does not change the...

Choosing the Route of Hysterectomy for Benign Disease

Number 444

(Reaffirmed 2011)

ABSTRACT: Hysterectomies are performed vaginally, abdominally, or with laparoscopic or robotic assistance. When choosing the route and method of hysterectomy, the physician should take into considera...

Colonoscopy and Colorectal Cancer Screening Strategies

Number 482

ABSTRACT: Each year colorectal cancer is diagnosed in more women than all types of gynecologic cancer combined. There continues to be a significant need to increase the rate of screening. Obstetricia...

Compounded Bioidentical Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Number 532

(Replaces No. 387, November 2007 and No. 322, November 2005)

ABSTRACT: Although improvement in long-term health is no longer an indication for menopausal hormone therapy, evidence supporting fewer adverse events in younger women, combined with its high overall...

Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and Bone Effects

Number 415

ABSTRACT: Although depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is associated with bone mineral density (BMD) loss during use, current evidence suggests that partial or full recovery of BMD occurs at the...

Direct-to-Consumer Marketing of Genetic Testing

Number 409

ABSTRACT: Marketing of genetic testing, although similar to direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs, raises additional concerns and considerations. These include issues of limited knowle...

Disclosure and Discussion of Adverse Events

Number 520

(Replaces No. 380, October 2007)

ABSTRACT: Disclosure and discussion of adverse events in health care with the patient are morally and ethically necessary to achieve the optimal goal of respecting patient autonomy. Improving the dis...

End-of-Life Decision Making

Number 403

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this Committee Opinion is to discuss issues related to end–of–life care, including terms and definitions, ethical principles, legal constructs, physician–patient communicatio...

Ethical Considerations for Performing Gynecologic Surgery in Low-Resource Settings Abroad

Number 466

ABSTRACT: International humanitarian medical efforts provide essential services to patients who would not otherwise have access to specific health care services. The Committees on Ethics and Global W...

Ethical Issues in Genetic Testing

Number 410

ABSTRACT: Genetic testing is poised to play an increasing role in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology. To assure patients of the highest quality of care, physicians should become familiar with ...

Expedited Partner Therapy in the Management of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia by Obstetrician-Gynecologists

Number 506

ABSTRACT: Expedited partner therapy is the clinical practice of treating the sex partners of patients, in whom sexually transmitted infections are diagnosed, by providing prescriptions or medications...

Family History as a Risk Assessment Tool

Number 478

ABSTRACT: Family history plays a critical role in assessing the risk of inherited medical conditions and single gene disorders. Several methods have been established to obtain family medical historie...

Gynecologic Care for Women With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Number 117

(Reaffirmed 2012)

The increased use of screening tests has led to the identification of large numbers of women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Consequently, there is an increased role for obstetrician–gynecol...