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May Provider Newsletter
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Calling Young Artists!

With feedback from students at Boston University, FHC developed a college-aged appropriate FC2 tri-fold wrap in 2013 (see image below).The tri-fold holds 2-3 condoms and provides instructions and pleasure positive tips. It’s been a huge success. You can download it from our website.
 
Colleagues across the U.S. who work with teens requested a more youth-friendly tri-fold. We are holding an artwork competition for students aged 18-23 to submit their artwork. Visit our website for more information: www.shopfemalehealth.com/artworkcompetition/

LARC and Teens: What about Dual Protection?

After 30 years of unintended pregnancy rates remaining relatively unchanged, we can now celebrate an 18% decline in unintended pregnancy rates in the U.S. between 2008-2011.   This is likely due to an increase in the use of long-acting contraceptives (LARCs).  While LARCs, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and hormonal implants, are highly effective for pregnancy prevention they do not offer any protection from sexually transmitted infections.  
Why is this distinction important? Let’s take a closer look at recent statistics:
  • It was reported in CDC’s 2014 STD report that cases of three STDs – chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis – have increased for the first time since 2006. 
  • Data shows that sexually active adolescents and young adults are at an increased risk for STDs when compared to older adults.
  • Incidence and prevalence estimates report that 1 in 4 sexually active adolescent females have an STD, such as chlamydia or human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • CDC estimates that youth ages 15-24 make up just over one quarter of the sexually active population, but account for half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted infections that occur in the United States each year.[1]
One recent study (March 14, 2016 JAMA pediatrics) reported that teen girls on LARC were 60% less likely to use condoms than their peers, who were on contraceptive pill interventions.   The researchers recommended that as LARC use increases, “counseling and education about LARC should incorporate messages about condom use.”

As we continue to make progress in reducing unplanned pregnancy rates; it's critical to give the same attention to the risk of STIs and the importance of dual protection when educating patients.

FC2 Zika Update

FHC participated in both the Zika Action Plan Summit (ZAP Summit) on April 1st and the CDC Foundation Action Call on April 15th.  CDC stressed the severity of Zika and the need for access to contraceptives and condoms to prevent unplanned pregnancies and to avoid sexually transmitting Zika to pregnant women or women of reproductive age.  FHC communicated its willingness to assist by providing product, education and training as needed.
 
FHC was invited by the CDC Foundation to a follow-up meeting with CDC Director, Dr. Tom Frieden, and Territorial Epidemiologist, Puerto Rico Department of Health, Dr. Brenda Rivera-Garcia. During the call, Dr. Frieden and Dr. Rivera-Garcia provided an update on the Zika outbreak and response.  Dr. Rivera-Garcia emphasized the urgent need for contraception options for thousands of women on the island and provided specific examples of teenagers and young women who cannot afford contraception due in large part to limited managed care options.  Consequently, FHC offered a donation to be distributed in Puerto Rico to Public Health Clinics with the highest need. FHC will follow up with partners in Puerto Rico to increase awareness and familiarity of the FC2 Female Condom.

May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month!

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is celebrating Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month this May by inviting teens and parents to take The National Day Quiz at StayTeen.org. The quiz challenges teens to think carefully about what they might do "in the moment" through a series of interactive scenarios. Parents can take the quiz and then have a conversation with their teens using the Quiz Discussion Guide. Parents can take advantage of the Campaign’s Top Tips for Talking to Teens About Sex. Materials are available in both English and Spanish. Learn more today!

NFPRHA Annual Meeting 

#CondomsStillWork

FHC exhibited at the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA) Annual Meeting in Alexandria, VA on April 17 – 20.  We loved hearing about participants’ overwhelmingly positive experiences with FC2 education and outreach in their clinics and communities. Providers and community health workers were most excited about the FC2 demonstrator model (O-cube) and our new Spice Up Your Sex Life handout. We are happy to report that the NFPRHA/NCSD FC2 Billing Factsheet was included by NFPRHA within each participant’s NFPRHA conference folder.  As a result many providers were asking great questions about coding and billing for FC2 dispensing. 

Female Condom Outreach on College Campuses

Young adults on college campuses have many challenges, from school work and final exams to juggling the increasing financial burden now associated with college. A hidden, rarely discussed challenge is the rise of sexually transmitted disease (STDs) among young people in college.

To combat the high rates of STDs among youth and young adults, college health programs around the United States are developing creative programs to educate students about STDs and safer sex options.
Read More

April Conferences Snapshot

April was a very busy (and fun) month. FHC attended various conferences and summits, conducted trainings and participated in many calls.  Here are a few highlights:
  • National Tribal Public Health Summit (April 11-13 – Atlanta, GA): The Summit was organized by the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and attended by over 500 individuals.  FHC exhibited and updated providers from various tribes on how the FC2 can be incorporated into their programming and curriculums.
  • Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (April 11-13 – Austin, TX): Speakers included state and local policy makers, national advocates, and local family planning providers and community health workers.   Judy Palmore, represented the FHC on a panel presentation, entitled “Adolescent Contraception – Uses, Trends, Best Practices”.  Throughout the panel presentation the theme and agreed upon approach was dual protection and the importance of discussing both pregnancy and disease prevention with youth and young adults. 
  • Academy of Women’s Health (April 14-17 – Washington, D.C.): Over 1,000 Healthcare Professionals and Academics attended the National Academy of Women’s Health Meeting.  FHC’s abstract “Female Condom Provides a Non-Hormonal Dual Protection Option for Female Contraception” was presented and published in the Journal of Women’s Health.

What’s Next?

May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Awareness Month
May:  
June:
Click Here for where to purchase FC2 for your Clinic 
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