We had a new episode up this week on Anal Sex 101.  It’s our first in a series called “Ask a Lady Doc” where we interview physicians with specialties outside of ours who still treat women.  Let us know who you want to hear from!  Here’s what else we’ve been up to this week at The V Word besides staying thinking warm thoughts for the midwest and northeast!

 

How to respond to people using debunked science to talk about abortion (Harper’s Bazaar)

How to choose a gynecologist (Hellogiggles) Along with a few others, our very own Dr. Jenn gives some advice!

#Boss after Baby (Thrive Global) One woman’s take on how motherhood made her a more effective lady boss.  Let us know your stories about this too!

Reasons people don’t use condoms (Cosmo) Fascinating, top 3: “I’m not worried about sexually transmitted infections” “My partner didn’t insist,”  “I hate throwing them away.”  People – please don’t feel bad about throwing away condoms.  So far, they are not reusable!

States try to protect women’s right to abortion (Boston Globe) “If Roe were overturned, 16 states could take steps to ban abortion. Four have laws that would trigger bans if Roe is toppled, while 12 others have anti-abortion laws on the books that have been ruled unconstitutional by courts or have not been enforced under Roe”

When College Rapists Graduate (NYT) An explanation of the potential impact of DeVos’ reforms from a law student and activist

Giving Birth in America (CNN) New series covering everything from having to drive 200 miles for a cesarean delivery to what uninsured women do, etc.

 

 

The Science Journal Corner 

Updates from the latest scientific journals we are reading

*may need special access to academic journals to see these in full

Can we stop testing for blood type in women having early abortions? (Contraception)

Human Rights Shine a Light on Unmet Menstrual Needs (Obstetrics and Gynecology Feb 2019) “[a]dequate menstrual hygiene management should be regarded as a basic women’s right.” I will focus on three key contributions of human rights as a guiding framework to ensure menstrual hygiene and health for everyone: 1) human rights require us to understand and address the lived experiences of all menstruators shaped by marginalization, discrimination, and inequalities; 2) they require us to look beyond access to products and menstrual hygiene to address menstrual stigma; and 3) they require us to address the underlying structural causes of unmet needs.”

Quality of Information Available Online for Medication Self Abortion (Obstetrics and Gynecology Dec 2018) CONCLUSION: Two thirds of map results facilitated abortion self-referral, whereas only half of webpage results did so. Advertisements were the least likely to facilitate and the most likely to hinder self-referral. Quality was lowest in areas that were farthest from abortion providers.

Pregnancy and Childbirth After Sexual Trauma (Obstetrics and Gynecology Dec 2018) CONCLUSION: Women with a history of sexual trauma have clear needs, preferences, and recommendations for obstetric care providers regarding disclosure, cervical examinations, health care provider language, body exposure, and male health care providers. They offer insight into unique breastfeeding challenges and benefits

 

image from @thirdlove