A Perfect Fit: FEMM for Family Planning & Health
“Her interest in Creighton stemmed from her own struggle with PMS-related symptoms, including acne, fatigue, and mood disturbances.”
“This Really Works!” A Nurse’s Journey to FABMs
By: Kailyn Baalman, MD Director’s Note: Throughout her years in training to become a physician, Dr. Kailyn Baalman had never encountered natural or fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) until enrolling in the FACTS […]
The Lactational Amenorrhea Method: Effectiveness Data Combats Myths
“LAM is a highly effective form of family planning … (that) is an inexpensive, very accessible option for women and couples in a variety of settings.”
Provider Bias in Family Planning Services: A Review
“Medical professionals have a duty to protect their patients, and their definition of protection can be skewed by societal norms and cultural climate.”
The CycleBeads Mobile App in Developing Countries: A Review of Research
“The study found the app was beneficial to a diverse population of women and could be used to address a variety of reproductive goals.”
The Surprising Dynamics of Luteal Phase Hormones in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, we are featuring research that assessed the relationship between supplemental hormones and symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This study highlights the need for further research on ovarian hormone dynamics as they relate to symptom severity in both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and PMDD. Wong presents a compelling case….
The Standard Days Method in High Contraceptive Use Areas in Perú: A Review
This study by Arévalo et al explores the introduction of the Standard Days Method (SDM) to users in Perú. Daniel Dominguez, a recent participant in the FACTS elective, summarized the research, noting patient interest in SDM in areas where other methods of contraception are widely available. Although the design was retrospective, which complicates the accurate assessment of unintended pregnancy rates, high effectiveness rates were observed among study participants. The research findings highlight the advantages of making the SDM known and available to women as an alternate option for family planning.
Natural Family Planning and the Effects of Periodic Abstinence on Marital Relationships
In honor of Valentine’s Day this week, we are highlighting a research summary of a 2021 article published by researchers Richard J. Fehring and Michael D. Manhart in The Linacre Quarterly. The study — summarized by Michelle Asuncion-Castor, a former FACTS elective participant — concluded that couples who used natural family planning (NFP) methods had improved self-esteem, stronger marriages, and lower divorce rates than those who relied on sterilization or contraception alone.
The Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Infertile Men
At FACTS, we recognize that fertility is a vital sign of health and studies show men’s long-term health and well-being is tied to healthy fertility.
The Effect of Nutrients and Dietary Supplements on Sperm Quality Parameters
Carley Warner, a medical student who participated in the FACTS elective, summarized a 2018 meta-analysis published in Advances in Nutrition of more than two dozen randomized clinical trials that assessed factors affecting sperm quality.