Message from the Associate Commissioner
Dear Women’s Health Colleagues,
Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. This Black Maternal Health Week, April 11–17, and all year long, we encourage you to seek immediate care if you experience any urgent maternal warning signs. OWH is committed to protecting and promoting maternal health through research, education and outreach. Our research projects aim to fill important knowledge gaps and include topics ranging from biomarkers to methods to better manage postpartum hemorrhage. I invite you to learn more about OWH funded research.
In addition, we also host educational webinars focused on maternal health. Our Pregnancy and Lactation Medication Information for the Healthcare Provider and Engaging Providers to Address Knowledge Gaps on Medication Use in Pregnancy and Lactation webinars examined how prescription drug labeling can be used to inform prescribing in pregnant and lactating individuals and discussed ways providers can become involved in advancing research in pregnancy and lactation. These courses are open to the public and continuing education credits are available to participants.
Please also read and share our pregnancy resources to help expectant mothers make informed health decisions and learn how pregnancy exposure registries can help improve medication safety information.
This month, we also recognize Sexual Transmitted Infections (STI) Awareness Week, April 14–20, a time to raise awareness about STI prevention, screening, and treatment. We encourage you to learn more by visiting the Call to Action section below and reading our latest Knowledge and News on Women’s Health (KNOWH) blog focused on STIs.
Sincerely,
Kaveeta P. Vasisht, M.D., Pharm.D.
Associate Commissioner for Women’s Health
Director, Office of Women’s Health (OWH)
  According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, more than 2.5 million cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia were reported in the United States. Sexual Transmitted Infections (STI) Awareness Week, April 14–20, is an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage proactive measures to prevent the spread of STIs. STIs affect both men and women but may present differently in men and women. If an STI is spread in utero, it can cause serious health problems in the infant. If you are sexually active, talk with your health care provider about your risk for STIs and whether you need to be tested.
Last year, the FDA authorized the first diagnostic test for chlamydia and gonorrhea with at-home sample collection. The availability of STI testing can help patients get quicker results and access to treatment, ultimately helping to curb the rising rates of STIs.
Learn more about syphilis, congenital syphilis, and STI Awareness Week in our latest Knowledge and News on Women’s Health (KNOWH) blog post.
 National Minority Health Month highlights the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minorities and reducing health disparities. OWH supports our colleagues at FDA Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (OMHHE) in highlighting important issues impacting diverse communities year-round, but especially this month to amplify the theme: Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities and Connections. Join us in raising awareness about the health issues faced by minority groups and to promote actions to improve health outcomes for everyone.
Women’s health news and updates
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FDA warns consumers to avoid certain topical pain relief products due to potential for dangerous health effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use certain over-the-counter analgesic (pain relief) products that are marketed for topical use to relieve pain before, during or after certain cosmetic procedures, such as microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, tattooing and piercing. The agency issued warning letters to six companies for marketing these products in violation of federal law.
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Information for patients and health care providers: Essure
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remains committed to collecting information and providing updates on the long-term safety and effectiveness of Essure, a permanently implanted birth control device for women. Although Essure has not been available for implantation in the U.S. since December 2019, the FDA continues to monitor the product’s safety through an FDA-required postmarket surveillance (“522”) study and other activities.
This week, the FDA provided update from the ongoing evaluation of Essure. The update includes:
More updates from around FDA
Visit FDA Meetings, Conferences and Workshops to find out about available meetings.
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