Simplifying contraception requirements for iPLEDGE: A decision analysis

BACKGROUND

For persons of childbearing potential prescribed isotretinoin, the iPLEDGE program requires use of 2 simultaneous methods of contraception or commitment to abstinence.

OBJECTIVE

To model the relative effectiveness of a variety of contraception strategies for patients taking isotretinoin, including those that are acceptable according to iPLEDGE.

METHODS

We performed a decision analysis modeling the estimated rate of pregnancy with various contraception strategies during a typical 6-month course of isotretinoin.

RESULTS

Tier 1 contraception options (eg, subdermal hormonal implant, intrauterine devices) each had effectiveness of >99.5% alone. When combined with a secondary form of contraception, tier 2 contraception options (eg, depot medroxyprogesterone injections, combined oral contraceptives) each had effectiveness >99%.

LIMITATIONS

Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of uncertain parameters on the results.

CONCLUSION

There may be opportunities to simplify iPLEDGE by recognizing the high effectiveness of tier 1 contraception options and increasing use of secondary forms of contraception among those using tier 2 contraception options as their primary form of contraception. Future studies are needed to understand the most effective strategies in clinical practice to prevent unintended pregnancy for patients taking isotretinoin to improve outcomes and provide patient-centered care.

Misoprostol administration prior to intrauterine contraceptive device insertion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Objectives: Misoprostol has been used before intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) insertion to prime the cervical os. As the literature about this topic is controversial, we aimed to evaluate IUCD insertion failure, women's pain perception, use of cervical dilators and prevalence of side effects following the administration of misoprostol.Methods: Trials published in MEDLINE, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched (last search on 23 October 2019). The primary outcome was IUCD insertion failure; secondary outcomes were women's pain perception, use of cervical dilators to facilitate insertion, and prevalence of side effects.Results: Fourteen studies were eligible for inclusion. Misoprostol premedication reduced IUCD insertion failure rates and the use of cervical dilators but significantly increased the prevalence of side effects. The risk of IUCD insertion failure with misoprostol premedication was reduced among women who had undergone previous caesarean section and among women who had experienced previous IUCD insertion failure. Nulliparas did not benefit from misoprostol premedication. Buccal misoprostol administration did not seem to be effective in reducing IUCD insertion failure. Visual analogue scale pain scores were increased with both sublingual and buccal misoprostol administration if IUCD insertion was performed ≤2.5 h after misoprostol premedication.Conclusion: Our data demonstrate reduced IUCD insertion failure among women with previous caesarean section and those with previous IUCD insertion failure, suggesting that misoprostol may be a reasonable choice in these groups of women. Although misoprostol premedication reduced insertion failures, it significantly increased side effects and had a heterogeneous pattern of efficacy; thus, its routine use is not supported by the evidence.

Ultrasound-Guided Extraction of Intrauterine Devices With Nonvisible Threads: 254 Consecutive Cases: An Effective, Noninvasive Technique

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are among the most efficient and widely used contraceptive methods available. Removal is recommended after a certain time or in some cases when adverse effects are observed. A considerable number of patients have nonvisible guides or "lost threads" on speculum examinations, hindering the extraction. In this article, we report a consecutive series of 254 nonpregnant patients referred to our center after 1 or more failed attempts at IUD removal. We describe a novel ultrasound-guided approach, using a laparoscopic forceps to safely and effectively remove IUDs in nonpregnant patients.

Identification and validation of uterine perforation, intrauterine device expulsion, and breastfeeding in four health care systems with electronic health records

Objective

To validate algorithms identifying uterine perforations and intrauterine device (IUD) expulsions and to ascertain availability of breastfeeding status at the time of IUD insertion.

Study design and setting

Four health care systems with electronic health records (EHRs) participated: Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC), Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC), Kaiser Permanente Washington (KPWA), and Regenstrief Institute (RI). The study included women ≤50 years of age with an IUD insertion. Site-specific algorithms using structured and unstructured data were developed and a sample validated by EHR review. Positive predictive values (PPVs) of the algorithms were calculated. Breastfeeding status was assessed in a random sample of 125 women at each research site with IUD placement within 52 weeks postpartum.

Results

The study population included 282,028 women with 325,582 IUD insertions. The PPVs for uterine perforation were KPNC 77%, KPSC 81%, KPWA 82%, and RI 47%; PPVs for IUD expulsion were KPNC 77%, KPSC 87%, KPWA 68%, and RI 37%. Across all research sites, breastfeeding status at the time of IUD insertion was determined for 94% of those sampled.

Conclusions

Algorithms with a high PPV for uterine perforation and IUD expulsion were developed at 3 of the 4 research sites. Breastfeeding status at the time of IUD insertion could be determined at all research sites. Our findings suggest that a study to evaluate the associations of breastfeeding and postpartum IUD insertions with risk of uterine perforation and IUD expulsion can be successfully conducted retrospectively; however, automated application of algorithms must be supplemented with chart review for some outcomes at one research site due to low PPV.

Development and Uptake of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Services in Rwanda, 2009-2016

Background: Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is highly effective at preventing pregnancy. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, LARC education for clients is relatively limited and providers are often not skilled in their insertion. Before 2009, only 1% of family planning clients in Rwanda received an LARC. Materials and Methods: We trained Rwandan government clinic nurses to promote, insert, and remove copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) and hormonal implants. Training started in two large urban clinics, and those nurses trained three successive waves of clinic nurses. Initial LARC promotions were clinic based, but in 2015 included community-based promotions in eight clinics. We compare IUD and implant insertions by year and clinic and discuss implementation successes/obstacles. Results: From 2009 to 2016, 222 nurses from 21 government clinics were LARC trained. The nurses performed 36,588 LARC insertions (19% IUD, 81% implant). LARC insertions increased over time, peaking at 8,897 in 2013. However, in 2014, the number dropped to 4,018 after closure of one large clinic, funding discontinuation, and supply stock-outs. With new funding in 2015, insertions increased reaching 8,218 in 2016. Catholic and non-Catholic and rural and urban clinics performed similarly, whereas clinics affiliated with community-based promotions performed better (p > 0.05). Between 2012 and 2014, 13% of family planning initiators chose the implant and 4% the IUD. Conclusions: LARC supply-demand services increased the proportion of family planning initiators choosing LARC to 17%. Challenges included inconsistent funding, irregular supplies, and staff turnover. Rural and Catholic clinics performed as well as urban and non-Catholic clinics. Concerted efforts to improve IUD uptake are needed.

Knowledge and approaches of married men applying to a primary healthcare center in Istanbul about IUD: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the knowledge and approach of men applying to a primary health care center about IUD by adopting qualitative research methods.

METHODS

This study was qualitative research realized using an in-depth interview method. The interview was carried with 15 married men in a primary health care center in Umraniye, using 15 semi-structured interview questions.

RESULTS

Knowledge of the men in this study about IUD and family planning was inadequate. Participants generally determined the advantages of IUD with its superiority over other methods. Adverse effects of IUD on women and men during intercourse were stated. Knowledge of men about IUD, its side effects and disadvantages were generally composed of misinformation and rumours about the subject.

CONCLUSION

Men do not have adequate information and knowledge on family planning and IUD. Training provided by the health personnel might have a considerable role in demolishing misinformation and rumors and may augment the level of knowledge about IUD.

Interventions for the prevention of pain associated with the placement of intrauterine contraceptives: An updated review

A 2013 review found no evidence to support the routine use of pain relief for intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) placement; however, fear of pain with placement continues to be a barrier to use for some women. This narrative review set out to identify (1) new evidence that may support routine use of pain management strategies for IUC placement; (2) procedure‐related approaches that may have a positive impact on the pain experience; and (3) factors that may help healthcare professionals identify women at increased risk of pain with IUC placement. A literature search of the PubMed and Cochrane library databases revealed 550 citations, from which we identified 43 new and pertinent studies for review. Thirteen randomized clinical trials, published since 2012, described reductions in placement‐related pain with administration of oral and local analgesia (oral ketorolac, local analgesia with different lidocaine formulations) and cervical priming when compared with placebo or controls. Four studies suggested that ultrasound guidance, balloon dilation, and a modified placement device may help to minimize the pain experienced with IUC placement. Eight publications suggested that previous cesarean delivery, timing of insertion relative to menstruation, dysmenorrhea, expected pain, baseline anxiety, and size of insertion tube may affect the pain experienced with IUC placement. Oral and local analgesia and cervical priming can be effective in minimizing IUC placement‐related pain when compared with placebo, but routine use remains subject for debate. Predictive factors may help healthcare professionals to identify women at risk of experiencing pain. Targeted use of effective strategies in these women may be a useful approach while research continues in this area.

Immediate Postpartum Contraception: Intrauterine Device Insertion

Insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) in the immediate postpartum period is a safe, evidence-based form of contraception appropriate for most women. Despite the higher risk of expulsion as compared with interval insertion, the benefits of insertion in the immediate postpartum period are significant and include improved rates of contraception continuance and reduced instances of short interval birth. Through shared decision making, midwives and other clinicians can assist women in clarifying their reproductive goals and understanding of contraceptive options, including this method. In response to identified gaps in knowledge and insertion technique among midwives, this article provides an overview of immediate postpartum IUD insertion, risks and benefits, and eligibility criteria and describes preinsertion, insertion, and postinsertion care.

Removal of a Retroperitoneal Foreign Body by Laparoscopic Surgery

Migration of intrauterine devices (IUDs) into the abdominal cavity is rare. In this report, we describe a patient in whom a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) device was initially misplaced outside of the uterus, likely due to stenosis of the cervix following a conization procedure for carcinoma in situ. The patient presented with persistent abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. The LNG-IUS was not visible on physical examination and ultrasound imaging, requiring intraoperative abdominal radiography and postoperative computed tomography for localization. Once localized, we proceeded with the removal of the foreign body in the retroperitoneal space by laparoscopy. Misplacement of an IUD such as LNG-IUS outside of the uterus after a conization procedure should be suspected in women with persisting symptoms, and this possibility should be diligently assessed.

Twelve-year experience of office-setting removal of lost intrauterine devices in place for more than 10 years

Objective: We investigated the effectiveness of removing lost intrauterine devices (IUDs) that had been in place for over 10 years, using Lin's biopsy grasper in an office setting. Methods:This single-centre, retrospective study conducted between March 2006 and June 2018 included 49 women who had had an IUD in place for contraception for more than 10 years and who underwent removal of the lost IUD using Lin's biopsy grasper under transabdominal sonography without use of a tenaculum, anaesthesia and analgesia, after dilation of the cervical os and hysteroscopy. Results: The women's median age was 52 years (range 34-80 years) and the median duration of insertion was 17 years (range 10-43 years). Forty-eight (98%) women had their lost IUD removed using Lin's biopsy grasper. Among the removed IUDs, there were eight FD-1 IUDs with a string, 13 FD-1 IUDs without a string, 13 Chinese IUDs, seven Ota ring IUDs, three KS ring IUDs, two Saf-T-Coil IUDs, two Lippe loop IUDs and one Wing IUD. All women tolerated the procedure and there were no major operative complications. Conclusions: Lin's biopsy grasper was effective in removing IUDs that had been in place for a long time.

Implementation of postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) services across 10 districts in Malawi

Background

Malawi has a high maternal mortality and unmet need for family planning, which could be reduced by improving access to postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) insertion. Our objective is to describe the implementation of PPIUD services by 4 local organizations at 14 government health services across 10 districts in Malawi.

Methods

This program was a collaborative effort between the Malawi Ministry of Health's Reproductive Health Directorate and 4 supporting organizations. Training, educational, and monitoring and evaluation materials for PPIUD insertion were developed between December 2013 and April 2014. Each organization was then responsible for PPIUD community sensitization, provider training, and tracking of PPIUD insertions (via PPIUD register books) at their targeted health facilities. Community sensitization activities included Open Day campaigns, which were organized by local leaders to sensitize their communities, and Population Weekends, which were organized by religious leaders to target their congregations.

Results

Community sensitization activities, provider trainings, and mentoring occurred from January 2014 to June 2015, and monitoring and evaluation continued until December 2016 at some sites. One national Radio Discussion Panel with religious leaders was broadcast, 20 Open Day campaigns and 2 Population Weekends were held, 429 providers were trained during 27 trainings, and 249 PPIUD insertions occurred.

Conclusions

PPIUD can be safely offered in Malawi. However, the biggest challenge with program implementation was with encouraging providers to take the extra time and effort to insert an IUD within 48 hours of delivery. In addition, frequent rotation of trained labour ward staff to other clinical areas hindered the program's sustainability since new trainings had to be held whenever staff members were rotated. Further research should be done to determine the best strategies to motivate busy providers to insert PPIUD, and PPIUD should be integrated into both medical and nursing curriculums to reduce the number of postgraduate trainings required to sustain PPIUD services.

Actinomycotic Endomyometritis Associated with a Long-Term Use of Intrauterine Device Lasting for 42 Years

In women, pelvic actinomycosis is closely associated with prolonged use of the intrauterine devices (IUD). A 70-year old female presented with intermittent blood-stained vaginal discharge. An analysis of her history revealed, she was inserted with an IUD 42 years ago, but it has remained in situ untill now. Curettage of the uterus was done, but an IUD was firmly attached inside the cavity and there was not able to remove it. A biopsy material consisted of the large round and oval granules of filamentous and mycelium-like microorganisms. They showed strong positivity with Periodic acid-Schiff stain and Gömöri methenamine silver stain. Histopathology was consisted with uterine actinomycosis. A total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy was performed. The uterus contained a retained plastic IUD. Microscopic investigation revealed a diffuse chronic active endomyometritis with sporadic Actinomycetes colonies. Wearing an IUD continuously for very long periods of time can lead to actinomycotic infection, which may manifest for many years after its application. All IUD users have to keep in mind regular gynecological check-ups to avoid the complications of a retained and "forgotten" IUD.

Cost per insertion and couple year of protection for postpartum intrauterine devices and implants provided during service scale-up in Kigali, Rwanda

Introduction: In two high-volume government hospitals, their two affiliated health facilities, and two additional health facilities, we developed and implemented postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) and postpartum (PP) implant promotional counseling and service delivery procedures between May-July 2017 in Kigali, Rwanda. Between August 2017 and July 2018, 9,073 pregnant women received PPIUD/PP implant promotions who later delivered in one of our selected facilities. Of those, 2,633 had PPIUDs inserted, and 955 had PP implants inserted. The goal of the present analysis is to detail implementation expenditures and estimate incremental costs per insertion and couple years of protection (CYP) for PPIUD and PP implant users. Methods: We detail the incremental costs during the implementation from the health system perspective (including both the implementation costs and the cost of contraceptive methods) and use of standard methods to estimate the cost per insertion and CYP for PPIUD and PP implant users. In addition to the incremental costs of labor and supplies, the costs of promotional activities are included. Research costs for formative work were excluded. Results: A total of $74,147 USD was spent on the implementation between August 2017 and July 2018. The largest expense (34% of total expenses) went toward personnel, including doctoral-level, administrative, data management and nurse counseling staff. Training for PPIUD and implant providers and promoters comprised 8% of total expenses. Recruitment and reimbursements comprised 6% of expenses. Costs of implants to the government comprised 12% of the expenses, much higher than the cost of IUDs (1%). Costs per insertion were $25/PPIUDs and $77/PP implant. Costs per CYP were $5/PPIUDs and $20/PP implant. Conclusion: Understanding the cost per PPIUD/PP implant inserted and CYP can help to inform the cost of scaling up PPIUD/PP implant service implementation activities and resource allocation decision-making by the Rwandan Ministry of Health.

Intrauterine Contraception: Knowledge and Prescribing Practices of Canadian Health Care Providers

OBJECTIVE

Contraception is an important issue in the lives of women, their partners, and society. Canadians and their health care providers play a critical role in contraceptive decision making that influences individuals and Canadian society. The purpose of this study was to gather data on contraception-related knowledge, counselling, and prescribing practices of Canadian health care providers.

METHODS

This project reported on the outcomes of an educational initiative, designed as a quality improvement initiative (time series level II-3), focused on Canadian health care providers' contraception-related knowledge, counselling, and prescribing practices. Outcomes were intended to inform the development of tools, resources, and educational programming. Part 1 was an online program to identify educational and knowledge gaps for health care providers. Part 2 was a practice assessment exploring and measuring health care providers' contraceptive counselling and prescribing practices.

RESULTS

A total of 4300 health care providers completed the program between July 6, 2015 and August 30, 2016. Knowledge significantly increased; post-test scores were higher than pretest scores. After completion, all participants felt more comfortable, knowledgeable, and inclined to change their practice around prescribing intrauterine contraception (IUC). The 4300 providers reported on their contraception counselling experiences with 10 patients following participation in Part 1. Forty percent of patients were using oral contraceptives, and 53% were dissatisfied with their current type of contraception. After counselling, patients reported being most comfortable with IUC (55%). Both short- and long-acting types of contraception were most often discussed or offered (74% of the time), followed by long-acting reversible contraception only (21%) and short-acting methods only (5%).

CONCLUSION

This training program filled an education need for patients and gave providers tools to change their behaviour and practice around IUC prescribing. On the basis of these data, a practice assessment model was deemed a successful way to change behaviour.

Cost per insertion and couple year of protection for postpartum intrauterine devices and implants provided during service scale-up in Kigali, Rwanda

Introduction: In two high-volume government hospitals, their two affiliated health facilities, and two additional health facilities, we developed and implemented postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) and postpartum (PP) implant promotional counseling and service delivery procedures between May-July 2017 in Kigali, Rwanda. Between August 2017 and July 2018, 9,073 pregnant women received PPIUD/PP implant promotions who later delivered in one of our selected facilities. Of those, 2,633 had PPIUDs inserted, and 955 had PP implants inserted. The goal of the present analysis is to detail implementation expenditures and estimate incremental costs per insertion and couple years of protection (CYP) for PPIUD and PP implant users. Methods: We detail the incremental costs during the implementation from the health system perspective (including both the implementation costs and the cost of contraceptive methods) and use of standard methods to estimate the cost per insertion and CYP for PPIUD and PP implant users. In addition to the incremental costs of labor and supplies, the costs of promotional activities are included. Research costs for formative work were excluded. Results: A total of $74,147 USD was spent on the implementation between August 2017 and July 2018. The largest expense (34% of total expenses) went toward personnel, including doctoral-level, administrative, data management and nurse counseling staff. Training for PPIUD and implant providers and promoters comprised 8% of total expenses. Recruitment and reimbursements comprised 6% of expenses. Costs of implants to the government comprised 12% of the expenses, much higher than the cost of IUDs (1%). Costs per insertion were $25/PPIUDs and $77/PP implant. Costs per CYP were $5/PPIUDs and $20/PP implant. Conclusion: Understanding the cost per PPIUD/PP implant inserted and CYP can help to inform the cost of scaling up PPIUD/PP implant service implementation activities and resource allocation decision-making by the Rwandan Ministry of Health.

Evaluation of a multi-level intervention to improve postpartum intrauterine device services in Rwanda

Background. The copper intrauterine device is one of the most safe, effective, and cost-effective methods for preventing unintended pregnancy. It can be used postpartum irrespective of breastfeeding to improve birth spacing and reduce unintended pregnancy and maternal-child mortality. However, this method remains highly underutilized. Methods. We developed a multi-level intervention to increase uptake of the postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD, defined as insertion up to six weeks post-delivery) in Kigali, Rwanda. High-volume hospitals and health centers were selected for implementation of PPIUD counseling and service delivery. Formative work informed development of a PPIUD counseling flipchart to be delivered during antenatal care, labor and delivery, infant vaccination visits, or in the community. Two-day didactic counseling, insertion/removal, and follow-up trainings were provided to labor and delivery and family planning nurses followed by a mentored practicum certification process. Counseling data were collected in government clinic logbooks. Insertions and follow-up data were collected in logbooks created for the implementation. Data were collected by trained government clinic staff and abstracted/managed by study staff. Stakeholders were involved from intervention development through dissemination of results. Results. Two hospitals (and their two associated health centers) and two additional health centers were selected. In 6-months prior to our intervention, 7.7 PPIUDs/month were inserted on average at the selected facilities. From August 2017-July 2018, we trained 83 counselors and 39 providers to provide PPIUD services. N=9,020 women received one-on-one PPIUD counseling after expressing interest in family planning who later delivered at a selected health facility. Of those, n=2,575 had PPIUDs inserted (average of 214.6 insertions/month), a 29% uptake. Most PPIUDs (62%) were inserted within 10 minutes of delivery of the placenta. Conclusions. This successful, comprehensive intervention has the potential to make a significant impact on PPIUD uptake in Rwanda. The intervention is scalable and adaptable to other sub-Saharan African countries.

Evaluation of a multi-level intervention to improve postpartum intrauterine device services in Rwanda

Background. The copper intrauterine device is one of the most safe, effective, and cost-effective methods for preventing unintended pregnancy. It can be used postpartum irrespective of breastfeeding to improve birth spacing and reduce unintended pregnancy and maternal-child mortality. However, this method remains highly underutilized. Methods. We developed a multi-level intervention to increase uptake of the postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD, defined as insertion up to six weeks post-delivery) in Kigali, Rwanda. High-volume hospitals and health centers were selected for implementation of PPIUD counseling and service delivery. Formative work informed development of a PPIUD counseling flipchart to be delivered during antenatal care, labor and delivery, infant vaccination visits, or in the community. Two-day didactic counseling, insertion/removal, and follow-up trainings were provided to labor and delivery and family planning nurses followed by a mentored practicum certification process. Counseling data were collected in government clinic logbooks. Insertions and follow-up data were collected in logbooks created for the implementation. Data were collected by trained government clinic staff and abstracted/managed by study staff. Stakeholders were involved from intervention development through dissemination of results. Results. Two hospitals (and their two associated health centers) and two additional health centers were selected. In 6-months prior to our intervention, 7.7 PPIUDs/month were inserted on average at the selected facilities. From August 2017-July 2018, we trained 83 counselors and 39 providers to provide PPIUD services. N=9,020 women received one-on-one PPIUD counseling after expressing interest in family planning who later delivered at a selected health facility. Of those, n=2,575 had PPIUDs inserted (average of 214.6 insertions/month), a 29% uptake. Most PPIUDs (62%) were inserted within 10 minutes of delivery of the placenta. Conclusions. This successful, comprehensive intervention has the potential to make a significant impact on PPIUD uptake in Rwanda. The intervention is scalable and adaptable to other sub-Saharan African countries.

Self-administered vaginal lidocaine gel for pain management with intrauterine device insertion: a blinded, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A major barrier to intrauterine device use is fear of pain during insertion. Trials exploring analgesic interventions for intrauterine device insertion have yielded mixed results, and no standardized pain management guidelines currently exist for this procedure. In an abortion-related study, self-administered lidocaine gel over a prolonged time interval showed promise as a method of pain control.

OBJECTIVE(S)

The objective of the study was to assess pain control with intrauterine device insertion after patient-administered lidocaine gel compared with placebo.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a randomized, blinded trial of women undergoing levonorgestrel or copper intrauterine device insertion in an outpatient gynecology clinic between July 2016 and April 2017. Participants self-administered either 20 mL of 2% lidocaine gel or placebo gel vaginally at least 15 minutes prior to intrauterine device insertion. No other analgesics were administered. The primary outcome was pain during intrauterine device insertion, measured on a 100-mm visual analog scale (0 being no pain and 100 being worst pain imaginable). Secondary outcomes included anticipated and baseline pain and pain with speculum insertion and tenaculum placement. In a postprocedure questionnaire, participants reported acceptability of vaginal gel and willingness to wait for pain control. Median values were assessed because of the nonnormal distribution of visual analog scale scores using the Mann-Whitney U test. Predictors of intrauterine device insertion pain were assessed using a multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

In total, 220 women were randomized and 215 were included in analysis (108 in lidocaine gel, 107 in placebo gel groups). Median (range) time from gel administration to speculum insertion was 21 (14-74) and 20 (12-43) minutes in the lidocaine and placebo groups, respectively (P = .13). The median pain scores during intrauterine device insertion were not significantly different: 65 (1-99) mm in the lidocaine group and 59 (5-100) mm in the placebo group (P = .09). Among secondary outcome time points, only median pain scores at speculum insertion were significantly different between the lidocaine and placebo groups (7 [0-81] mm vs 11 [0-80] mm, respectively; P = .046). Anticipated pain and menstrual pain were both predictors of pain with intrauterine device insertion. The majority of women in both groups found the amount of vaginal leakage following gel insertion to be acceptable (>80%). Ninety-two percent of participants (n = 194) stated they would be willing to wait before intrauterine device placement for a potential analgesic effect.

CONCLUSION

Self-administered lidocaine gel at least 15 minutes before intrauterine device insertion does not appear to reduce pain compared with placebo but may help with speculum insertion. We found that women are willing to extend visit time to gain pain control. Self-administration of local anesthetic is acceptable to patients and should be considered in future research.

Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Perforating the Cecum, a Pregnancy Complication?

Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is a widely used method of contraception worldwide. Displacement of the IUCD extrauterine, by perforating the uterus and migration, is a serious complication following its insertion. We reported an extremely rare case of a 24-year-old female patient found to have a copper T 380A IUCD displaced from its normal site to be embedded into the cecum, suggested to have occurred during pregnancy, and being successfully removed laparoscopically.

Promotion of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Among Adolescents and Young Adults

INTRODUCTION

Intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants are recommended as first-line contraceptives by health care professional societies. However, uptake among US women lags substantially behind other developed countries. Little information is available on the extent to which clinicians document discussion about long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in this patient population. We sought to determine the frequency with which clinicians document LARC discussion with eligible women aged 14 to 25 years in a training clinic and evaluate factors associated with LARC discussion and uptake.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all visits of nonpregnant women aged 14 to 25 years seen at an obstetrics and gynecology resident physician clinic during a calendar year. A logistic regression model was used to assess demographic factors associated with LARC education and uptake.

RESULTS

Among 450 visits by eligible patients, LARC discussion was documented during 47.8% (215/450) of visits. Among visits with documentation of LARC counseling, 45.6% (98/215) had documentation of a LARC placement plan. Among patients who decided to initiate LARC, 40.8% (40/98) had a device placed at the same visit. LARC placement was documented during 8.9% (40/450) of visits. Clinicians documented LARC counseling for women aged 14 to 19 years more frequently than for women aged 20 to 25 years. Compared with women who did not use any method of contraception, clinicians documented LARC counseling less frequently for women who used short-term hormonal contraception.

DISCUSSION

Clinicians in a training clinic did not document LARC counseling for more than half of eligible patients. Every clinical visit is an opportunity to assess risk of unintended pregnancy and ensure that contraceptive needs are addressed.

Medicaid savings from the Contraceptive CHOICE Project: a cost-savings analysis

BACKGROUND

Forty-five percent of births in the United States are unintended, and the costs of unintended pregnancy and birth are substantial. Clinical and policy interventions that increase access to the most effective reversible contraceptive methods (intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants) have potential to generate significant cost savings. Evidence of cost savings for these interventions is needed.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to conduct a cost-savings analysis of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project, which provided counseling and no-cost contraception, to demonstrate the value of investment in enhanced contraceptive care to the Missouri Medicaid program.

STUDY DESIGN

The Contraceptive CHOICE Project was a prospective cohort study of 9256 reproductive-age women who were enrolled between 2007 and 2011. Study follow-up was completed October 2013. This analysis includes 5061 Contraceptive CHOICE Project participants who were current Missouri Medicaid beneficiaries or were uninsured and reported household incomes <201% of the federal poverty line. We created a simulated comparison group of women who were receiving care through the Missouri Title X program and modeled the contraception and pregnancy outcomes that would have occurred in the absence of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project. Data about contraceptive use for the comparison group (N=5061) were obtained from the Missouri Title X program and adjusted based on age, race, ethnicity, and income. To make an accurate comparison that would account for the difference in the 2 populations, we used our simulation model to estimate total Contraceptive CHOICE Project costs and total comparison group costs. We reported all costs in 2013 dollars to account for inflation.

RESULTS

Among the Contraceptive CHOICE Project participants who were included, the uptake of intrauterine devices and implants was 76.1% compared with 4.8% among the comparison group. The estimated contraceptive cost for the simulated Contraceptive CHOICE Project group was $4.0 million vs $2.3 million for the comparison group. The estimated numbers of unintended pregnancies and births averted among the simulated Contraceptive CHOICE Project group compared with the comparison group were 927 and 483, respectively, which represented a savings in pregnancy and maternity care of $6.7 million. We estimated that the total cost savings for the state of Missouri attributable to the Contraceptive CHOICE Project was $5.0 million (40.7%) over the project duration.

CONCLUSION

A program providing counseling and no-cost contraception yields substantial cost savings because of the increased uptake of highly effective contraception and consequent averted unintended pregnancy and birth.

Experience with intrauterine device insertion in never sexually active adolescents: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine devices can offer both contraceptive and noncontraceptive benefits to never sexually active adolescents. There are increasing data on intrauterine device use in adolescents; however, most data on intrauterine devices in adolescents are related to contraceptive use. There is very limited literature on intrauterine device placement in adolescents who have never been sexually active.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare intrauterine device insertion success between never sexually active and sexually active cohorts.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients aged 10-20 years with attempted intrauterine device insertion at a children's hospital between October 2015 and September 2017.

RESULTS

A total of 210 patients were included, of whom 82 were never sexually active. Never sexually active adolescents were younger at insertion (15.6 vs 16.7 years, P < .001), more likely to have at least 1 medical problem (75.6% vs 54.7%, P = .046), and to have special needs (23.2% vs 4.7%, P < .001). Never sexually active adolescents were less likely to have intrauterine device insertion performed in the office setting (52.4% vs 94.5%, P < .001). There was no significant difference in success of intrauterine device insertion on the first attempt (90.2% vs 96.1%, P = .086). In a subanalysis of office insertions alone, never sexually active adolescents were more likely to have an unsuccessful intrauterine device insertion (16.3% vs 4.3%, P = .015) and less likely to tolerate the procedure well (81.4% vs 94.2%, P = .026).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study describing intrauterine device insertion in never sexually active patients. Although office success rates were lower, intrauterine device insertion in never sexually active adolescents was very successful overall, and intrauterine devices should be offered to this population.

Contraceptive use and the risk of sexually transmitted infection: systematic review and current perspectives

Purpose

Evidence on the association between contraceptive use and risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) is lacking, with few prospective studies. We systematically reviewed the last 10 years' evidence on the association between contraception and STI/BV, building on the most recent systematic reviews published in 2006 and 2009.

Methods

We searched the MEDLINE and POPLINE databases for peer-reviewed articles p ublished between January 1, 2008 and January 31, 2018 reporting prospective studies that assessed the association between contraceptive use and incident STI and/or incident or recurrent BV.

Results

We identified 33 articles that evaluated combined oral contraceptives (COC), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), the copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD), the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and other methods. The strength of the evidence for many specific contraceptive method/STI associations is limited by few prospective studies with comparably defined exposures and outcomes. Available data suggest no association of COCs and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, HSV-2 or syphilis, and mixed evidence on the association with HPV, Chlamydia trachomatis, and BV. For DMPA, none of the studies identified found an association with N. gonorrhoeae or syphilis, and data on C. trachomatis, T. vaginalis, HPV and BV were mixed. Two large studies showed a highly clinically significant increased risk of HSV-2 infection with DMPA use. Data on the effect of Cu-IUD and the LNG-IUS on the acquisition of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis are sparse, and data on HPV and BV are mixed.

Conclusion

Few data are available from prospective studies, including randomized trials, to draw strong conclusions about the relationships between contraceptive methods and specific STIs. The overall evidence on the association between contraceptive use and STI/BV risk is limited by the lack of any randomized trials, few published prospective studies designed to analyze these associations, wide variability in exposure definitions and comparator groups, potential for confounding due to inaccurate sexual behavior data, differential confounder adjustment and differences in study populations and sizes. Despite these limitations, new evidence is supportive of a significantly increased risk of HSV-2 infection among DMPA users which warrants additional research to better understand this association.

Current contraceptive trends among married Egyptian women: a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of married Egyptian women towards the different methods of contraception, examining the role of employment and education in modulating contraceptive behaviour.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2360 Egyptian women between 15 and 45 years of age who were attending outpatient clinics at a university hospital in Cairo between August 2017 and January 2018. The survey collected sociodemographic data as well as information on education, employment, knowledge about contraceptive methods, current and previous use of contraception, source of family planning advice and side effects from previous contraceptive use.

RESULTS

The response rate was 90.2%. Current use of a contraceptive method was 38.3%. The intrauterine device (IUD) was the leading contraceptive method (50.7%), followed by oral contraceptives (OCs) (23.6%). Contraceptive prevalence was significantly higher among working women (p < .001), whose primary choice was OCs, while IUD use was significantly higher among non-working women (p < .001). Contraceptive prevalence was highest among women with secondary school education or higher (41.6%).

CONCLUSION

Both employment status and educational level of the surveyed women played a significant role in their contraceptive behaviour.

Clinical Value of 3-Dimensional Ultrasound in Gynecology

This report provides examples of using 3-dimensional ultrasound diagnostically in gynecology. The cost efficiency it provides and the wide range of applications it has support the routine use of this ultrasound technology in the practice of gynecology.