Sexually Transmitted Infections and Contraceptive Use in Adolescents

Contraceptive effects on the cervicovaginal microbiome: Recent evidence including randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Until recently, most data regarding the effects of non-barrier contraceptives on the mucosal microbiome have derived from observational studies, which are potentially biased due to behavioral confounders that may mask their true biological effects.

METHOD OF STUDY

This narrative review summarises recent evidence of the effect of contraceptives on the cervicovaginal microbiome, emphasising data obtained through randomized trials.

RESULTS

Good quality data describe that initiation of long-acting progestin-only contraceptives, including levonorgestrel (LNG)-implant and the injectables depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) and norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) do not alter the mucosal microbial environment. Likewise, no strong evidence exists that the use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) is associated with alterations of the vaginal microbiome or increased risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Limited data on the effect of intravaginal rings (IVRs) on the mucosal environment exist and show conflicting effects on the vaginal microbiota. Copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) initiation has been associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) acquisition, including in a randomized trial. LNG-IUDs may have similar affects but need to be evaluated further.

CONCLUSION

Different synthetic hormones have divergent effects on the microbiome and therefore novel hormonal methods need to be rigorously evaluated. Furthermore, the addition of antiretrovirals into multipurpose technologies may alter the effects of the hormonal component. There is thus a critical need to improve our understanding of the biological effects of contraceptive hormones and delivery methods with different pharmacokinetic and chemical properties on the mucosal microbiome in rigorous trials, to inform the development of novel contraceptives and improve individual family planning guidance.

Long-acting reversible contraception and condom use: A cohort study of female adolescents and young adults in New York City

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine whether condom use varied between adolescents and young women using long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) vs non-LARC hormonal methods and assess if the initiation of LARC was associated with lower condom use.

STUDY DESIGN

This study used data from a large longitudinal study of sexually active females aged 13-25 years. Questionnaires assessed contraception, condom use, sexual history, and partner characteristics at the baseline visit and every 6 months. Log-binomial regression analyses examined associations between hormonal contraceptive methods and condom use, and the moderating effects of age and number of sexual partners. Exploratory analyses compared condom use based on partner characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 1512 participants, 1116 reported LARC or non-LARC hormonal method use during any study visit. Among baseline and new LARC users, 75.7% and 84.7% reported intrauterine device (IUD) use, respectively. Condom use at baseline among hormonal non-LARC users (37.5%) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than LARC users (23.5%). Condom use among LARC vs non-LARC users was moderated by age in that LARC was associated with lower condom use among participants aged 13-18 years, but not those aged 19-25 years. Number of sexual partners was not a significant moderator. Among participants with increased sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk based on partner characteristics, LARC users had lower condom use compared to non-LARC users.

CONCLUSIONS

Condom discontinuation was common following initiation of LARC and hormonal non-LARC methods. However, condom use was lower in LARC users at baseline, among younger adolescents, and if partners had risk factors for STIs.

IMPLICATIONS

Condom discontinuation following initiation of highly effective contraception increases the risk of STI. Young women using LARC may be at greater risk than non-LARC users given lower condom use despite having partners with risk factors for STIs. Condom use counseling for STI protection is critical for adolescents.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception, Condom Use, and Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Given mixed findings regarding the relationship between long-acting reversible contraception and condom use, this systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes studies comparing sexually transmitted infection‒related outcomes between users of long-acting reversible contraception (intrauterine devices, implants) and users of moderately effective contraceptive methods (oral contraceptives, injectables, patches, rings).

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Global Health, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched for articles published between January 1990 and July 2018. Eligible studies included those that (1) were published in the English language, (2) were published in a peer-reviewed journal, (3) reported empirical, quantitative analyses, and (4) compared at least 1 outcome of interest (condom use, sexual behaviors other than condom use, sexually transmitted infection‒related service receipt, or sexually transmitted infections/HIV) between users of long-acting reversible contraception and users of moderately effective methods. In 2020, pooled ORs were calculated for condom use, chlamydia/gonorrhea infection, and trichomoniasis infection; findings for other outcomes were synthesized qualitatively. The protocol is registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42018109489).

RESULTS

A total of 33 studies were included. Long-acting reversible contraception users had decreased odds of using condoms compared with oral contraceptive users (OR=0.43, 95% CI=0.30, 0.63) and injectable, patch, or ring users (OR=0.58, 95% CI=0.48, 0.71); this association remained when limited to adolescents and young adults only. Findings related to multiple sex partners were mixed, and only 2 studies examined sexually transmitted infection testing, reporting mainly null findings. Pooled estimates for chlamydia and/or gonorrhea were null, but long-acting reversible contraception users had increased odds of trichomoniasis infection compared with oral contraceptive users (OR=2.01, 95% CI=1.11, 3.62).

DISCUSSION

Promoting condom use specifically for sexually transmitted infection prevention may be particularly important among long-acting reversible contraception users at risk for sexually transmitted infections, including adolescents and young adults.

The combination of medical devices and medicinal products revisited from the new European legal framework

Medical devices and medicinal products have many similarities in their nature, scope or specific medical purposes, and despite the differences in their principal means of action, they are often used in combination. Indeed, many medicinal products depend on medical devices for their administration, and it is increasingly common for medical devices to contain medicinal substances to support their action. Therefore, the combination of medicinal products and medical devices provides additional benefits for patients. However, their higher technical complexity requires a strengthening of their authorisation and certification requirements. In this regard, more comprehensive requirements and classification rules are introduced by a new European regulation on medical devices that fully applies from May 26^th 2021. On account of their therapeutic significance, this review aims at gaining insight into the borderline between medical devices and medicinal products in this new 2021 regulatory framework. For the first time, any item containing a medical device and a medicinal product will have both parts evaluated. Through exemplification of both marketed and investigational devices incorporating medicinal substances and drug-device combinations, the new European requirements and their implications are thoroughly illustrated herein.

Adolescents and long-acting reversible contraceptives: beyond the basics

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current article explores some of the more complex subtopics concerning adolescents and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC).

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research has highlighted ways in which LARC provision can be optimized in adolescents and has identified gaps in adolescent LARC access and utilization.

SUMMARY

Contraceptive counseling for adolescents should be patient-centered, not necessarily LARC-first, to avoid coercion. There are increasing applications for the noncontraceptive benefits of LARC for several unique patient populations and medical conditions.