Contraception options: Aspects unique to adolescent and young adult

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Knowledge Among Female Adolescents Presenting to a Pediatric Emergency Department

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess awareness and use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) among female adolescents presenting to a pediatric emergency department (PED).

STUDY DESIGN

During routine presentation to an urban PED in New Jersey, female adolescents, aged 15-19 years, were asked to voluntarily complete an electronic survey about sexual practices and contraception. The PED is in an urban teaching hospital, treating 35,000 children annually. Patients could schedule a follow-up appointment at the hospital's obstetrics/gynecology clinic. Data were collected over 13 months, and follow-up was monitored to determine if they attended an outpatient appointment, and if so, what the outcome was.

RESULTS

Data for 199 participants were analyzed. The median age of participants was 18 years, whereas 79% self-identified as Black, and 17.6% self-identified as Latina. Twenty-one percent of participants used a form of birth control during their first sexual encounter, the largest percentage being condoms (77.8%). Forty percent of participants reported some prior knowledge about contraceptive implants, and 20% had knowledge about intrauterine devices, whereas only 3 (1.5%) intrauterine devices and 2 (1%) arm implants had been previously used. Of the 78 participants that requested a follow-up, 14 (17.9%) completed their appointment. Of those, 2 (14%) were prescribed contraception (Depo-Provera shot and oral contraceptive pills).

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge about LARC remains low in our PED, despite it being the most effective method of contraception. Even when interventions were made to link interested respondents to outpatient women's health services, follow-up attendance was poor, and no patients obtained LARC. There is a significant discrepancy between the consensus standard of contraception care across all relevant medical specialties and current utilization by high-risk populations. Future efforts must focus on how to close this gap, and the ED could be pivotal for improving both reproductive health education and intervention among adolescent patients.

Determinants of Contraceptive Options among Postpartum Women Attending Selected Health Care Facilities in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Differences in availability and choices of contraceptive methods among postpartum women have been found to influence their quality of life as the fertility rate is very high, and the contraceptive usage rate persistently remains low in Nigeria.

Objectives

This study assessed the determinants of contraceptive options among postpartum women in Nigeria.

Methods

Two Local Governments were randomly selected from the four Local Governments. Within these two local governments, five health facilities were selected. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the 240 respondents, while a structured questionnaire was used to collect data.

Results

Findings from the study indicated that 81.7% of the respondents have planned to have their current baby, and about 65.4% of the women have resumed sexual activities since delivery. Of those who have resumed sexual activities, the majority, 91.1% did so 6 weeks after delivery. Some form of contraceptive usage was prominent among 59.2% of the respondents, as the most common contraceptive method used was withdrawal (24.8%). Contraceptive prevalence was slightly lower for urban respondents than rural respondents, although the relationship was not significant. Also, there was a statistically significant relationship between the current use of contraceptives and resumption of sexual activities since delivery (p = .001), resumption of menstruation (p = .001), and information received about postpartum family planning (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

Findings from this study emphasize the urgent need for enhanced accessibility and availability of contraceptive methods, with a parallel emphasis on targeted interventions and effective communication strategies to promote contraceptive uptake and family planning. Addressing these determinants is vital in improving postpartum women's overall quality of life in the study area.

Emergency contraception - A review

Emergency contraception (EC), or postcoital contraception, is a therapy aimed at preventing unintended pregnancy after an act of unprotected or under-protected sexual intercourse. Options include both emergency contraceptive pills (most commonly containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate) and insertion of an intrauterine device. The aim of this paper is to summarize current evidence surrounding the use of emergency contraceptives and to present an evidence-based approach to EC provision. Emergency contraception is a safe and effective option in preventing unwanted pregnancy, irrespective of age, weight, or breastfeeding status. Efforts should be made to increase their availability, as well as knowledge of these methods, both among patients and healthcare providers.

Five-year Contraceptive Use of 52-mg Levonorgestrel Releasing Intrauterine System in Young Women, Menstrual Patterns, and New Contraceptive Choice

OBJECTIVE

 To evaluate the continuation rates of the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) during the first 5 years of use, reasons for its discontinuation, bleeding patterns, and new contraceptive choice after the 5th year, in adolescents and young women.

METHODS

 The present study was a 5-year prospective cohort conducted in a Family Planning Service of a tertiary hospital in Brazil. We selected 100 healthy women between 15 and 24 years old who used 52-mg LNG-IUS for contraception. The clinical follow-up of these women took place from June 2017 to December 2022. The study evaluated the continuation rates of the method, reasons for its discontinuation, bleeding patterns, and new contraceptive choice after the 5th year. Continuous data were reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and range (minimum-maximum). Categorical variables were described as percentages.

RESULTS

 The continuation rates of LNG-IUS were 89.1% (82/92), 82.9% (72/87), 75.3% (64/85), 70.5% (60/85), and 64.2% (54/84) in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th years of use, respectively. The main reason for discontinuation was acne (11/30). Amenorrhea rates were 50, 54.1, 39, 35.7, and 51.8% at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months, respectively. All patients who completed the study and needed contraception after the 5th year opted for long-acting contraceptive methods (LARC).

CONCLUSION

 The LNG-IUS showed high continuation rates in adolescents and young women in the first 5 years of use. Most patients who completed the study chose a LARC method after the 5th year.

Adolescents' Perceptions of Sexuality: A Qualitative Study

Adolescents have a greater risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which is a serious public health problem. Education is an effective strategy to improve adolescent sexual health outcomes. However, Spanish adolescents have a lack of sex education. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and opinions of a sample of adolescents regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Photovoice is a research method that uses the search for images of everyday events with the intention of bringing about social change. An exploratory, descriptive design was used with a qualitative approach based on the Photovoice methodology. The sample consisted of 26 high school and baccalaureate students of Almería (Spain) selected through a convenience sample. The age of the participants ranged from 14 to 17 years, with a mean age of 15.31 years. Two main categories were extracted from the data analysis: 'Towards a culture of preventing STIs and promoting healthy sexual practices' and 'Adolescents' needs from their perspective'. In conclusion, numerous changes take place at the biopsychosocial level during adolescence that imply a need to explore their sexuality in depth. A lack of knowledge and a carefree attitude during sexual initiation can increase the risk of developing STIs. The study's adolescents stated that they do not have adequate sex education to acquire sufficient knowledge about sexuality and sexual health, and therefore, request that the traditional format be modified in order to achieve better results.

[Contraceptive mix and factors associated with the type of method used by Brazilian women: a population-based cross-sectional study]

This study aims to describe the contraceptive mix and analyze the factors associated with the type of contraceptive used by Brazilian women of reproductive age. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study with data from 19,962 women aged 15 to 49 years. The outcomes were use and type of contraceptive, classified as: short-acting reversible contraceptives (SARC), long-acting (LARC), and permanent. The explanatory variables were characteristics of reproductive history, sociodemographic history, and access to health services. Multinomial logistic regression was used for odds ratio (OR) estimates, with SARC being the reference category. The analyses were performed in the Survey module of the Stata software, which considered the effect of the complex sampling plan of the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey. The prevalence of contraceptive use was 83.7%. Of the total number of users, 72% used SARC, 23.2% permanent methods, and 4.8% LARC. Women with higher education, health insurance, who had deliveries, and who participated in reproductive planning groups had a higher chance of using LARC when compared with the use of SARC, while registration at the basic health unit was associated with a lower chance of use. Still, the higher the age and parity, in addition to living with the partner, the greater the chance of using permanent methods in relation to the use of SARC. Despite the high coverage of contraception, the contraceptive mix remains obsolete, with a predominance of the use of SARC. In addition, important inequalities in access were observed, with LARC being accessible only to women with better socioeconomic conditions, while permanent methods were associated with a profile of greater social vulnerability.

Why are pediatricians uncomfortable with prescribing emergency contraception for adolescents?

OBJECTIVE

Emergency contraception (EC) is an effective and safe method for preventing unplanned pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse among adolescents but is infrequently prescribed by pediatricians. Because of the scarcity of data on the discomfort with EC prescription among physicians in Brazil, this study aimed to identify associated factors with discomfort with EC prescription among pediatricians in the state of Amazonas.

METHODS

A web-based, cross-sectional study including sociodemographic data, knowledge, attitudes, and discomfort with EC prescription was used. Multivariate logistic regression and artificial intelligence methods such as decision tree and random forest analysis were used to identify factors associated with discomfort with EC prescriptions.

RESULTS

Among 151 physicians who responded to the survey, 53.0% were uncomfortable with prescribing EC, whereas only 33.1% had already prescribed it. Inexperience was significantly associated with discomfort with EC prescription (odds ratio 4.47, 95% confidence interval 1.71-11.66). Previous EC prescription was protective against discomfort with EC prescription in the three models.

CONCLUSIONS

EC is still infrequently prescribed by pediatricians because of inexperience and misconceptions. Training these professionals needs to be implemented as part of public health policies to reduce unplanned adolescent pregnancy.

Continuous body temperature as a window into adolescent development

Continuous body temperature is a rich source of information on hormonal status, biological rhythms, and metabolism, all of which undergo stereotyped change across adolescence. Due to the direct actions of these dynamic systems on body temperature regulation, continuous temperature may be uniquely suited to monitoring adolescent development and the impacts of exogenous reproductive hormones or peptides (e.g., hormonal contraception, puberty blockers, gender affirming hormone treatment). This mini-review outlines how traditional methods for monitoring the timing and tempo of puberty may be augmented by markers derived from continuous body temperature. These features may provide greater temporal precision, scalability, and reduce reliance on self-report, particularly in females. Continuous body temperature data can now be gathered with ease across a variety of wearable form factors, providing the opportunity to develop tools that aid in individual, parental, clinical, and researcher awareness and education.

Relationship Between Dating Violence and Contraceptive Use Among Texas Adolescents

The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade has the potential to adversely impact reproductive health among adolescents experiencing unplanned pregnancies from dating violence. We examined the associations between contraceptive use and dating violence among Texas high schoolers in the years leading up to this new law. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System data from Texas 9th to 12th graders from 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2019 were analyzed. Multinomial logistic regression analyses examined the association between contraceptive use and key descriptive predictors (physical and/or sexual dating violence, survey year, age, sex, and race/ethnic group). Eleven percent of Texas adolescents surveyed reported experiencing either physical or sexual dating violence and 2% reported experiencing both types of violence. Those who experienced any dating violence were significantly more likely to report not using contraception versus those who did not experience violence (12.5% vs. 68.3%, p = 0.01). Adolescents who experienced any type of dating violence were more likely to report using hormonal contraception, condom use, or withdrawal versus those who did not experience dating violence. Hispanic adolescents were 63% more likely than their ethnic group counterparts to use no contraception (odds ratio [OR] 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.11-2.40]). A significant proportion of Texas adolescents reported experiencing dating violence, and this group also reported higher noncontraception use versus those not experiencing dating violence. Given new strict Texas antiabortion laws, dating violence prevention and contraceptive use promotion to prevent unwanted reproductive outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancies are imperative in this age group.

Contraceptive methods in adolescence: a narrative review of guidelines

PURPOSE

Adolescent pregnancy, while recently in decline, remains a matter in need of addressing. Education and counselling are deemed crucial and this review aims at comparing published contraceptive guidelines, thus resolving any surrounding misconceptions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Recently published contraception guidelines regarding adolescent pregnancy were retrieved. In particular, guidelines and recommendations from ACOG, RCOG, SOCG, AAP, CPS, NICE, CDC, and WHO were compared and reviewed based on each guideline's method of reporting.

RESULTS

Three categories of contraceptive methods are available for adolescents and recommendations on their initiation should be made based on their efficacy, according to all guidelines. Therefore, long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) should be highly recommended as the most effective method (typical use failure rate: 0.05%), followed by short-acting hormonal contraceptives (typical use failure rate: 3-9%). The third contraceptive option includes contraceptives used in the moment of intercourse and displays the lowest effectiveness (typical use failure rate: 12-25%), mostly due to its dependence on personal consistency, however offers protection against STI transmission.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents should be encouraged to initiate contraception, with LARCs being the primary choice followed by short-acting hormonal contraception. However, regardless of the chosen effective contraceptive method, the use of condom is necessary for STI prevention.

Are Illinois Contraceptive Providers Comfortable Providing Care to Adolescents? Results From a Statewide Provider Needs Assessment

OBJECTIVES

Legislation allows adolescents to access comprehensive contraceptive care; however, provider practices remain unclear. We examined predictors of provider knowledge and comfort surrounding the provision of contraceptive care to adolescents.

METHODS

We mailed a survey to Illinois contraceptive providers (n = 251). Study outcomes include 1) knowledge of adolescent consent laws, 2) comfort asking for time alone with adolescents, 3) comfort providing contraception to adolescents without parental consent, and 4) comfort providing long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) to adolescents without parental consent. Using multivariable logistic regression, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Most providers are knowledgeable of consent laws (90%) and report being comfortable asking for time alone with adolescents (94%) and comfortable providing contraception to adolescents without parental consent (88%). Having a large proportion of patients who are eligible for family planning services was associated with increased comfort asking for time alone with adolescents (aOR, 7.03; 95% CI, 1.58-31.3) and providing contraception to adolescents (aOR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.4-11.1). Only one-half (54%) were comfortable providing LARC methods to adolescents, with higher comfort among providers who: received more than 2 days of formal family planning training (aOR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.2-6.2), specialized in obstetrics-gynecology (aOR, 5.64; 95% CI, 2.1-15.1), and had a patient population with more than 50% patients from minoritized racial/ethnic groups (aOR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2-6.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Although knowledge of consent laws was high, gaps remain. Only one-half of our sample indicated comfort with the provision of LARC methods without parental consent. Additional efforts to increase provider comfort with all contraceptive methods and training on adolescent-centered practices may be required to meet the needs of adolescent patients.

Declines in Pregnancies among U.S. Adolescents from 2007 to 2017: Behavioral Contributors to the Trend

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Adolescent pregnancies and births in the United States have undergone dramatic declines in recent decades. We aimed to estimate the contribution of changes in 3 proximal behaviors to these declines among 14- to 18-year-olds for 2007-2017: 1) delays in age at first sexual intercourse, 2) declines in number of sexual partners, and 3) changes in contraceptive use, particularly uptake of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

DESIGN

We adapted an existing iterative dynamic population model and parameterized it using 6 waves of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Risk Behavior Survey. We compared pregnancies from observed behavioral trends with counterfactual scenarios that assumed constant behaviors over the decade. We calculated outcomes by cause, year, and age.

RESULTS

We found that changes in these behaviors could explain pregnancy reductions of 496,200, 78,500, and 40,700 over the decade, respectively, with total medical and societal cost savings of $9.71 billion, $1.54 billion, and $796 million. LARC adoption, particularly among 18-year-olds, could explain much of the improvement from contraception use. The 3 factors together did not fully explain observed birth declines; adding a 50% decline in sex acts per partner did.

CONCLUSIONS

Delays in first sexual intercourse contributed the most to declining births over this decade, although all behaviors considered had major effects. Differences from earlier models could result from differences in years and ages covered. Evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs, including comprehensive sex education, youth-friendly reproductive health services, and parental and community support, can continue to address these drivers and reduce teen pregnancy.

Natural progress history of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis in Chinese Han women and associated risk factors

OBJECTIVE

Asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (aBV) is prevalent in the general population, while a previous study only investigated the natural history of aBV in women at high-risk. This stage study was to investigate the natural history of aBV in Chinese Han women at general risk and examine risk factors associated with different outcomes.

METHODS

Women of reproductive age with aBV were enrolled and prospectively followed up with for four months. Participants were classified into one of three outcomes: progress, self-cure or no-change. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the association between potential risk factors and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 3420 subjects were screened and 1014 women with aBV were enrolled. Eventually, 984 participants completed the study, with 30 patients dropped out. Among the 984 cases, 42 cases self-cured spontaneously, while 433 cases progressed and 509 cases did not change significantly. Of the 433 cases that progressed, several types of mixed infections were observed in addition to 196 symptomatic bacterial vaginosis. According to univariate analysis, frequent travel (OR, 95% CI, 2.73 [2.09 ~ 3.55]) and history of bacterial vaginosis (BV) (5.47, [4.15 ~ 7.21]) exhibited significant associations with aBV progression, while condom contraception (0.46 [0.36 ~ 0.61]) and lower Nugent score (0.49, [0.37 ~ 0.64]) demonstrated protective effects for self-cure. According to multivariate regression analysis, the risk factors for aBV progression were history of BV (6.67, [4.86 ~ 9.15]) and frequent travel (3.57, 2.59 ~ 4.92). Condom contraception (0.36, 0.26 ~ 0.49) exhibited a protective effect against aBV progression.

CONCLUSION

Without intervention, a large proportion of aBV would progress, compared to the very few patients whose aBV self-cured spontaneously. It is necessary to clinically intervene aBV patients. Condom utilization can be used as an effective method to improve the outcome of aBV.

Sex Differences in Pubertal Circadian and Ultradian Rhythmic Development Under Semi-naturalistic Conditions

Biological rhythms in core body temperature (CBT) provide informative markers of adolescent development under controlled laboratory conditions. However, it is unknown whether these markers are preserved under more variable, semi-naturalistic conditions, and whether CBT may therefore prove useful in a real-world setting. To evaluate this possibility, we examined fecal steroid concentrations and CBT rhythms from pre-adolescence (p26) through early adulthood (p76) in intact male and female Wistar rats under natural light and climate at the Stephen Glickman Field Station for the Study of Behavior, Ecology and Reproduction. Despite greater environmental variability, CBT markers of pubertal onset and its rhythmic progression were comparable with those previously reported in laboratory conditions in female rats and extend actigraphy-based findings in males. Specifically, sex differences emerged in CBT circadian rhythm (CR) power and amplitude prior to pubertal onset and persisted into early adulthood, with females exhibiting elevated CBT and decreased CR power compared with males. Within-day (ultradian rhythm [UR]) patterns also exhibited a pronounced sex difference associated with estrous cyclicity. Pubertal onset, defined by vaginal opening, preputial separation, and sex steroid concentrations, occurred later than previously reported under lab conditions for both sexes. Vaginal opening and increased fecal estradiol concentrations were closely tied to the commencement of 4-day oscillations in CBT and UR power. By contrast, preputial separation and the first rise in testosterone concentration were not associated with adolescent changes to CBT rhythms in male rats. Together, males and females exhibited unique temporal patterning of CBT and sex steroids across pubertal development, with tractable associations between hormonal concentrations, external development, and temporal structure in females. The preservation of these features outside the laboratory supports CBT as a strong candidate for translational pubertal monitoring under semi-naturalistic conditions in females.

How Does Contraceptive Use Affect Women's Sexuality? A Novel Look at Sexual Acceptability

Among the components of a healthy life, sexuality is essential, contributing to both the psychophysical and social well-being of women and, consequently, to their quality of life. A poorly investigated standpoint is the acceptability of contraceptive methods, both in terms of their tolerability and metabolic neutrality and in terms of their impact on sexual life. In this context, we will provide an overview of the different methods of contraception and their effects on female sexuality, from biological changes to organic, social, and psychological factors, which can all shape sexuality. A MEDLINE/PubMed review of the literature between 2010 and 2021 was conducted using the following key words and phrases: hormonal contraception, contraceptives, female sexual function, libido, sexual arousal and desire, and sexual pain. Recent studies have supported the effects of contraceptives on women's sexuality, describing a variety of positive and negative events in several domains of sexual function (desire, arousal, orgasm, pain, enjoyment). However, satisfaction with sexual activity depends on factors that extend beyond sexual functioning alone. A more holistic approach is needed to better understand the multitude of factors linked to women's sexuality and contraception. Contraceptive counseling must consider these important elements since they are closely related to good compliance and maximize non-contraceptive health benefits.

Prevalence and inequalities in contraceptive use among adolescents and young women: data from a birth cohort in Brazil

Monitoring trends of contraceptive use and identifying the groups with less coverage are needed to guide public policies and make them more efficient. But, in Brazil, recent data about these aspects are limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of contraceptive use and its inequalities during adolescence and early adulthood. Data from the 1993 Pelotas birth cohort, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, were used. At 15, 18 and 22 years, respectively, 335, 1,458 and 1,711 women reported having started their sexual lives and were included in analysis. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were obtained to describe the most used contraceptive methods. Inequalities in modern contraceptive use were evaluated according to wealth index, scholastic backwardness and ethnicity. In all follow-ups, more than 80% of women used at least one modern method. The use of barrier methods decreased with age; at 22 this prevalence was 36.3%. Such use concomitant with other modern methods was lower than 50% in all follow-ups. We observed inequalities in the use of modern contraceptive methods, mainly in barrier methods used with other modern methods. These findings may contribute and improve the public policies in family planning.

Adolescent Development of Biological Rhythms in Female Rats: Estradiol Dependence and Effects of Combined Contraceptives

Adolescence is a period of continuous development, including the maturation of endogenous rhythms across systems and timescales. Although, these dynamic changes are well-recognized, their continuous structure and hormonal dependence have not been systematically characterized. Given the well-established link between core body temperature (CBT) and reproductive hormones in adults, we hypothesized that high-resolution CBT can be applied to passively monitor pubertal development and disruption with high fidelity. To examine this possibility, we used signal processing to investigate the trajectory of CBT rhythms at the within-day (ultradian), daily (circadian), and ovulatory timescales, their dependence on estradiol (E2), and the effects of hormonal contraceptives. Puberty onset was marked by a rise in fecal estradiol (fE2), followed by an elevation in CBT and circadian power. This time period marked the commencement of 4-day rhythmicity in fE2, CBT, and ultradian power marking the onset of the estrous cycle. The rise in circadian amplitude was accelerated by E2 treatment, indicating a role for this hormone in rhythmic development. Contraceptive administration in later adolescence reduced CBT and circadian power and resulted in disruption to 4-day cycles that persisted after discontinuation. Our data reveal with precise temporal resolution how biological rhythms change across adolescence and demonstrate a role for E2 in the emergence and preservation of multiscale rhythmicity. These findings also demonstrate how hormones delivered exogenously in a non-rhythmic pattern can disrupt rhythmic development. These data lay the groundwork for a future in which temperature metrics provide an inexpensive, convenient method for monitoring pubertal maturation and support the development of hormone therapies that better mimic and support human chronobiology.

Möglichkeiten der Kontrazeption bei Übergewicht und Adipositas

Die weltweit steigende Prävalenz von Übergewicht und Adipositas betrifft zunehmend Frauen im fertilen Alter. Ungewollte oder ungeplante Schwangerschaften treten bei Frauen mit Übergewicht häufiger auf, was sowohl auf die mangelnde Anwendung einer effektiven Kontrazeption als auch auf die pathophysiologischen Besonderheiten, die mit einem erhöhten Körperfettanteil einhergehen, zurückzuführen ist. Eine adäquate Kontrazeptionsberatung adipöser Frauen ist daher essenziell für ihre Gesundheit und Lebensqualität. Unter den kombinierten Kontrazeptiva stellen orale Präparate, die Ethinylestradiol und Levonorgestrel (LNG) enthalten, eine effiziente Option dar, vorausgesetzt, es bestehen zusätzlich zum erhöhten Body-Mass-Index (BMI) keine weiteren Risikofaktoren für kardiovaskuläre oder thrombembolische Ereignisse. Rein gestagene Präparate zeichnen sich durch ihre geringen gesundheitlichen Risiken aus. Die Angst vor einer weiteren Gewichtszunahme ist ein häufiger Grund für das Sistieren der Einnahme, wobei dieser Zusammenhang außer für Depot-Medoxyprogesteronacetat für die meisten Präparate wissenschaftlich nicht belegt wurde. Die Wirksamkeit intrauteriner Kontrazeptiva entfaltet sich unabhängig vom Körpergewicht. Als Notfallkontrazeption ist die Einlage eines kupferhaltigen Intrauterinpessars die sicherste Methode, jedoch erheblich aufwendiger und teurer als eine orale Notfallkontrazeption. Die orale Einnahme von Ulipristalacetat 30 mg ist aufgrund der potenteren Ovulationshemmung und der stärkeren Reduktion unerwünschter Schwangerschaften gegenüber LNG 1,5 mg zu bevorzugen.

Virgins at age 26: who are they?

Background Studies on virgins remain scarce. This study explores the characteristics of virgin young adults, the reasons for remaining virgin, and its potential social and health implications.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the 2017 Swiss study on sexual health and behaviour among young adults. A total of 5175 participants (mean age 26 years ± 0.01) were divided into virgins and non-virgins. Virginity was defined as never having had a sexual partner, defined as a person with whom the participant has had sexual contact with or without penetration.

RESULTS

A total of 275 (5.3% (95% CI: 4.7-6.0), 58% males) were virgins. Virgins had higher odds of being male (aOR: 2.27 (95% CI: 1.62-3.17)) and reporting poorer health (1.43 (1.07-1.92)). They had lower odds of living on their own (0.24 (0.18-0.32)), being satisfied with their social life (0.78 (0.72-0.85)), having experimented with substances (e.g. drunkenness, 0.27 (0.19-0.67)) and having used online dating (0.52 (0.26-1.12)) or pornography (0.67 (0.42-0.94)). The main reason for remaining virgin was 'I have not found the right person' for females, and 'I have not had the occasion' for males.

CONCLUSIONS

Among young adults, 1 in 20 is a virgin. Virgins do not seem to have gone through the usual experimentations of adolescence, are less socially driven and reported more health challenges. The main reason for remaining a virgin reveals gender-stereotyped responses. Sexual inactivity among young adults should be considered by health professionals to ensure the absence of distress and open discussion for potential questions.

Barriers and enablers of contraceptive use among adolescent girls and women under 30 years of age in Cambodia: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

Unintended pregnancy and an unmet need for modern contraception remain high among adolescent girls and women in Cambodia. Qualitative descriptive research was conducted to explore the barriers to contraceptive use among young women in urban Cambodia.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 30 adolescent girls and women aged 16-27 years, using purposive and snowball sampling strategies until data saturation was achieved. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and quality-checked. Inductive thematic data analysis was conducted. The results are presented using Bronfenbrenner's theoretical social ecological model.

RESULTS

The emerging major and minor themes indicate misconceptions about hormonal contraception as well as women's preference for using oral contraceptive pills for family planning after an unintended pregnancy. Women had low autonomy in choosing a contraceptive method, as their partners or husbands tended to prefer the withdrawal method. Young women faced cultural and supply chain barriers in accessing short- and long-acting reversible modern contraceptive methods at health centres.

CONCLUSION

Cambodian women aged 16-27 years are a vulnerable group who have low autonomy and sexual and reproductive health literacy and also face gender inequality.

Misconceptions and Unmet Need for Modern Contraception among Cambodian Females: A Mix Methods Study

(1) Background: Women using unreliable traditional contraception need to be included in the proportion of women having an ‘unmet need for modern contraception’ instead of the current classification which presumes they have a ‘met need’. (2) Methods: Mix methods research design comprising initial quantitative analyses utilizing data from the nationally representative 2014 Cambodian Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) for 4823 Cambodian, sexually active females aged 15–29 years. Then a qualitative phase explored knowledge about the menstrual cycle and misconceptions about modern contraception with 30 females aged 15–29 years in urban Cambodia using semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim with quality checks. Purposive and snowball sampling strategies were used until data saturation was reached. Inductive thematic data analysis was conducted; (3) Results: Unmet need for modern contraception increased to 25.4% when traditional contraception users were included. The qualitative themes show women have a lack of information about the menstrual cycle and misconceptions about modern contraception which contributed to increased use of traditional contraception; (4) Conclusion: Major drivers of increased unmet need for modern contraception include lack of literacy, misconceptions and low autonomy to choose modern contraception. Cambodia needs to endorse a policy shift to implement targeted, countrywide sexual and reproductive health literacy and family planning services.

Managing Transition of Care in Adolescent Females with Epilepsy

Transition of care from pediatric epilepsy clinics to adult health care is often a challenging process, especially due to limited availability of relevant guidelines. It carries even more significant implications in specific population subsets such as adolescent females, given a myriad of physiological as well as psychosocial changes seen in this age group. Women with epilepsy face distinct challenges because of hormonal variations on seizures (catamenial epilepsy). Furthermore, seizures and antiepileptic drugs impact menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. These patients are at a higher risk for developing mental health problems, and a close follow-up with appropriate screening for psychiatric disorders is prudent.

Several factors contributing to poor transition of care include limited availability of a multidisciplinary set-up and social-support services, delayed referral to specialist(s), and tendency for treatment nonadherence. In this review, we discuss the current scenario of transition of care in adolescent females with epilepsy and explore avenues for improvement based on our subspecialty clinic experiences. We illustrate the value of interdisciplinary care proactively involving neurologists/epileptologists, primary care physicians, obstetricians–gynecologists, and relevant social services and emphasize shared decision-making, effective contraceptive methods, preconceptual counseling, maintenance of bone-health, and enhanced quality of life.

Contraception use: is everything played at first intercourse?

Objectives The rate of condom and other contraception use varies depending on social, personal and sexual characteristics. We present a study covering various contraceptive means, considering sexual orientation and considering a large panel of co-variables among Swiss resident young adults. Methods Data were obtained from a self-administrated national survey on sexual behavior. Participants (N=4703, 49% males) were divided into three groups based on the mean of contraception used at last intercourse: CONDOM (55.1, 54.3% males), CONTRACEPTIVE (34.3, 43.1% males) and NON-USE (10.5, 50.7% males). By gender, groups were compared on sociodemographic and personal characteristics, contraception used at first intercourse (FI) and sexual life. Results Globally, 90% of participants used a reliable contraception at last intercourse. Compared to the CONDOM group, participants in the CONTRACEPTIVE group were more likely to have already used a contraceptive at FI, and individuals in the NON-USE group were more likely to have had a non-use or to have used a contraceptive only at FI. Conclusions Contraception at FI seems to have a considerable impact on the further use of contraception. It seems thus essential to make all necessary efforts in order to promote the best contraception and protection at FI.

Current Issues and Options for Hormonal Contraception in Adolescents and Young Adult Women With Sickle Cell Disease: An Update for Health Care Professionals

Women with sickle cell disease (SCD) are of particular concern regarding the significantly increased risk of pregnancy-related morbidity, mortality, and adverse outcomes. They have limited knowledge of pregnancy and childbirth risks, as well as of the benefits and risks of contraceptives. Thus, there is an urgent need for appropriate information about reproductive family planning to reduce unintended pregnancy. Any decision regarding the use of contraceptives has to be based on the efficacy and risk/benefit ratio of the method used. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have developed, published, and updated evidence-based guidelines for medical providers for the use of contraceptives in patients with specific medical chronic conditions. This article provides an overview of the present knowledge on the use of contraceptives in women with SCD. We believe that the collaboration between health care professionals (hematologists, obstetricians, endocrinologists, and primary care providers) can play a major role in identifying the safer contraceptive method to abolish the risks of unintended pregnancy and preserve the health status of patients with SCD.

Adolescent Women with Unintended Pregnancy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Reasons for Discontinuation of Contraception

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate the reasons for discontinuation of the last contraceptive method used among adolescent women with a current unintended pregnancy.

DESIGN

Demographic and health, cross-sectional, surveys.

SETTING

Thirty-five low- and middle-income countries.

PARTICIPANTS

We selected 2173 girls aged 15-19 years with a current unintended pregnancy, using a multistage cluster random sampling method.

INTERVENTIONS

A questionnaire administered by trained interviewers, which included sociodemographic as well as individual maternal and contraceptive history, was used to collect data.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The prevalence of contraception utilization and the contribution of each reason for contraceptive discontinuation before the current unintended pregnancies.

RESULTS

Almost three-quarters of adolescent women were not using any contraception before the current unintended pregnancy, and less than 1 in 100 was using a long-acting modern method. Among girls who last used a traditional method, 111/150 (74.0%) discontinued because of failure. Among girls who last used a long-acting modern method, 7/11 (63.6%) discontinued because of health concerns and side effects.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that approximately 80.0% of adolescent women with an unintended pregnancy in 35 low- and middle-income countries were either nonusers or using traditional methods. An additional 20.4% were using a short-acting modern method. Long-acting methods would have prevented the overwhelming majority of unintended pregnancies, including the vast numbers from contraceptive failure.

Using Social Ecological Theory to Identify Factors Associated With Risky Sexual Behavior in Cambodian Adolescent Girls and Young Women Aged 10 to 24 Years: A Systematic Review

There is an increase in risky sexual behavior (RSB) in Cambodian female youth aged 10 to 24 years, which can contribute to detrimental sexual and reproductive health due to the increased risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, or abortions. Bronfenbrenner’s social ecological model was used to identify factors at personal, microenvironment, and macroenvironment levels potentially associated with RSB. A systematic literature review employing PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was conducted to search 8 databases for articles published between 1994 and 2019. A risk of bias tool was applied for methodological quality of the 4 included studies. RSB is associated with multiple factors including sexual debut at young age, alcohol and substance abuse, multiple partners, living away from parents or orphan status, peer delinquency, non-use of condoms by partners, transactional sex, low education and socioeconomic status, and no access to sexual and reproductive health services. Multipronged preventive strategies operating at different levels are recommended in terms of including sex education and increasing reproductive health literacy programs at the schools and community programs for safe sex, condom use and sexual negotiation skills, and access to modern contraceptive methods.

Contraception for Adolescents

Although pregnancy and abortion rates have declined in adolescents, unintended pregnancies remain unacceptably high in this age group. The use of highly effective methods of contraception is one of the pillars of unintended pregnancy prevention and requires a shared decision making process within a rights based framework. Adolescents are eligible to use any method of contraception and long-acting reversible contraceptives, which are “forgettable” and highly effective, may be particularly suited for many adolescents. Contraceptive methods may have additional non-contraceptive benefits that address other needs or concerns of the adolescent. Dual method use should be encouraged among adolescents for the prevention of both unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Health care providers have an important role to play in ensuring that adolescents have access to high quality and non-judgmental reproductive health care services and contraceptive methods in adolescent-friendly settings that recognize the unique biopsychosocial needs of the adolescent.

Medical Eligibility for Contraception in Women at Increased Risk

BACKGROUND

Most women of child-bearing age want a safe method of contraception. Numerous methods are available, with different modes of application. In situations involving particular risks, the selection of the right method poses a special challenge.

METHODS

Contraceptive methods for use in various situations with increased risk are presented in the light of a selective review of the literature, including the relevant current guidelines.

RESULTS

The current recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) can be used to determine whether any particular contraceptive method is applicable. In particular, the use of combined hormonal contraceptives may be contraindicated in the presence of certain risk factors, especially when there is an elevated risk of thromboembolism. Situations of increased risk include a genetic predisposition to thrombophilia, diabetes mellitus, age over 35, and nicotine abuse. Careful attention to the choice of an appropriate contraceptive agent is also necessary for women with hypertension, hepatic tumors, headache (including migraine), and epilepsy. For such patients, good alternatives include the use of a gestagen (=progesterone) single-agent preparation, an intrauterine device, or a pessary.

CONCLUSION

Meticulous history-taking and clinical examination are important components of contraceptive counseling that enable the identification of all potential risk factors. In situations of increased risk, decisions must be taken individually. Depending on the nature of the patient's underlying illness, interdisciplinary collaboration may be advisable. Even in situations of increased risk, an appropriated risk-benefit analysis should make it possible to find a suitable contraceptive method for any woman who needs one.

International Perspectives: IUDs and Adolescents

Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy among adolescents is a worldwide public health issue. In many countries unmarried young women are denied contraceptive services. Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods such as the intrauterine devices (IUDs) have been shown to be more effective than short-acting such as the pill, and safe also for adolescents. The popularity has varied a lot with time and between populations. Health care providers, health system, and user factors all influence IUD use. A good sexuality education through school provides a foundation, and health care providers give specific individual counseling. International and country-specific guidelines have been published during the past decade indicating the advantage of IUDs. New smaller size devices make placement easier for nulliparous adolescents. Still the uptake has remained rather low in most regions, cost being one barrier. Several municipalities have started to provide long-acting reversible contraceptive methods for adolescents free of charge, and this has led to a significant increase in IUD use, accompanied by a reduction in abortion rates. Adolescent-friendly services should offer low-cost or free contraception, including male and female condoms, emergency contraception, and a full range of modern methods, including long-acting reversible methods, according to adolescents' preferences and needs.

Safe abortion: The public health rationale

It is now more than 50 years since the World Health Assembly recognized abortion as a serious public health problem. The challenge still stands. Addressing the problem of unsafe abortion is a national and global public health imperative, dictated by the magnitude of the problem and its impact on individuals and society, inequity of the burden of disease, and an international consensus of the global health community. Almost every abortion death and disability could be prevented through cost-effective public health interventions including sexuality education, use of effective contraception, provision of safe, legal induced abortion, and quality humane postabortion care. Safe abortion continues to be a challenge to public health because of diverse national restrictive legal regulations, prevailing stigma, and lack of political commitment. Health professionals have a social responsibility to educate policymakers, legislators, and the public at large about adverse impacts of restrictive abortion regulations, laws, and policies on women's health.

Nexplanon Subdermal Implant: Assessment of Sexual Profile, Metabolism, and Bleeding in a Cohort of Italian Women

Objectives

To evaluate the impact on metabolism, bleeding, and sexual function of Nexplanon, a subdermal implant.

Study Design

We recruited women (n=101) receiving the Nexplanon implant at two university centers in Italy between 2011 and 2016 into this prospective, observational, multicenter research trial. Participants completed the Interview for Ratings of Sexual Function (IRSF) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires before and 3 and 6 months after the implant was inserted. In addition, all blood parameters were assessed at these visits. All women were given a menstrual diary card and a pictorial blood assessment chart to record daily any vaginal bleeding.

Results

The studied metabolic parameters remained in the normal range, showing no alarming modifications: minimal statistical reductions (in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and activated partial thromboplastin time) and increases (in glucose and prothrombin activity) were observed. Changes in IRSF score over 6 months showed a significant increase in pleasure, personal initiative, orgasm, intensity of orgasm, and satisfaction, and a significant decrease in anxiety and discomfort. Mean Body Mass Index decreased, and the weekly frequency of sexual intercourse increased.

Conclusions

Nexplanon showed not only a lower metabolic and bleeding impact, but also important positive effects on sexual function. It expands the range of possibilities for women, 38 and couples, in the modern concepts of sexual and reproductive wellbeing.

Forty cases of acquired oral syphilis and a review of the literature

The aim of this study was to describe 40 cases of acquired oral syphilis (AOS) and to discuss the distribution of demographic characteristics, clinical features, and differential diagnosis of the disease. A retrospective study was conducted covering a 17-year period at a single institution in southern Brazil. Moreover, a literature review was performed through a search of the PubMed database for articles on AOS published between 1955 and March 2018. Data were analyzed descriptively. The predominant group within the case series was male patients in their twenties. The vast majority of cases (92.5%) were in the secondary stage of the disease. The lips were the most commonly affected site, with greyish-white mucous patches and reddish ulcers. In the literature review, the largest number of reported cases came from North America. Male patients in the third and fourth decades of life were most affected. AOS occurred more commonly as mucous patches and ulcers on the tongue and palate. Similarities regarding the distribution by sex, age, and anatomical location were found in the present study when compared to cases reported elsewhere. Clinicians, oral pathologists, and maxillofacial surgeons should familiarize themselves with the variable spectrum of signs and symptoms of AOS in their clinical practice to improve diagnosis and management.

Ten Years of Experience in Contraception Options for Teenagers in a Family Planning Center in Thrace and Review of the Literature

Introduction: The goal of our study was to investigate and evaluate the contraceptive behavior in teenagers from our family planning centre that services two different religious and socioeconomic populations living in the Thrace area. Methods: During the last 10 years 115 Christian Orthodox (group A) and 53 Muslim teenagers (group B) were enrolled in our retrospective study. Contraceptive practice attitudes were assessed by a questionnaire. Religion, demographics, socio-economic characteristics were key factors used to discuss contraception and avoid unplanned pregnancy in each group and to compare with the contraceptive method used. Results: The most used contraceptive method—about two times more frequently—among Christian Orthodox participants was the oral contraceptive pill (p = 0.015; OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.13–2.90), while in the other group the use of condoms and IUDs was seven and three times more frequent, respectively. Our family planning centre was the main source of information for contraception. Conclusions: During adolescence, the existence of a family planning centre and participation in family planning programs plays a crucial role to help the teenagers to improve their knowledge and choose an effective contraception method.