When can a woman start combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs)? A systematic review

U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 2024

The 2024 U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (U.S. SPR) addresses a selected group of common, yet sometimes complex, issues regarding initiation and use of specific contraceptive methods. These recommendations for health care providers were updated by CDC after review of the scientific evidence and a meeting with national experts in Atlanta, Georgia, during January 25-27, 2023. The information in this report replaces the 2016 U.S. SPR (CDC. U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 2016. MMWR 2016;65[No. RR-4]:1-66). Notable updates include 1) updated recommendations for provision of medications for intrauterine device placement, 2) updated recommendations for bleeding irregularities during implant use, 3) new recommendations for testosterone use and risk for pregnancy, and 4) new recommendations for self-administration of injectable contraception. The recommendations in this report are intended to serve as a source of evidence-based clinical practice guidance for health care providers. The goals of these recommendations are to remove unnecessary medical barriers to accessing and using contraception and to support the provision of person-centered contraceptive counseling and services in a noncoercive manner. Health care providers should always consider the individual clinical circumstances of each person seeking contraceptive services. This report is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice for individual patients; when needed, patients should seek advice from their health care providers about contraceptive use.

A randomized single-blind non-inferiority trial of delayed start with drospirenone-only and ethinyl estradiol-gestodene pills for ovulation inhibition

We compared the efficacy of 4 mg drospirenone (DRSP) progestin-only pills (POPs) versus combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) containing 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and 0.075 mg of gestodene (GS) in ovulation inhibition and inducing unfavorable cervical mucus changes using a delayed-starting approach. This randomized controlled trial involved 36 participants aged 18-45 years. The major outcomes included ovulation inhibition assessed using the Hoogland and Skouby score, and cervical mucus permeability, assessed using the modified World Health Organization score. The results demonstrated ovulation inhibition rates of 77.8% for the EE/GS group and 88.9% for the DRSP group. The risk ratio and absolute risk reduction were 0.50 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10, 2.40) and - 0.11 (95% CI: - 0.35, 0.13), respectively, satisfying the 20% non-inferiority margin threshold. The median time to achieve unfavorable cervical mucus changes was comparable between the DRSP (3 days, interquartile range [IQR]: 6 days) and EE/GS (3.5 days, IQR: 4 days) groups. However, the DRSP group had a higher incidence of unscheduled vaginal bleeding (55.56% vs. 11.11%; p = 0.005). DRSP-only pills, initiated on days 7-9 of the menstrual cycle, were non-inferior to EE/GS pills in ovulation inhibition. However, they exhibited delayed unfavorable cervical mucus changes compared to the standard two-day backup recommendation.Clinical trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20220819001) https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20220819001 .

The effectiveness of quick starting oral contraception containing nomegestrol acetate and 17-β estradiol on ovulation inhibition: A randomized controlled trial

To determine the effectiveness of quick starting combined oral contraception (COC) contain 2.5 mg nomegestrol acetate and 1.5 mg estradiol (NOMAC/E2) comparing with 0.075 mg gestodene and 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol (GS/EE) on ovarian ovulation inhibition rate, we conducted a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial involving 69 healthy female volunteers aged 18–40 years who had normal menstrual history and were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to take one pack of COC containing either NOMAC/E2 (study group) or GS/EE (control group) starting on menstrual cycle Day7–9. The ovarian activity was assessed by using Hoogland and Skouby grading. Forty-six and 23 participants were randomized to NOMAC/E2 and GS/EE groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. No significant difference was observed between the study and control groups for ovulation inhibition rate (93.4% vs. 95.6%, risk difference: –2.2%, 95% CI: –13.1, 8.8), ovarian quiescence rate (91.2% vs. 91.2%, P = 1.000), persistent cyst rate (2.2% vs. 4.4%, P = 1.000), and ovulation rate (6.6% vs. 4.4%, P = 1.000). Quick starting COC during day7–9 of menstrual cycle can inhibit ovulation for more than 90%. The quick starting NOMAC/E2 is non-inferior to GS/EE for preventing ovulation and suppressing follicular growth.

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.

No. 329-Canadian Contraception Consensus Part 4 of 4 Chapter 9: Combined Hormonal Contraception

OBJECTIVE

To provide guidelines for health care providers on the use of contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy and on the promotion of healthy sexuality.

OUTCOMES

Overall efficacy of cited contraceptive methods, assessing reduction in pregnancy rate, safety, and side effects; the effect of cited contraceptive methods on sexual health and general well-being; and the availability of cited contraceptive methods in Canada.

EVIDENCE

Medline and the Cochrane Database were searched for articles in English on subjects related to contraception, sexuality, and sexual health from January 1994 to December 2015 in order to update the Canadian Contraception Consensus published February-April 2004. Relevant Canadian government publications and position papers from appropriate health and family planning organizations were also reviewed.

VALUES

The quality of the evidence is rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Recommendations for practice are ranked according to the method described in this report.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Health Care Provider Attitudes and Practices Related to 'Quick Start' Provision of Combined Hormonal Contraception and Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate to Adolescents

PURPOSE

Adolescents may encounter many barriers to initiating contraception. 'Quick Start' is a recommended approach for initiating contraception on the same day as a provider visit. We examined factors associated with health care provider attitudes and practices related to 'Quick Start' provision of combined hormonal contraception (CHC) and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) to adolescents.

METHODS

We analyzed weighted survey data from providers in publicly funded health centers and from office-based physicians (n = 2,056). Using multivariable logistic regression, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the associations between provider characteristics and frequent (very often or often vs. not often or never) 'Quick Start' provision of CHC and DMPA to adolescents in the past year.

RESULTS

The prevalence of considering 'Quick Start' as safe was high for CHC (public-sector providers [87.5%]; office-based physicians [80.2%]) and DMPA (public-sector providers [80.9%]; office-based physicians [78.8%]). However, the prevalence of frequent 'Quick Start' provision was lower, particularly among office-based physicians (CHC: public-sector providers [74.2%]; office-based physicians [45.2%]; DMPA: public-sector providers [71.4%]; office-based physicians [46.9%]). Providers who considered 'Quick Start' unsafe or were uncertain about its safety had lower odds of frequent 'Quick Start' provision compared with those who considered it safe (public-sector providers: CHC aOR = 0.09 95% CI 0.06-0.13, DMPA aOR = 0.07 95% CI 0.05-0.10; office-based physicians: CHC aOR = 0.06 95% CI 0.02-0.22, DMPA aOR = 0.07 95% CI 0.02-0.20).

CONCLUSIONS

While most providers reported that 'Quick Start' initiation of CHC and DMPA among adolescents is safe, fewer providers reported frequent 'Quick Start' provision in this population, particularly among office-based physicians.

Use of Short Acting Reversible Contraception in Adolescents: The Pill, Patch, Ring and Emergency Contraception

Long acting reversible contraception (LARC) is the recommend form of birth control for adolescents by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, but the majority of adolescents continue to use short acting reversible contraception (SARC) such as the oral contraceptive pill, vaginal ring, and transdermal patch. For this reason, it is important for medical providers to be familiar with how to prescribe and manage SARC in adolescents, paying particular attention to which patients are eligible to use them, which benefits the methods have outside of contraception, what side effects to be aware of, and special considerations for adolescents. Many adolescents will choose not to use any form of hormonal contraception-thus having a knowledge about and comfort with use of emergency contraception is of equal importance.

[Contraception for adolescent : CNGOF Contraception guidelines]

OBJECTIVE

The goal is to establish dialogue and determine the needs and skill levels of adolescence. This concerns sexuality, the prevention of STIs, the informed choice of contraception to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. MéTHODES: A systematic review based on literature about contraception AND teenagers was performed using Pubmed, Cochrane, national and international recommendations.

RESULTS

The surveillance of the teenager contraception must integrate more specifically: global health with a stability of weight and corpulence, a sufficient calcium intake, the prevention of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the vaccination against HPV. The 1st consultations with adolescent girls are an essential moment for dialogue in order to develop sexuality education. Main themes are: prevention of STIs with the use of condoms, detection of situations of precariousness or sexual abuse, and finally adherence to treatment to avoid unplanned pregnancy. Use of condoms associated with regular contraception is essential to assure a barrier against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (NP1). To preserve the patient confidentiality, the patient is received alone (Grade B). She must be reassured about respect of anonymity and availability of free treatment. Clinical examination collects weight, height, BMI and blood pressure (Grade C). It is important to give them the choice of contraceptive method and provide objective information on the different contraceptive methods (NP2). If there are any contraindications, when the first prescription is a pill, it must be a 1st or 2nd generation pill with levonorgestrel. For some experts, it would be important to prescribe a pill at 30μg EE for better efficacy in case of forgetfulness in very young patients and for the good maintenance of bone mineralization (NP4). Information on long-acting reversible contraceptives, or LARCs, is essential. These contraceptive methods have proved their efficacy and their place in the first intention. (NP1).

CONCLUSION

Prescribing contraception to a teenage girl requires the adaptation of the best treatment to her needs to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. This requires good information on prevention of STIs and on different methods of contraception in a confidence climate.

Using behavioral economic theory to increase use of effective contraceptives among opioid-maintained women at risk of unintended pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

An unsettling aspect of the US opioid epidemic is the high rate of in utero exposure, especially since most of these pregnancies are unintended, due in part to low rates of effective contraceptive use among opioid-using women. This study tested an intervention informed by behavioral economic theory and aimed at promoting effective contraceptive use among opioid-maintained women at risk of unintended pregnancy in the Burlington, VT, area between 2011 and 2013.

METHODS

Thirty-one women were assigned (initial 5 consecutively, subsequent 26 randomly) to either usual care or an experimental intervention. Participants in usual care received condoms, a dose of emergency contraception, and referral to local providers. Participants in the experimental condition received usual care plus the World Health Organization's contraception initiation protocol, including free prescription contraceptives, and financial incentives for attending 13 follow-up visits over 6months to help manage side effects and other issues.

RESULTS

Significantly more women in the experimental vs. usual care control conditions initiated prescription contraceptive use (100% vs. 29%) and reported prescription contraceptive use at 1-month (63% vs. 13%), 3-month (88% vs. 20%), and 6-month (94% vs. 13%) assessments. None of the experimental condition participants became pregnant during the 6-month protocol vs. three women (20%) in the control condition.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide the first experimental evidence supporting the efficacy of an intervention for increasing prescription contraceptive use among opioid-maintained women at risk of unintended pregnancy.

Contraceptive Method Initiation: Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Selected Practice Guidelines

The US Selected Practice Recommendations is a companion document to the Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use that focuses on how providers can use contraceptive methods most effectively as well as problem-solve common issues that may arise. These guidelines serve to help clinicians provide contraception safely as well as to decrease barriers that prevent or delay a woman from obtaining a desired method. This article summarizes the Selected Practice Recommendations on timing of contraceptive initiation, examinations, and tests needed prior to starting a method and any necessary follow-up.

Oral contraception

Oral contraception (OC) remains a popular noninvasive, readily reversible approach for pregnancy prevention and, largely off label, for control of acne, hirsutism, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, menorrhagia, and other menstrual-related symptoms. Many OC formulations exist, with generics offering lower cost and comparable efficacy. Certain medical conditions, including hypertension, migraine, breast cancer, and risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), present contraindications. Blood pressure measurement is the only physical examination or testing needed before prescription. Although no OC is clearly superior to others, OCs containing the second-generation progestin levonorgestrel have been associated with lower VTE risk than those containing other progestins.

Using a checklist to assess pregnancy in teenagers and young women

OBJECTIVE

Health care providers should assess pregnancy in women seeking contraceptive services. Although urine pregnancy tests are available in most U.S. settings, their accuracy varies based on timing relative to missed menses, recent intercourse, or recent pregnancy. We examined the performance of a checklist based on criteria recommended in family planning guidance documents to assist health care providers in assessing pregnancy in a sample of U.S. teenagers and young women.

METHODS

Study participants were a convenience sample of sexually active black females aged 14-19 years seeking care in an urban family planning clinic. Each participant provided a urine sample for pregnancy testing and was then administered the checklist in two formats, audio computer-assisted self-interview and in-person interview. We estimated measures of the checklist performance compared with urine pregnancy test as the reference standard, including negative predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value.

RESULTS

Of 350 participants, 31 (8.9%) had a positive urine pregnancy test. The audio computer-assisted self-interview checklist indicated pregnancy was unlikely for 250 participants, of whom 241 had a negative urine pregnancy test (negative predictive value=96.4%). The sensitivity of the audio computer-assisted self-interview checklist was 71%, the specificity was 75.6%, and the positive predictive value was 22%. The in-person checklist yielded similar results.

CONCLUSION

The checklist may be a valuable tool to assist in assessing pregnancy in teenagers and young women. Appropriate use of the checklist by family planning providers in combination with discussion and clinically indicated use of urine pregnancy tests may reduce unnecessary barriers to contraception in this population.