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Kolbe KE, Abern L, Maguire K, Luther L, Staffa SJ, Grimstad F. Success in Accessing Fertility Preservation Appointments for Egg-Producing Transgender and Gender-Diverse Patients: A Mystery Caller Study. LGBT Health 2023; 10:439-446. [PMID: 37222728 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate access to fertility preservation appointments for egg-producing transgender and gender-diverse patients. Methods: Fertility clinics nationwide were identified through the 2018 National Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance System dataset of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Using a mystery caller approach with a standardized, community-developed script, three researchers called 456 clinics between July and December 2020 identifying themselves as a transgender man seeking oocyte cryopreservation. Information was collected regarding access to fertility preservation for the caller. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to compare call outcomes by geographic region and clinic demographics. Results: Of 369 clinics included in the final analysis, 90.2% of clinics offered an initial appointment. A clinic that offered an appointment was four times more likely to be located on the West Coast (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-12.7; p = 0.014). Notably, endorsement of prior experience caring for transgender patients was most strongly associated with an appointment being offered (odds ratio = 7.31; 95% CI: 3.44-15.5; p < 0.001). Themes across some calls included a lack of knowledge about transgender identities and care models (e.g., requiring a letter of support) leading to additional steps (e.g., having to explain anatomy or being transferred to another staff member) before accessing an appointment. Conclusion: The majority of clinics offered an initial appointment to a caller identifying as a transgender man seeking oocyte cryopreservation, suggesting access to an initial appointment is not a major barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E Kolbe
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lauren Abern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Karla Maguire
- Department of Women's Health, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Lauren Luther
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Steven J Staffa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Frances Grimstad
- Division of Gynecology, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Salcedo J, Cleland K, Bartz D, Thompson I. Society of Family Planning Clinical Recommendation: Emergency contraception. Contraception 2023; 121:109958. [PMID: 36693445 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2023.109958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Emergency contraception (EC) refers to several contraceptive options that can be used within a few days after unprotected or under protected intercourse or sexual assault to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Current EC options available in the United States include the copper intrauterine device (IUD), levonorgestrel (LNG) 52 mg IUD, oral LNG (such as Plan B One-Step, My Way, Take Action), and oral ulipristal acetate (UPA) (ella). These clinical recommendations review the indications, effectiveness, safety, and side effects of emergency contraceptive methods; considerations for the use of EC by specific patient populations and in specific clinical circumstances and current barriers to emergency contraceptive access. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of LNG IUDs for emergency contraceptive use; address the effects of repeated use of UPA at different times in the same menstrual cycle; assess the impact on ovulation of initiating or reinitiating different regimens of regular hormonal contraception following UPA use; and elucidate effective emergency contraceptive pill options by body mass indices or weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Salcedo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.
| | - Kelly Cleland
- American Society for Emergency Contraception, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
| | - Deborah Bartz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ivana Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Pagano HP, Zapata LB, Curtis KM, Whiteman MK. Changes in U.S. Healthcare Provider Practices Related to Emergency Contraception. Womens Health Issues 2021; 31:560-566. [PMID: 34511322 PMCID: PMC11079952 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emergency contraception (EC), including EC pills (ECPs) and the copper intrauterine device, can prevent pregnancy after sexual encounters in which contraception was not used or used incorrectly. The U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (U.S. SPR), initially released in 2013, provides evidence-based clinical recommendations on the provision of EC. The objective of this analysis was to assess the percentage of health care providers reporting frequent provision of select EC practices around the time of and after the release of the U.S. SPR. METHODS We conducted two cross-sectional mailed surveys using different nationwide samples of office-based physicians and public-sector providers in 2013 and 2014 (n = 2,060) and 2019 (n = 1,420). We compared the percentage of providers reporting frequent provision of select EC practices by time period, overall, and by provider type. RESULTS In 2019, few providers frequently provided an advance prescription for ECPs (16%), an advance supply of ECPs (7%), or the copper intrauterine device as EC (8%), although 41% frequently provided or prescribed regular contraception at the same time as providing ECPs. Providers in 2019 were more likely than providers in 2013 and 2014 to provide or prescribe contraception at the same time as providing ECPs (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.001-1.59) and to provide a copper intrauterine device as EC (adjusted prevalence ratio, 3.87; 95% confidence interval 2.10-7.15); there were no other significant differences by time period. CONCLUSIONS Few providers report frequent implementation of recommended EC practices. Understanding the barriers faced by providers and clinics in implementing these practices may improve access to EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Pamela Pagano
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Lauren B Zapata
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kathryn M Curtis
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Maura K Whiteman
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Clinical availability of the copper IUD in rural versus urban settings: A simulated patient study. Contracept X 2021; 3:100059. [PMID: 33644745 PMCID: PMC7895703 DOI: 10.1016/j.conx.2021.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the proportion of Washington state clinics that offer the copper IUD in rural vs urban settings. Study design We employed a simulated patient model to survey clinics in the Human Health Resources and Services Administration 340B database to primarily assess the availability of the copper IUD. Results We successfully surveyed 194/212 (92%) clinics. More urban than rural clinics reported copper IUD availability (76/97 [78%] vs 49/97 [51%]; p < 0.01). Conclusions Rural clinics are less likely than urban clinics to have the copper IUD available. Implications The frequency of unintended pregnancies is high in the United States. We should focus our attention on decreasing barriers to the copper IUD as a long-acting reversible contraceptive, particularly for women living in rural settings.
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Emergency Contraception Access and Counseling in Urban Pharmacies: A Comparison between States with and without Pharmacist Prescribing. PHARMACY 2020; 8:pharmacy8020105. [PMID: 32575655 PMCID: PMC7355476 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacists are often the primary source of emergency contraception (EC) access and patient information. This study aims to identify differences in pharmacist-reported EC access and counseling between states which do or do not permit pharmacist-prescribed EC. This prospective, mystery caller study was completed in California (CA), which permits pharmacist-prescribed EC after completion of continuing education, and Georgia (GA), which does not. All community pharmacies that were open to the public in San Diego and San Francisco, CA, and Atlanta, GA were called by researchers who posed as adult females inquiring about EC via a structured script. Primary endpoints were EC availability and counseling. Statistical analyses completed with SPSS. Researchers called 395 pharmacies, 98.2% were reached and included. Regarding levonorgestrel (LNG), CA pharmacists more frequently discussed (CA 90.4% vs. GA 81.2%, p = 0.02), stocked (CA 89.5% vs. GA 67.8%, p < 0.01), and correctly indicated it “will work” or “will work but may be less effective” 4 days after intercourse (CA 67.5% vs. GA 17.5%, p < 0.01). Ulipristal was infrequently discussed (CA 22.6% vs. GA 3.4%, p < 0.01) and rarely stocked (CA 9.6% vs. GA 0.7%, p < 0.01). Pharmacists practicing in states which permit pharmacist-prescribed EC with completion of required continuing education may be associated with improved patient access to oral EC and more accurate patient counseling.
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Amico JR, Heintz C, Bennett AH, Gold M. Access to IUD removal: Data from a mystery-caller study. Contraception 2020; 101:122-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Kaller S, Mays A, Freedman L, Harper CC, Biggs MA. Exploring young women's reasons for adopting intrauterine or oral emergency contraception in the United States: a qualitative study. BMC Womens Health 2020; 20:15. [PMID: 31992295 PMCID: PMC6986082 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-020-0886-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent focus on increasing access to long-acting reversible contraceptive methods has often overlooked the diverse reasons why women may choose less effective methods even when significant access barriers have been removed. While the copper intrauterine device (IUD) is considered an acceptable alternative to emergency contraception pills (ECPs), it is unclear to what extent low rates of provision and use are due to patient preferences versus structural access barriers. This study explores factors that influence patients' choice between ECPs and the copper IUD as EC, including prior experiences with contraception and attitudes toward EC methods, in settings where both options are available at no cost. METHODS We telephone-interviewed 17 patients seeking EC from three San Francisco Bay Area youth-serving clinics that offered the IUD as EC and ECPs as standard practice, regarding their experiences choosing an EC method. We thematically coded all interview transcripts, then summarized the themes related to reasons for choosing ECPs or the IUD as EC. RESULTS Ten participants left their EC visit with ECPs and seven with the IUD as EC option. Women chose ECPs because they were familiar and easily accessible. Reasons for not adopting the copper IUD included having had prior negative experiences with the IUD, concerns about its side effects and the placement procedure, and lack of awareness about the copper IUD. Women who chose the IUD as EC did so primarily because of its long-term efficacy, invisibility, lack of hormones, longer window of post-coital utility, and a desire to not rely on ECPs. Women who chose the IUD as EC had not had prior negative experiences with the IUD, had already been interested in the IUD, and were ready and able to have it placed that day. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights that women have varied and well-considered reasons for choosing each EC method. Both ECPs and the copper IUD are important and acceptable EC options, each with their own features offering benefits to patients. Efforts to destigmatize repeated use of ECPs and validate women's choice of either EC method are needed to support women in their EC method decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly Kaller
- Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 1330 Broadway, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612 USA
| | - Aisha Mays
- Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 1330 Broadway, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612 USA
| | - Lori Freedman
- Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 1330 Broadway, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612 USA
| | - Cynthia C. Harper
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California St, Suite 335, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - M. Antonia Biggs
- Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 1330 Broadway, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612 USA
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Goodman SR, El Ayadi AM, Rocca CH, Kohn JE, Benedict CE, Dieseldorff JR, Harper CC. The intrauterine device as emergency contraception: how much do young women know? Contraception 2018; 98:S0010-7824(18)30145-8. [PMID: 29679591 PMCID: PMC6546552 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unprotected intercourse is common, especially among teens and young women. Access to intrauterine device (IUD) as emergency contraception (EC) can help interested patients more effectively prevent unintended pregnancy and can also offer ongoing contraception. This study evaluated young women's awareness of IUD as EC and interest in case of need. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a secondary analysis of data from young women aged 18-25 years, not desiring pregnancy within 12 months, and receiving contraceptive counseling within a cluster-randomized trial in 40 US Planned Parenthood health centers in 2011-2013 (n=1500). Heath centers were randomized to receive enhanced training on contraceptive counseling and IUD placement, or to provide standard care. The intervention did not focus specifically on IUD as EC. We assessed awareness of IUD as EC, desire to learn more about EC and most trusted source of information of EC among women in both intervention and control groups completing baseline and 3- or 6-month follow-up questionnaires (n=1138). RESULTS At follow-up, very few young women overall (7.5%) visiting health centers had heard of IUD as EC. However, if they needed EC, most (68%) reported that they would want to learn about IUDs in addition to EC pills, especially those who would be very unhappy to become pregnant (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.6, p<.05). Most (91%) reported a doctor or nurse as their most trusted source of EC information, over Internet (6%) or friends (2%), highlighting providers' essential role. CONCLUSION Most young women at risk of unintended pregnancy are not aware of IUD as EC and look to their providers for trusted information. Contraceptive education should explicitly address IUD as EC. IMPLICATIONS Few young women know that the IUD can be used for EC or about its effectiveness. However, if they needed EC, most reported that they would want to learn about IUDs in addition to EC pills, especially those very unhappy to become pregnant. Contraceptive education should explicitly address IUD as EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan R Goodman
- UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, 3333 California Street, UCSF Box 0744, San Francisco, CA 94143-0744, USA.
| | - Alison M El Ayadi
- UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, 3333 California Street, UCSF Box 0744, San Francisco, CA 94143-0744, USA
| | - Corinne H Rocca
- UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, 3333 California Street, UCSF Box 0744, San Francisco, CA 94143-0744, USA
| | - Julia E Kohn
- Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 123 William Street, New York, NY 10038, USA
| | - Courtney E Benedict
- Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 123 William Street, New York, NY 10038, USA
| | | | - Cynthia C Harper
- UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, 3333 California Street, UCSF Box 0744, San Francisco, CA 94143-0744, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Emergency contraception provides a critical and time-sensitive opportunity for women to prevent undesired pregnancy after intercourse. Both access and available options for emergency contraception have changed over the last several years. RECENT FINDINGS Emergency contraceptive pills can be less effective in obese women. The maximum achieved serum concentration of levonorgestrel (LNG) is lower in obese women than women of normal BMI, and doubling the dose of LNG (3 mg) increases its concentration maximum, approximating the level in normal BMI women receiving one dose of LNG. Repeated use of both LNG and ulipristal acetate (UPA) is well tolerated. Hormonal contraception can be immediately started following LNG use, but should be delayed for 5 days after UPA use to avoid dampening the efficacy of UPA. The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is the only IUD approved for emergency contraception (and the most effective method of emergency contraception), but use of LNG IUD as emergency contraception is currently being investigated. Accurate knowledge about emergency contraception remains low both for patients and healthcare providers. SUMMARY Emergency contraception is an important yet underutilized tool available to women to prevent pregnancy. Current options including copper IUD and emergency contraceptive pills are safe and well tolerated. Significant gaps in knowledge of emergency contraception on both the provider and user level exist, as do barriers to expedient access of emergency contraception.
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Edwards C, Panjwani D, Pendrith C, Ly A, Dunn S. Knowledge of and Interest in the Copper Intrauterine Device Among Women Seeking Emergency Contraception. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2017; 40:41-47. [PMID: 28780215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2017.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emergency contraception (EC) includes hormonal pills (levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate) and the copper IUD (Cu-IUD). The Cu-IUD is more effective for EC than hormonal pills but remains underused, possibly because of lack of knowledge or interest. The objective of this study was to examine knowledge of and interest in the Cu-IUD for EC among Canadian women seeking EC. METHODS The study used a cross-sectional convenience survey of English-speaking women presenting for EC at two sexual health clinics in Toronto. The anonymous paper-based survey was completed in the waiting room. The main outcome measures were women's knowledge of and interest in the Cu-IUD for EC. Demographic and reproductive health data were also collected. RESULTS Between January and December 2013, 124 surveys were completed. Mean age of respondents was 26 years (SD ± 6.9). Most were single (85%), and over one half had completed postsecondary education. Overall, 77% had heard of the Cu-IUD, but only 21% were aware of its use for EC. Over 50% were aware that the Cu-IUD is hormone-free and may be used for long-term contraception. Women were less familiar with the window of administration of the Cu-IUD for EC (26%) and its efficacy (6%). In total, 23% (28 of 124) of women were interested in the Cu-IUD, including eight women scheduled to receive one that day. CONCLUSION Women presenting for EC were unaware of the Cu-IUD but were moderately interested in it once informed. Public education and routine counselling about the Cu-IUD at EC visits may increase the uptake of this method.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dilzayn Panjwani
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Ciara Pendrith
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Anna Ly
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Sheila Dunn
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
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