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Barton BE, Erickson JA, Allred SI, Jeffries JM, Stephens KK, Hunter MI, Woodall KA, Winuthayanon W. Reversible female contraceptives: historical, current, and future perspectives†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:14-32. [PMID: 37941453 PMCID: PMC10790348 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Contraception is a practice with extensive and complicated social and scientific histories. From cycle tracking, to the very first prescription contraceptive pill, to now having over-the-counter contraceptives on demand, family planning is an aspect of healthcare that has undergone and will continue to undergo several transformations through time. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current reversible hormonal and non-hormonal birth control methods as well as their mechanism of action, safety, and effectiveness specifically for individuals who can become pregnant. Additionally, we discuss the latest Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved hormonal method containing estetrol and drospirenone that has not yet been used worldwide as well as the first FDA-approved hormonal over-the-counter progestin-only pills. We also review available data on novel hormonal delivery through microchip, microneedle, and the latest FDA-approved non-hormonal methods such as vaginal pH regulators. Finally, this review will assist in advancing female contraceptive method development by underlining constructive directions for future pursuits. Information was gathered from the NCBI and Google Scholars databases using English and included publications from 1900 to present. Search terms included contraceptive names as well as efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action. In summary, we suggest that investigators consider the side effects and acceptability together with the efficacy of contraceptive candidate towards their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E Barton
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeffery A Erickson
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Translational Bioscience Program, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Stephanie I Allred
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jenna M Jeffries
- College of Art & Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Kalli K Stephens
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Translational Bioscience Program, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mark I Hunter
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Kirby A Woodall
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Yaron M, Legardeur H, Barcellini B, Akhoundova F, Mathevet P. Safety and efficacy of a suction cervical stabilizer for intrauterine contraceptive device insertion: Results from a randomized, controlled study. Contraception 2023; 123:110004. [PMID: 36914147 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2023.110004] [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] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare patient-reported pain, bleeding, and device safety between intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) insertion procedures employing a suction cervical stabilizer or single-tooth tenaculum. STUDY DESIGN This was a randomized, prospective, single-blinded study conducted at two centers, enrolling women aged 18 years or older, eligible for IUD insertion. The primary end point measure was patient-reported pain, measured on a 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale. Safety was assessed on the amount of bleeding, adverse events, and serious adverse events. RESULTS One hundred women were randomized, 48 to the investigational device and 52 to control. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in factors potentially associated with pain on IUD insertion. IUD insertion was successful in 94% of all subjects. Subjects in the investigational device group reported pain scores ≥14 points lower than in the control group at cervix grasping (14.9 vs 31.3; p < 0.001) and traction (17.0 vs 35.9; p < 0.001), and smaller differences in pain scores at the IUD insertion (31.5 vs 44.9; p = 0.021) and cervix-release (20.6 vs 30.9; p = 0.049) steps. Nulliparous women experienced the greatest pain differences to control. Mean blood loss was 0.336 (range 0.022-2.189) grams in the investigational device group and 1.336 (range 0.201-11.936) grams in the control group, respectively (p = 0.03 for the comparison). One adverse event (bruising and minor bleeding) in the investigational device group was considered causally related to the study device. CONCLUSIONS The suction cervical stabilizer had a reassuring safety profile and its use was associated with significant reductions in pain during the IUD insertion procedure compared with standard single-tooth tenaculum use, particularly among nulliparous women. IMPLICATIONS Pain can be an important barrier to greater use of IUD devices among prescribers and users, particularly nulliparous women. The suction cervical stabilizer may provide an appealing alternative to currently available tenacula, filling an important unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Yaron
- Department of Woman, Child & Adolescent, University Hospitals (HUG) Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Hélène Legardeur
- Department of Women, Mother & Child, University Hospital (CHUV) Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bastien Barcellini
- Department of Woman, Child & Adolescent, University Hospitals (HUG) Genève, Switzerland
| | - Farida Akhoundova
- Department of Woman, Child & Adolescent, University Hospitals (HUG) Genève, Switzerland
| | - Patrice Mathevet
- Department of Women, Mother & Child, University Hospital (CHUV) Lausanne, Switzerland
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Kramer RD, Higgins JA, Everett B, Turok DK, Sanders JN. A prospective analysis of the relationship between sexual acceptability and contraceptive satisfaction over time. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:396.e1-396.e11. [PMID: 34656551 PMCID: PMC8916969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contraceptives are used to prevent unwanted pregnancies and treat certain gynecologic conditions, but many women report non-use or inconsistent use because of method dissatisfaction. The sexual acceptability of contraception-how birth control methods affect users' sexual well-being-is likely an important component of contraceptive satisfaction but has yet to be systematically examined. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess contraceptive satisfaction among new-start contraceptive users and examine whether sexual acceptability measures predict contraceptive satisfaction at 3 months while controlling for more commonly measured contraceptive side effects. STUDY DESIGN This analysis used data derived from the baseline, 1-month, and 3-month surveys of the HER Salt Lake Contraceptive Initiative, a prospective cohort study of new contraceptive clients. From March 2016 to March 2017, enrolled participants received their desired contraceptive method at no cost and could switch or discontinue at any time (up to 3 years). This analysis included individuals who continued their new contraceptive method for at least 1 month and completed all relevant survey measures. We used ordered logistic regression modeling to predict contraceptive satisfaction at 3 months. Primary predictor variables included changes in sexual functioning (6-item Female Sexual Function Index), sexual satisfaction (New Sexual Satisfaction Scale), and perceived impact of the contraceptive method on sex life at 1 month. Covariates included vaginal bleeding changes, physical side effects, and mood-related side effects. RESULTS Our analytical sample included 1879 individuals. At 3 months, 52.1% of participants were "completely satisfied" with their contraceptive method, 30.7% were "somewhat satisfied," 4.2% were "neither satisfied nor dissatisfied," 6.9% were "somewhat dissatisfied," and 6.2% were "completely dissatisfied." Compared with patients who said their contraceptive method made their sex life "a lot" worse at 1 month, patients whose method improved their sex life "a lot" had a 7.7 times increased odds of greater satisfaction at 3 months (95% confidence interval, 4.02-14.60; P<.0001) and patients whose method improved their sex life a "little" had a 5.88 times increased odds of greater satisfaction (confidence interval, 3.12-11.11; P<.001). To a much lesser degree, experiencing less or no bleeding was significantly associated with increased satisfaction, whereas worsening of physical side effects was linked to decreased satisfaction. The only other factors significantly associated with satisfaction were changes in bleeding and physical side effects. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that patients' sexual experiences of their contraceptive methods are important correlates of satisfaction. Clinicians may wish to underscore that sexual experiences of birth control methods matter and encourage patients to find a contraceptive method that works for them sexually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee D Kramer
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI.
| | - Jenny A Higgins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI; Departments of Gender and Women's Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Bethany Everett
- Department of Sociology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - David K Turok
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Jessica N Sanders
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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Are Births More Likely to be Intended Following Use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives? An Analysis of U.S. Births in 2003–2015. POPULATION RESEARCH AND POLICY REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11113-021-09680-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Eeckhaut MCW, Rendall MS, Zvavitch P. Women's Use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception for Birth Timing and Birth Stopping. Demography 2021; 58:1327-1346. [PMID: 34251428 PMCID: PMC9341462 DOI: 10.1215/00703370-9386084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The use of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods-intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants-has recently expanded rapidly in the United States, and these methods together approach the contraceptive pill in current prevalence. Research on LARCs has analyzed their use to reduce unintended pregnancies but not their use to enable intended pregnancies. Knowledge of both is necessary to understand LARCs' potential impacts on the reproductive life courses of U.S. women. We combine data from two nationally representative surveys to estimate women's likelihood and timing of subsequent reproductive events, including births resulting from an intended pregnancy up to nine years after discontinuing LARC use. We estimate that 62% of women will give birth, and 45% will give birth from an intended pregnancy. Additionally, 18% will have a new LARC inserted, and 13% will transition to sterilization. Most of these reproductive events occur within two years after discontinuing LARC use. Births from an intended pregnancy are especially common when no intervening switch to another contraceptive method occurs. We infer that women's motives for using LARC are varied but include the desire to postpone a birth, to postpone a decision about whether to have a(nother) birth, and to transition definitively to the completion of childbearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke C W Eeckhaut
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Michael S Rendall
- Department of Sociology and Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Polina Zvavitch
- Department of Sociology and Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Steinberg JR, Marthey D, Xie L, Boudreaux M. Contraceptive method type and satisfaction, confidence in use, and switching intentions. Contraception 2021; 104:176-182. [PMID: 33621581 PMCID: PMC8286312 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined whether contraceptive method type, satisfaction with use, and confidence in correct use were independently associated with switching intentions, a precursor of switching behaviors. STUDY DESIGN Data were from a probability-based sample survey carried out in Delaware and Maryland in 2016 and 2017 among women ages 18 to 44. Women's current contraceptive methods were classified into 5 categories: coitally-dependent methods (barrier methods, withdrawal, and natural family planning); oral contraceptive pills, patches, and rings; injections; implants; and intrauterine contraception (IUC). Satisfaction, confidence, and switching intentions were dichotomized into being very versus less satisfied, being completely versus less confident, and having very low versus not very low switching intentions. We conducted binomial logistic regression to examine whether method type, satisfaction, and confidence were independently associated with having very low switching intentions, adjusting for a range of covariates including sociodemographics, perceived health, religious attendance frequency, sexual, contraceptive, and reproductive experiences, and state of residence (Maryland or Delaware). RESULTS Among 1,077 women using reversible contraception, those using IUC relative to implants, pills, patches, or rings, and coitally-dependent methods were more likely to have very low switching intentions. Among all survey respondents, those who were very satisfied and those who were completely confident in correct use were also more likely to report very low switching intentions. CONCLUSIONS Using IUC, being very satisfied, and being very confident in correct use were independently associated with having very low switching intentions. IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that those using IUC have very low intentions to switch for reasons in addition to satisfaction-level with their method. Other aspects of using IUC such as ease of use, perceived barriers to switching, or having very low switching intentions before beginning IUC may be such reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia R Steinberg
- Department of Family Science, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, United States; Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, United States.
| | - Daniel Marthey
- Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, United States; Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Liyang Xie
- Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, United States; Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Michel Boudreaux
- Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, United States; Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, United States
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