Testing for sexually transmitted infections at intrauterine device insertion: an evidence-based approach

Successful Provision of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception in a Sexual Health Clinic

BACKGROUND

Women who attend sexual health clinics are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are very effective contraceptive methods, but the provision of LARC in such clinics is not well described in the literature.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of women who presented to Denver Sexual Health Clinic for any reason and received family planning services between April 1, 2016, and October 31, 2018. We assessed demographic and clinical factors associated with contraceptive method received and conducted a subanalysis of those with intrauterine device (IUD) insertions on the same-day versus delayed insertion. Among those who received an IUD, we assessed rates of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) 30 days after insertion.

RESULTS

Of the 5064 women who received family planning services in our clinic, 1167 (23%) were using a LARC method at the time of their visit. Of the 3897 who were not using a LARC, fewer women, 12.6%, chose LARC (IUD and progestin implant), compared with 33.3% who chose new short-acting reversible contraceptives. Further analysis of the 270 IUD initiators revealed 202 (74.8%) received the IUD on the same day, whereas 68 (25.2%) had delayed IUD insertion. There were 9 incident cases of gonorrhea or chlamydia in those who received same-day IUD and 1 incident case among those who had delayed IUD insertion. There were no cases of PID at 30 days after insertion in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Study findings support IUD provision in a sexual health clinic on the day of initial visit without increased risk of PID.

Intrauterine Devices and Sexually Transmitted Infection among Older Adolescents and Young Adults in a Cluster Randomized Trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Provider misconceptions regarding intrauterine device (IUD) safety for adolescents and young women can unnecessarily limit contraceptive options offered; we sought to evaluate rates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis (GC/CT) diagnoses among young women who adopted IUDs.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a cluster-randomized provider educational trial.

SETTING

Forty US-based reproductive health centers.

PARTICIPANTS

We followed 1350 participants for 12 months aged 18-25 years who sought contraceptive care.

INTERVENTIONS

The parent study assessed the effect of provider training on evidence-based contraceptive counseling.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We assessed incidence of GC/CT diagnoses according to IUD use and sexually transmitted infection risk factors using Cox regression modeling and generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

Two hundred four participants had GC/CT history at baseline; 103 received a new GC/CT diagnosis over the 12-month follow-up period. IUDs were initiated by 194 participants. Incidence of GC/CT diagnosis was 10.0 per 100 person-years during IUD use vs 8.0 otherwise. In adjusted models, IUD use (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-2.40), adolescent age (aHR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.72-2.27), history of GC/CT (aHR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.75-2.00), and intervention status (aHR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.74-1.71) were not associated with GC/CT diagnosis; however, new GC/CT diagnosis rates were significantly higher among individuals who reported multiple partners at baseline (aHR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.34-2.98).

CONCLUSION

In this young study population with GC/CT history, this use of IUDs was safe and did not lead to increased GC/CT diagnoses. However, results highlighted the importance of dual sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy protection for participants with multiple partners.

Background review for the '2020 European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in adults'

Gonorrhoea is a major public health concern globally. Increasing incidence and sporadic ceftriaxone-resistant cases, including treatment failures, are growing concerns. The 2020 European gonorrhoea guideline provides up-to-date evidence-based guidance regarding the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea. The updates and recommendations emphasize significantly increasing gonorrhoea incidence; broad indications for increased testing with validated and quality-assured nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and culture; dual antimicrobial therapy including high-dose ceftriaxone and azithromycin (ceftriaxone 1 g plus azithromycin 2 g) OR ceftriaxone 1 g monotherapy (ONLY in well-controlled settings, see guideline for details) for uncomplicated gonorrhoea when the antimicrobial susceptibility is unknown; recommendation of test of cure (TOC) in all gonorrhoea cases to ensure eradication of infection and identify resistance; and enhanced surveillance of treatment failures when recommended treatment regimens have been used. Improvements in access to appropriate testing, test performance, diagnostics, antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance and treatment, and follow-up of gonorrhoea patients are essential in controlling gonorrhoea and to mitigate the emergence and/or spread of ceftriaxone resistance and multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea. This review provides the detailed background, evidence base and discussions, for the 2020 European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in adults (Unemo M, et al. Int J STD AIDS. 2020).

2020 European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in adults

Gonorrhoea is a major public health concern globally. Increasing incidence and sporadic ceftriaxone-resistant cases, including treatment failures, are growing concerns. The 2020 European gonorrhoea guideline provides up-to-date evidence-based guidance regarding the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea. The updates and recommendations emphasize significantly increasing gonorrhoea incidence; broad indications for increased testing with validated and quality-assured nucleic acid amplification tests and culture; dual antimicrobial therapy including high-dose ceftriaxone and azithromycin (ceftriaxone 1 g plus azithromycin 2 g) OR ceftriaxone 1 g monotherapy (ONLY in well-controlled settings, see guideline for details) for uncomplicated gonorrhoea when the antimicrobial susceptibility is unknown; recommendation of test of cure (TOC) in all gonorrhoea cases to ensure eradication of infection and identify resistance; and enhanced surveillance of treatment failures when recommended treatment regimens have been used. Improvements in access to appropriate testing, test performance, diagnostics, antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance and treatment, and follow-up of gonorrhoea patients are essential in controlling gonorrhoea and to mitigate the emergence and/or spread of ceftriaxone resistance and multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea. For detailed background, evidence base and discussions, see the background review for the present 2020 European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in adults (Unemo M, et al. Int J STD AIDS. 2020).

Contraception options: Aspects unique to adolescent and young adult

Sexual health for adolescents is based on three components: recognizing sexual rights, sexuality education and counseling, and thirdly confidential high quality services. Contraception needs to include prevention of both STIs and pregnancies. The first option for adolescents is condoms backed-up by emergency contraception; and later hormonal contraceptives in a longer, mutually monogamous relationship. Condoms and hormonal contraception together can be well recommended for adolescents for dual protection. Long acting reversible contraception (LARC) including both intrauterine contraception and implants are safe and highly effective and thus well suited for adolescents. Improved contraceptive methods do not automatically lead to reduced numbers of adolescent abortions. When sexuality education, proper counseling and sexual health services are all provided, it is possible to profoundly improve adolescent sexual health.

Postabortion Initiation of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception by Adolescent and Nulliparous Women in New Zealand

PURPOSE

To describe changes in receipt of immediate postabortion long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) by adolescent and nulliparous women in New Zealand.

METHODS

Nationally collected data on immediate postabortion receipt of an intrauterine method (intrauterine device [IUD]/intrauterine system [IUS]) or contraceptive implant were analyzed to describe proportions and demographic characteristics of women receiving LARC between 2007 and 2013. Changes in uptake over time were presented for adolescent, nulliparous, and parous women.

RESULTS

Postabortion LARC uptake increased between 2007 and 2013, rising from 7.9% to 42.7% for adolescents and from 8.8% to 36.9% for nulliparous women. The increase was highest among nulliparous adolescents with a seven-fold increase in LARC uptake between 2007 and 2013. Adolescents had a five-fold increase and nulliparous women (of all ages) a four-fold increase. In 2013, IUD/IUS use was lowest among adolescents (22.4%) and increased with increasing age (43% by ages 40+ years), whereas implant use was highest among adolescents (20.3%) and decreased with increasing age (to 4.6% by age 40+ years). Nulliparous women had the lowest use of both IUD/IUS and implants in 2013, with 24.6% receiving an intrauterine method (compared with 43.2% for para 3+), and 12.3% an implant (compared with 17.5% for para 3+).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite an overall trend toward increased uptake of postabortion LARC by adolescent and nulliparous women, uptake in these groups still lags behind that of parous and older women. Reasons for differential uptake need to be explored and addressed if necessary to ensure all women have equitable access to the most effective methods of contraception.

Intrauterine contraception

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are effective, reversible forms of contraception with high patient satisfaction and continuation. IUDs can be safely used by most women and should be considered the first-line method of contraception for all women. This descriptive review will discuss the clinical issues associated with IUDs - including management of side effects, noncontraceptive uses and insertion and removal. When the burdens of cost are removed, women are more likely to select and IUDs. Health policy changes that increase insurance coverage for contraception will improve access to IUDs. IUDs remain an underutilized form of contraception in USA and efforts to improve availability and access to long-acting reversible contraception methods is needed to optimize their use.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives for Incarcerated Women: Feasibility and Safety of On-Site Provision

CONTEXT

Many incarcerated women have an unmet need for contraception. Providing access to long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods--IUDs and implants--before release is one strategy to meet this need and potentially prepare them for reentry to the community, but the safety and feasibility of providing these methods in this setting have not been described.

METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study of all LARC insertions at the San Francisco County Jail in 2009-2014 was conducted. Data from community clinic and jail clinic databases were assessed to examine baseline characteristics of LARC initiators, complications from insertion, method continuation, and pregnancy and reincarceration rates. Correlates of method discontinuation were assessed in multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven LARC devices were inserted during the study period--53 IUDs and 34 implants. There were no cases of pelvic inflammatory disease or other insertion complications in IUD users and no serious complications in implant users. Median duration of known use was 11.4 months for IUDs and 12.9 months for implants. Women who discontinued a LARC method most commonly cited a desire to get pregnant (32%). Black women were more likely than whites to discontinue use (odds ratio, 4.4).

CONCLUSIONS

It is safe and feasible to provide LARC methods to incarcerated women. Correctional facilities should consider increasing access to all available contraceptives, including LARC methods, in a noncoercive manner as a strategy to reduce reproductive health disparities among marginalized women at high risk of unplanned pregnancies.