The changing pattern of contraceptive use and pregnancies in four generations of young women

Relationship between classic indicators of health behaviour and contraceptive choices in women in Flanders

BACKGROUND

In this study we shed light on ongoing trends in contraceptive use in Flanders (Belgium). Building on the fundamental cause theory and social diffusion of innovation theory, we examine socio-economic gradients in contraceptive use and the relationship to health behaviours.

METHODS

Using the unique and recently collected (2020) ISALA data, we used multinomial logistic regression to model the uptake of contraceptives and its association to educational level and health behaviour (N:4316 women).

RESULTS

Higher educated women, and women with a healthy lifestyle especially, tend to use non-hormonal contraceptives or perceived lower-dosage hormonal contraceptives that are still trustworthy from a medical point of view. Moreover, we identified a potentially vulnerable group in terms of health as our results indicate that women who do not engage in preventive health behaviours are more likely to use no, or no modern, contraceptive method.

DISCUSSION

The fact that higher educated women and women with a healthy lifestyle are less likely to use hormonal contraceptive methods is in line with patient empowerment, as women no longer necessarily follow recommendations by healthcare professionals, and there is a growing demand for naturalness in Western societies.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study can therefore be used to inform policy makers and reproductive healthcare professionals, since up-to-date understanding of women's contraceptive choices is clearly needed in order to develop effective strategies to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies, and in which women can take control over their sexuality and fertility in a comfortable and pleasurable way.

An updated systematic review of neuroprotective agents in the treatment of spinal cord injury

This systematic review aims to summarize the findings from all clinical randomized trials assessing the efficacy of potential neuroprotective agents in influencing the outcomes of acute spinal cord injuries (SCI). Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted comprehensive searches in four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) up to September 5th, 2023. Our analysis included a total of 30 studies. We examined the effects of 15 substances/drugs: methylprednisolone, tirilazad mesylate, erythropoietin, nimodipine, naloxone, Sygen, Rho protein antagonist, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, autologous macrophages, autologous bone marrow cells, vitamin D, progesterone, riluzole, minocycline, and blood alcohol concentration. Notable improvements in neurological outcomes were observed with progesterone plus vitamin D and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. In contrast, results for methylprednisolone, erythropoietin, Sygen, Rho Protein, and Riluzole were inconclusive, primarily due to insufficient sample size or outdated evidence. No significant differences were found in the remaining evaluated drugs. Progesterone plus vitamin D, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, methylprednisolone, Sygen, Rho Protein, and Riluzole may enhance neurological outcomes in acute SCI cases. It is worth noting that different endpoints or additional subgroup analyses may potentially alter the conclusions of individual trials. Therefore, certain SCI grades may benefit more from these treatments than others, while the overall results may remain inconclusive.

Contraceptive use among women seeking an early induced abortion in Sweden

INTRODUCTION

In spite of societal efforts to strengthen women's sexual and reproductive health in Sweden, many women have unmet contraceptive needs and the abortion rate remains high. The aim of this study was to investigate contraceptive use among abortion-seeking women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Swedish-speaking women seeking an induced abortion up to the end of gestational week 12 at seven hospitals filled out an anonymous paper questionnaire between January and June 2021. Data were analyzed using frequencies and cross-tabulations, and the Chi-square test was used to compare age-groups. Valid percentages are presented.

RESULTS

In total, 623 women participated. Median age was 29 years and 13% were born outside the Nordic countries. In the year preceding the abortion, condoms (37%, n = 228) were the most commonly used contraceptive method, followed by short-acting reversible contraception (SARC) (35%, n = 213) and withdrawal (25%, n = 152). Around one in five (n = 113) had not used any method in the year preceding the abortion. Sixteen percent (n = 96) had changed contraceptive method in the last year. At the time around conception, 15% (n = 90) reported use of SARC and 2% (n = 12) of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Four out of 10 women (n = 268) reported non-use of contraception at the time around conception, with a higher proportion among adolescents (70%, n = 30, P = 0.001). Among the women who responded to why they had not used any method (n = 387), the main reasons were that they did not believe they could become pregnant at that time (37%, n = 144) or had negative experiences from using contraceptives (32%, n = 123). A majority (88%, n = 527) planned to use contraception after the abortion. Of the women who had decided on method, 55% (n = 271) planned to use LARC, and 38% (n = 188) planned to use SARC.

CONCLUSION

The unmet need for contraception appears to be high among abortion-seeking women in Sweden. Many had discontinued contraception use during the last year, and the main reasons for avoidance were beliefs that one could not become pregnant and negative experiences of contraceptives. The underestimation of pregnancy risk indicates limited fertility awareness, thus our recommendation would be to strengthen the sexual and reproductive knowledge among this group.

Exogenous female sex steroid hormones and new-onset asthma in women: a matched case-control study

BACKGROUND

Evidence on the role of exogenous female sex steroid hormones in asthma development in women remains conflicting. We sought to quantify the potential causal role of hormonal contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in the development of asthma in women.

METHODS

We conducted a matched case-control study based on the West Sweden Asthma Study, nested in a representative cohort of 15,003 women aged 16-75 years, with 8-year follow-up (2008-2016). Data were analyzed using Frequentist and Bayesian conditional logistic regression models.

RESULTS

We included 114 cases and 717 controls. In Frequentist analysis, the odds ratio (OR) for new-onset asthma with ever use of hormonal contraceptives was 2.13 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-4.38). Subgroup analyses showed that the OR increased consistently with older baseline age. The OR for new-onset asthma with ever MHT use among menopausal women was 1.17 (95% CI 0.49-2.82). In Bayesian analysis, the ORs for ever use of hormonal contraceptives and MHT were, respectively, 1.11 (95% posterior interval [PI] 0.79-1.55) and 1.18 (95% PI 0.92-1.52). The respective probability of each OR being larger than 1 was 72.3% and 90.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although use of hormonal contraceptives was associated with an increased risk of asthma, this may be explained by selection of women by baseline asthma status, given the upward trend in the effect estimate with older age. This indicates that use of hormonal contraceptives may in fact decrease asthma risk in women. Use of MHT may increase asthma risk in menopausal women.

Multiple induced abortions - implications for counselling and contraceptive services from a multi-centre cross-sectional study in Sweden

OBJECTIVES

To investigate factors associated with multiple induced abortions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multi-centre cross-sectional survey among abortion-seeking women (n = 623;14-47y) in Sweden, 2021. 'Multiple abortions' was defined as having had ≥2 induced abortions. This group was compared to women with a previous experience of 0-1 induced abortion. Regression analysis was conducted to determine independent factors associated with multiple abortions.

RESULTS

67.4% (n = 420) reported previous experience of 0-1 abortion, and 25.8% (n = 161) ≥2 abortions (42 women chose to not respond). Several factors were associated with multiple abortions, but when adjusted in the regression model, the following factors remained; parity ≥1 (OR = 2.96, 95%CI [1.63, 5.39]), low education (OR = 2.40, 95%CI [1.40, 4.09]), tobacco use (OR = 2.50, 95%CI [1.54, 4.07]) and exposure to violence over the last year (OR = 2.37, 95%CI [1.06, 5.29]). More women in the group who had 0-1 abortion (n = 109/420) believed they could not become pregnant at the time of conception, compared to women who had ≥2 abortions (n = 27/161), p=.038. Mood swings, as a contraceptive side-effect, were more often reported among women with ≥2 abortions (n = 65/161), compared to those with 0-1 abortion (n = 131/420), p=.034.

CONCLUSION

Multiple abortions is associated with vulnerability. Sweden provides high quality and accessible comprehensive abortion care; however, counselling must be improved both to achieve contraceptive adherence and identify and address domestic violence.

Hormonal Contraceptive Use and Risk of Depression Among Young Women With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVE

Women with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have an increased risk of becoming teenage mothers. Adverse effects of hormonal contraception (HC), including depression, may affect adherence to user-dependent contraception and increase the risk for unplanned pregnancies and teenage births in women with ADHD. The current study analyzed whether girls and young women with ADHD are at increased risk for depression during HC use compared with non-ADHD women.

METHOD

A linkage of Swedish national registers covering 29,767 girls and young women with ADHD aged 15 to 24 years and 763,146 without ADHD provided measures of ADHD and depression diagnoses (International Classification of Diseases [ICD] code) and prescription of stimulant medication, HC, and antidepressant medication (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical [ATC] code). Cox regression models applying an interaction term (ADHD diagnosis × HC use) evaluated the excess risk of HC-induced depression in women with ADHD.

RESULTS

Women with ADHD had a 3-fold higher risk of developing depression, irrespective of HC use (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 3.69, 95% CI = 3.60-3.78). Oral combined HC users with ADHD had a 5 times higher risk of depression compared with non-ADHD women who were not using oral combined HC (aHR = 5.19, 95% CI = 4.94-5.47), and a 6 times higher risk in comparison with non-ADHD women who were on oral combined HC (aHR = 6.10 (95% CI = 5.79-6.43). The corresponding risk of depression in women with AHDH who used a progestogen-only pill (aHR = 5.00, 95% CI = 4.56-5.49). The risk of developing depression when using non-oral HC was similarly moderately increased in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Girls and young women with ADHD have an increased risk of developing depression when using oral HC compared with their unaffected peers. Information on risks with HCs as well as potential benefits with long-acting reversible contraceptives needs to be an integrated part of the shared decision making and contraception counseling for young women with ADHD.

Time Trends for Incidence and Net Survival of Cervical Cancer in Sweden 1960-2014-A Nationwide Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

The aim was to investigate time trends for incidence and long-term net survival in the morphologic subtypes and stages of cervical cancer in Sweden during the period 1960 to 2014.

METHODS

Women with invasive cervical cancer were identified through the Swedish Cancer Registry. Incidence and net survival were calculated according to morphology, age at diagnosis, and FIGO stage at diagnosis.

RESULTS

In total, 29,579 cases of invasive cervical cancer between 1960 and 2014 were included. The age-standardized incidence for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) decreased until 2000; thereafter, the incidence rate stagnated, and a small increase was found in 2014. The incidence of adenocarcinoma continuously increased. The age-standardized 5-year net survival increased. However, decreasing net survival with increasing age was found. A higher stage at diagnosis showed a worse net survival. SCC and adenocarcinoma did not statistically differ as regards net survival in the last years of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Age-standardized 5-year net survival improved between 1960 and 2014. A positive trend for short- and long-term net survival was seen for women ages 18 to 64 years but long-term net survival for women ≥75 years decreased. In this study, age and FIGO stage at diagnosis were found to be important prognostic factors in determining net survival. The morphologies, SCC, and adenocarcinoma did not statistically differ as regards net survival in the last years of the study.

IMPACT

This study demonstrates longitudinal data on cervical cancer in Sweden for over 50 years with sub analyses on morphology, age, and stage at diagnosis.

Knowledge, challenges, and standard of care of young women with ADHD at Swedish youth clinics

OBJECTIVES

Sexual risk-taking and its consequences for young women with ADHD(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) including sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancies and underage parenthood constitute substantial challenges for individuals and midwives. The aim was to investigate current knowledge and specific challenges in reproductive health and contraceptive counselling for women with ADHD at Swedish youth clinics.

METHOD

Inductive qualitative interview study of ten midwives at six youth health clinics in Stockholm and Uppsala County. We used a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with the NVivo 12 qualitative data analysis software.

RESULTS

Three main categories were identified: (1) challenges in provision of care of young women with ADHD, (2) standard of care and active adaptations towards women with ADHD and (3) organizational readiness for change;. Several challenges and frustrations, such as difficulties with attention with or without concomitant impulsivity and overactivity, in provision of reproductive health and contraceptive counselling for young women with ADHD were identified. Midwives reported high organizational readiness for improvement of standard of care.

CONCLUSIONS

Inadequate contraceptive counseling or lack of knowledge on specific challenges in the sexual and reproductive health of young women with ADHD may contribute to this group failing to access, inadequately respond to, or act upon counseling at youth clinics. Support for midwives with evidence-based interventions specifically developed for these women are imperative. Development of such tools should be a priority for research.

There is no association between combined oral hormonal contraceptives and depression: a Swedish register-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether users of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are at increased risk of depression compared with non-users.

DESIGN

Register-based cohort study.

SETTING

Sweden.

SAMPLE

Women aged 15-25 years between 2010 and 2017 with no prior antidepressant treatment, psychiatric diagnose or contraindication for HCs (n = 739 585).

METHODS

Women with a prescription of HC were identified via the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register (SPDR). Relative risks (RRs) for first depression diagnosis in current HC-users compared with non-users were modelled by Poisson regression. Adjustments included age, medical indication for HC-use and parental history of mental disorders, among others.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Depression, captured by a redeemed prescription of antidepressant treatment, or a first depression diagnosis in the SPDR and the National Patient Register.

RESULTS

Compared with non-users, women on combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and oral progestogen-only products had lower or no increased risk of depression, relative risk (RR) 0.89 (95% CI 0.87-0.91) and 1.03 (95% CI 0.99-1.06) after adjustments, respectively. Age-stratified analyses demonstrated that COC use in adolescents conferred no increase in risk (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.98), whereas use of progestogen-only pills (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07-1.19), contraceptive patch/vaginal ring (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.30-1.58), implant (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.30-1.45) or a levonorgestrel intrauterine device (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.46-1.73) were associated with increased risks.

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not find any association between use of COCs, which is the dominating HC in first time users, and depression. Non-oral products were associated with increased risks. Residual confounding must be addressed in the interpretation of the results.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

There is no association between combined hormonal contraceptives and depression.

Contraception use and attitudes: women's concerns regarding hormonal contraception and copper intrauterine devices

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of contraceptive method use among women, assess concerns about hormonal contraception (HC) and copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) and determine characteristics associated with concerns of HC and Cu-IUD.

METHOD

Cross-sectional study. Swedish speaking women (n = 212) aged 16-50 attending midwives at four outpatient clinics in two of Sweden's larger cities answered a waiting room questionnaire. Content analysis was used to categorise open-ended questions with free text answers.

RESULTS

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) was used by 30.4%, short acting reversible contraceptives (SARC) by 28.0%, and 16.4% did not use any contraception during most recent intercourse. Four out of ten (41.2%) had concerns about using HC and 52.3% about using Cu-IUD. The most common reason for having concerns regarding HC was unspecified side effects, fear of hormones and adverse mood symptoms; regarding Cu-IUD, concerns related to increased bleeding and menstrual pain. Among those expressing concerns, experience of induced abortion was twice as common. Women who did not have concerns about HC were using combined oral contraception (COC) to a higher extent.

CONCLUSION

Concerns about using HC and Cu-IUD are common. This needs to be considered during contraceptive counselling.

Towards individualised contraceptive counselling: clinical and reproductive factors associated with self-reported hormonal contraceptive-induced adverse mood symptoms

OBJECTIVE

The study aim was to establish which demographic, clinical, reproductive and psychiatric factors are associated with self-reported hormonal contraceptive (HC)-induced adverse mood symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

We compiled baseline data from two Swedish studies: one cross-sectional study on combined oral contraceptive (COC)-induced adverse mood symptoms (n=118) and one randomised controlled trial on adverse mood symptoms on COC (n=184). Both included women eligible for COC use, aged over 18 years. All women answered a questionnaire on HC use and associated mood problems. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) was used to capture mood and anxiety disorders. Women who acknowledged HC-induced adverse mood symptoms, ongoing or previously (n=145), were compared with women without any such experience (n=157).

RESULTS

Compared with women without self-reported HC-induced adverse mood symptoms, women with these symptoms were younger at HC start (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.83, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.95), had more often undergone induced abortion (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.57 to 7.23), more often suffered from an ongoing minor depressive disorder (n=12 vs n=0) and had more often experienced any previous mental health problem (aOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.59).

CONCLUSIONS

In line with previous research, this study suggests that women with previous or ongoing mental health problems and women who are younger at HC start are more likely to experience HC-induced adverse mood symptoms. Former and current mental health should be addressed at contraceptive counselling, and ongoing mental health disorders should be adequately treated.

IMPLICATIONS

This study adds valuable knowledge for identification of women susceptible to HC-induced adverse mood symptoms. It should facilitate the assessment of whether or not a woman has an increased risk of such symptoms, and thus enable clinicians to adopt a more personalised approach to contraceptive counselling.

Municipal contraceptive services, socioeconomic status and teenage pregnancy in Finland: a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

Declining teenage pregnancy rates have been linked to improved access to youth-friendly contraceptive services, but information on the combined association of these services and socioeconomic factors with teenage pregnancy is lacking.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This retrospective longitudinal register-based study covers the annual teenage childbirth and induced abortion rates in the 100 largest municipalities in Finland in 2000-2018. We investigated the combined association of regional, socioeconomic (ie, education level and need for social assistance) and adolescent contraceptive service variables (ie, free-of-charge contraception, an adolescent-only clinic and availability of over-the-counter emergency contraception (OTC EC)) with teenage childbirth and induced abortion rates at the municipality level by using Poisson mixed-effects model.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Annual teenage childbirth and induced abortion rates as numbers per 1000 teenage girls aged 15-19 years old in the 100 largest municipalities in Finland from 2000 to 2018.

RESULTS

The following variables were significantly associated with both lower teenage childbirth and induced abortion rates when adjusted for all the other variables used in the model: providing free-of-charge contraception (rate ratio (RR) 0.82 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.92) and RR 0.87 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.96), respectively), availability of OTC EC without age limit (RR 0.70 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.75) and RR 0.74 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.78), respectively), and high education level of the municipality (RR 0.94 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.95) and RR 0.94 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.94), respectively).

CONCLUSION

Providing free-of-charge contraception and availability of OTC EC without age limit are associated with lower teenage pregnancy rates. These services combined with proper counselling are thus important contents of youth-friendly contraceptive services that should be provided equally for all teenagers in order to further reduce teenage pregnancy rates.

Progesterone - Friend or foe?

Estradiol is the "prototypic" sex hormone of women. Yet, women have another sex hormone, which is often disregarded: Progesterone. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on progesterone, and its metabolite allopregnanolone, emphasizing three key areas: biological properties, main functions, and effects on mood in women. Recent years of intensive research on progesterone and allopregnanolone have paved the way for new treatment of postpartum depression. However, treatment for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder as well as contraception that women can use without risking mental health problems are still needed. As far as progesterone is concerned, we might be dealing with a two-edged sword: while its metabolite allopregnanolone has been proven useful for treatment of PPD, it may trigger negative symptoms in women with PMS and PMDD. Overall, our current knowledge on the beneficial and harmful effects of progesterone is limited and further research is imperative.

Sexual function changes attributed to hormonal contraception use - a qualitative study of women experiencing negative effects

Objective: To increase the understanding of women who experience negative effects on sexual function when using hormonal contraception.Methods: We performed 24 in-depth interviews with women who had previously experienced negative sexual function effects while using hormonal contraceptives. The thematic analysis method was used.Results: 'After experience comes insight', 'Lubrication and desire go hand in hand', 'Mental wellbeing comes before desire' and 'The contraceptive counsellor potentially facilitates insight and decision-making' were the main themes found in the study.Conclusions: This selected group of women described lubrication difficulties and decreased sexual desire associated with both contraceptive use and the menstrual cycle. Contraceptive use became easier with age and with better understanding. The contraceptive counsellor could facilitate the process. Further choice between hormonal or non-hormonal contraceptive methods depended primarily on experienced adverse effects on mood, and secondarily on sexual function, weighed against the advantages or disadvantages experienced during the person's own menstrual cycle.

Association of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder With Teenage Birth Among Women and Girls in Sweden

IMPORTANCE

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with a plethora of adverse health outcomes throughout life. While Swedish specialized youth clinics have carefully and successfully targeted risk of unplanned pregnancies in adolescents, important risk groups, such as women and girls with ADHD, might not be identified or appropriately assisted by these interventions.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether women and girls with ADHD are associated with increased risk of teenage birth compared with their unaffected peers and to examine the association of ADHD with risk factors for adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes, such as smoking, underweight or overweight, and substance use disorder.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This nationwide cohort study included data from 6 national longitudinal population-based registries in Sweden. All nulliparous women and girls who gave birth in Sweden between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2014, were included. Data analyses were conducted from October 7, 2018, to February 8, 2019.

EXPOSURES

Women and girls treated with stimulant or nonstimulant medication for ADHD (Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical classification code N06BA) in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register between July 1, 2005, and December 31, 2014.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Maternal age at birth. Secondary outcome measures were body mass index, smoking habits, and psychiatric comorbidities.

RESULTS

Among 384 103 nulliparous women and girls aged 12 to 50 years who gave birth between 2007 and 2014 included in the study, 6410 (1.7%) (mean [SD] age, 25.0 [5.5] years) were identified as having ADHD. The remaining 377 693 women and girls without ADHD (mean [SD] age, 28.5 [5.1] years) served as the control group. Teenage deliveries were more common among women and girls with ADHD than among women and girls without ADHD (15.3% vs 2.8%; odds ratio [OR], 6.23 [95% CI, 5.80-6.68]). Compared with women and girls without ADHD, those with ADHD were more likely to present with risk factors for adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes, including smoking during the third trimester (OR, 6.88 [95% CI, 6.45-7.34]), body mass index less than 18.50 (OR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.12-1.49]), body mass index more than 40.00 (OR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.60-2.52]), and alcohol and substance use disorder (OR, 20.25 [95% CI, 18.74-21.88]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study found that women and girls with ADHD were associated with an increased risk of giving birth as teenagers compared with their unaffected peers. The results suggest that standard of care for women and girls with ADHD should include active efforts to prevent teenage pregnancies.

A survey of young women's perceptions of the influence of the Levonorgestrel-Intrauterine System or copper-intrauterine device on sexual desire

OBJECTIVES

Few studies, with contradictory results, evaluate intrauterine contraceptives (IUC) and sexual function specifically. This study compares perception of sexual desire related to IUC use and aspects of sexual function in women who use the Lng-IUS with those using the Cu-IUD.

STUDY DESIGN

A secondary analysis regarding IUC use based on a larger cross-sectional survey of contraceptive use in Sweden, conducted in 2013. In total, 153 IUC users (103 Cu-IUD and 50 Lng-IUS users) answered the questionnaire. The only inclusion criterion was intrauterine contraceptive use.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Were self-reported sexual desire changes related to contraceptive method. We also analysed aspects of sexual functioning; sexual desire level, sexual activity, orgasm frequency, satisfaction with sex life and satisfaction of desire level.

RESULTS

A negative effect on sexual desire due to contraceptive method was reported by 28% of the Lng-IUS users and by 10.1% of the Cu-IUD users (p < 0.05). Results were more marked after adjusting for age, body mass index, depression, parity, switching behaviour, and partnership (OR 5.0; CI: 1.8-13.8). The adjusted odds of reporting low sexual desire level (never or almost never feeling sexual desire) (OR 3.5; CI: 1.1-11.2) as well as low satisfaction with sex life (OR 2.7; CI: 1.2-6.3) was higher in the Lng-IUS group (adjusted for same confounders as above).

CONCLUSIONS

The women in this study using the Lng-IUS more often report negative sexual desire effects of their contraception as well as lower sexual desire level compared with women using the Cu-IUD.

Patterns of prescription and discontinuation of contraceptives for Swedish women with obesity and normal-weight women

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the prescription of different contraceptive methods to Swedish women with obesity and to compare the pattern of prescription and adherence to treatment between this group and normal-weight women. Materials and methods: This study included 371 women with obesity and 744 matched normal-weight women, aged 18-40. Medical records were scrutinised for the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014. The retrieved variables included: background characteristics, prescribed contraceptive methods, adverse effects, duration of treatment, reason for discontinuation and bleeding pattern. Result: Progestin-only pills were mainly prescribed to women with obesity (44% vs. 20%, p = 0.001) whereas combined hormonal contraception was mainly prescribed to normal-weight women (60% vs. 21%, p < 0.0001). Thirty-three percent vs. 25% (p = 0.003) discontinued their contraceptive method within 1 year. The most commonly declared reason for discontinuation was bleeding disturbance (14.7% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.008). Conclusion: The most commonly prescribed contraceptive method in women with obesity was progestin-only pills, but surprisingly many women with obesity were prescribed combined hormonal contraception despite current Swedish and European guidelines. Incident users with obesity were significantly more likely to discontinue their contraceptive method within the first year of the study period, compared with incident normal-weight users.

Use of non-medical contraceptive methods: a survey of women in western Sweden

OBJECTIVES

To describe women's self-reported use of non-medical contraceptive methods (including barrier methods, fertility awareness-based methods and withdrawal), explore reasons for and satisfaction with choice of contraceptive methods and examine women's fertility awareness.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among women consulting at primary healthcare clinics not using medical contraceptives.

RESULTS

Most of the 648 participants (67%) reported using a mix of condom use, withdrawal and a calendar method, while 23% used only condoms. Eleven percent reported using the Billings ovulation method, diaphragm/cap or fertility monitor and found these methods highly satisfactory. A majority of the women who primarily used condoms also reported being satisfied. Most women actively chose non-medical contraception because it was perceived as without adverse effects, uncomplicated and effective. Fertility awareness was generally poor.

CONCLUSION

Frequent use of withdrawal and a calendar method, as well as poor fertility awareness, suggests a need for improved counselling at contraceptive clinics on fertility awareness and more effective non-medical contraceptive methods to assist women in making an informed contraceptive choice.

Ecological study on the use of hormonal contraception, abortions and births among teenagers in the Nordic countries

OBJECTIVES

Compare hormonal contraceptive use, birth and abortion rates among teenagers in the Nordic countries. A secondary aim was to explore plausible explanations for possible differences between countries.

DESIGN

Ecological study using national registry data concerning births and abortions among all women aged 15-19 years residing in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden 2008-2015. Age-specific data on prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives for the period 2008-2015 were obtained from national databases in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

SETTING

Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

Women 15-19 years old in all Nordic countries (749 709) and 13-19 years old in Denmark, Norway and Sweden (815 044).

RESULTS

Both annual birth rates and abortion rates fell in all the Nordic countries during the study period. The highest user rate of hormonal contraceptives among 15-19-year-olds was observed in Denmark (from 51% to 47%) followed by Sweden (from 39% to 42%) and Norway (from 37% to 41%). Combined oral contraceptives were the most commonly used methods in all countries. The use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), implants and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems, were increasing, especially in Sweden and Norway. In the subgroup of 18-19-year-old teenagers, the user rates of hormonal contraceptives varied between 63% and 61% in Denmark, 56% and 61% in Norway and 54% and 56% in Sweden. In the same subgroup, the steepest increase of LARC was seen, from 2% to 6% in Denmark, 2% to 9% in Norway and 7% to 17% in Sweden.

CONCLUSIONS

Birth and abortion rates continuously declined in the Nordic countries among teenagers. There was a high user rate of hormonal contraceptives, with an increase in the use of LARC especially among the oldest teenagers.