Contraceptive use and the risk of sexually transmitted infection: systematic review and current perspectives

Prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions and associated factors among women attending a cervical cancer clinic in Western Uganda; results based on Pap smear cytology

Introduction

There are high incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer among females in East Africa. This is exacerbated by limited up-to-date data on premalignant lesions and associated factors in this setting. In this study, we determined the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions and associated factors among women attending the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital cervical cancer clinic in Southwestern Uganda.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 364 participants were recruited from among women attending the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital cervical cancer clinic from 1 April to 30 June 2023. On consent, the study nurse collected demographic data and Pap smears, which were microscopically examined and reported by a laboratory scientist and a pathologist following the Bethesda grading system (2014). Statistical analyses were done in STATA version 17, using proportions, Chi-square, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine associated factors at ⩽0.05 significance level.

Results

The mean age of participants was 41.9 years. A third of all study participants (37.6%, 132/351) were contraceptive users, mostly hormonal contraceptives (87.1%, 115/132). Almost 88% (307/351) had an unknown Human Papilloma Virus status. The prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions among our study participants was 6.6% (23/351), of which 73.9% (17/23) were low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. More than half (9/17, 52.9%) of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were active hormonal contraceptive users. Use of hormonal contraceptives (OR: 3.032, p: 0.0253), use of intrauterine devices (OR: 6.284, p: 0.039), and any family history of cervical cancer (OR: 4.144, p: 0.049) were significantly associated with cervical intraepithelial lesions.

Conclusion

The prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions was 6.6%, lower than global estimates. Use of hormonal and intrauterine device contraceptives, as well as family history of cervical cancer, were significantly associated with cervical intraepithelial lesions among our study population. Prospective studies are recommended to further understand associations between different types of intrauterine devices and hormonal contraceptives, and cervical lesions.

Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and associated risk factors among HIV positive women in North Central Nigeria

Introduction

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is among the STDs that are known to increase the risk of HIV infection. The present study aims to determine the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis among HIV positive women in Ilorin and Offa, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria.

Methods

Serum samples from 400 HIV positive women attending the HAART Clinic in Offa and the Ilorin General Hospital in Kwara State, Nigeria, were screened using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), utilizing the immunocomb Chlamydia IgG test kit (Calbiotech, El Cajon, CA, USA) to check for the existence of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies.

Result

Anti-C. trachomatis antibodies were present in 92 (23.0%) of the 400 HIV positive women samples. There was a higher prevalence among the age group 36-40 years. Hence, age groupings were statistically and significantly associated (p=0.001) with the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis among HIV positive women. Married HIV positive women (60.9%) had the highest prevalence of C. trachomatis, with a statistically significant association (p=0.001). There was a statistically significant association between the number of sexual partner(s) (p=0.001) and the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis among HIV positive women.

Conclusions

The high frequency confirms the necessity for comprehensive sexual education among young adults and routine testing for anti-C. trachomatis. It reflects the endemicity of the infection in Ilorin and Offa Kwara State, Nigeria.

Community cancer screening at primary care level in Northern India: determinants and policy implications for cancer prevention

OBJECTIVE

Despite the established cancer screening programme for oral, breast and cervical cancer by the Government of India, the screening coverage remains inadequate. This study aimed to describe the determinants for oral, breast and cervical cancer prevention in a rural community at the primary care level of Northern India and its policy implications.

DESIGN

This was a camp-based project conducted for 1 year, using oral visual examination, clinical breast examination and visual inspection of cervix by application of 5% acetic acid according to primary healthcare operational guidelines. During the project, screen-positive participants were followed through reverse navigation. Information about socio-demographic profile, clinical and behavioural history and screening were collected. Predictors for screen-positivity and follow-up compliance were identified through multivariable analysis.

SETTINGS

Based on the aim of project, one of the remotely located and low socioeconomic rural blocks, having 148 villages (estimated population of 254 285) in Varanasi district, India was selected as the service site. There is an established healthcare delivery and referral system as per the National Health Mission of Government of India. Oral, breast, gallbladder and cervical cancers are the leading cancers in the district.

PARTICIPANTS

We invited all men and women aged 30-65 years residing in the selected block for the last 6 months for the screening camps. Unmarried women, women with active vaginal bleeding, those currently pregnant and those who have undergone hysterectomy were excluded from cervical cancer screening.

RESULTS

A total of 14 338 participants were screened through 190 camps and the majority (61.9%) were women. Hindu religion, tobacco use, intention to quit tobacco and presence of symptoms were significantly associated with screen-positivity. Nearly one-third (220; 30.1%) of the screened-positives complied with follow-up. Young age and illiteracy were significantly associated with lower compliance.

CONCLUSION

Poor follow-up compliance, despite the availability of tertiary cancer care, patient navigation, free transportation and diagnostic services, calls for research to explore the role of contextual factors and develop pragmatic interventions to justify 'close the care gap'. Community cancer screening needs strengthening through cancer awareness, establishing referral system and integration with the National Tobacco Control and Cancer Registry Programmes.

Contraceptive Attitudes and Use among Tertiary Students in Greece

Objective:A sizable fraction of young people with active sex lives do not utilize contraceptives and engage in high-risk sexual activity. School-based programs can prevent sexual activity, encourage birth control and reduce high-risk behavior. A survey was conducted to assess the key sources of knowledge on sexual education and document attitudes and methods of contraception used by Greek students, providing valuable information for expanding contraceptive services. Material and methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by using an online questionnaire which was distributed to 206 digital student groups on social media platforms from May 20 to June 5, 2021. Results:The majority of participants obtained information about contraception from the Internet and used male condoms to avoid unwanted pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The present study found that younger ages (18-20 and 21-25) preferred to use the male condom technique in an ephemeral relationship [x² (12) =26.041, Fisher's exact test p= 0.0380.05]. Conclusions:Exploring students' attitudes toward contraceptive usage can provide valuable insights for developing effective strategies to promote safe and responsible sexual behavior among this population.

Prevalence and incidence of sexually transmitted infections among South African women initiating injectable and long-acting contraceptives

BACKGROUND

South Africa is among the countries with the highest prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). In 2017, there were an estimated 6 million new CT, 4.5 million NG and 71 000 Treponema pallidum infections among South African men and women of reproductive age.

METHODS

We evaluated STI prevalence and incidence and associated risk factors in 162 women aged 18-33 years old, residing in eThekwini and Tshwane, South Africa who were part of the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) trial. Women were randomised to use depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (n = 53), copper intrauterine device (n = 51), or levonorgestrel (n = 58) implant. Lateral vaginal wall swab samples were collected prior to contraceptive initiation and at months one and three following contraceptive initiation for STI testing.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in STI incidence and prevalence across contraceptive groups. At baseline, 40% had active STIs (CT, NG, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) or herpes simplex virus-2 shedding across all age groups- 18-21 years (46%), 22-25 years (42%) and 26-33 years (29%). The incidence of STIs during follow-up was exceptionally high (107.9/100 women-years [wy]), with younger women (18-21 years) more likely to acquire CT (75.9/100 wy) compared to 26-33 year olds (17.4/100 wy; p = 0.049). TV incidence was higher in the 26-33 year old group (82.7/100 wy) compared to the 18-21 year olds (8.4/100 wy; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the study participants received extensive counselling on the importance of condom use, this study highlights the high prevalence and incidence of STIs in South African women, especially amongst young women, emphasising the need for better STI screening and management strategies.

Contraceptive effects on the cervicovaginal microbiome: Recent evidence including randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Until recently, most data regarding the effects of non-barrier contraceptives on the mucosal microbiome have derived from observational studies, which are potentially biased due to behavioral confounders that may mask their true biological effects.

METHOD OF STUDY

This narrative review summarises recent evidence of the effect of contraceptives on the cervicovaginal microbiome, emphasising data obtained through randomized trials.

RESULTS

Good quality data describe that initiation of long-acting progestin-only contraceptives, including levonorgestrel (LNG)-implant and the injectables depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) and norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) do not alter the mucosal microbial environment. Likewise, no strong evidence exists that the use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) is associated with alterations of the vaginal microbiome or increased risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Limited data on the effect of intravaginal rings (IVRs) on the mucosal environment exist and show conflicting effects on the vaginal microbiota. Copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) initiation has been associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) acquisition, including in a randomized trial. LNG-IUDs may have similar affects but need to be evaluated further.

CONCLUSION

Different synthetic hormones have divergent effects on the microbiome and therefore novel hormonal methods need to be rigorously evaluated. Furthermore, the addition of antiretrovirals into multipurpose technologies may alter the effects of the hormonal component. There is thus a critical need to improve our understanding of the biological effects of contraceptive hormones and delivery methods with different pharmacokinetic and chemical properties on the mucosal microbiome in rigorous trials, to inform the development of novel contraceptives and improve individual family planning guidance.

Update on the Impact of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on Vaginal Mucosal Endpoints and Relevance to Sexually Transmitted Infections

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The long-acting reversible intramuscularly-injected contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) is widely used by cisgender women in Africa. Although DMPA-IM provides reliable contraception, potential effects on the female genital tract (FGT) mucosa have raised concern, including risk of HIV infection. This review summarises and compares evidence from observational cohort studies and the randomised Evidence for Contraceptive Options in HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although previous observational studies found women using DMPA-IM had higher abundance of bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacteria, increased inflammation, increased cervicovaginal HIV target cell density, and epithelial barrier damage, sub-studies of the ECHO Trial found no adverse changes in vaginal microbiome, inflammation, proteome, transcriptome, and risk of viral and bacterial STIs, other than an increase in Th17-like cells. Randomised data suggest that DMPA-IM use does not adversely change mucosal endpoints associated with acquisition of infections. These findings support the safe use of DMPA-IM in women at high risk of acquiring STIs, including HIV.

Prevention of recurrence of bacterial vaginosis using lactobacilli-containing vaginal tablets among women with HIV: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded phase IV trial

OBJECTIVES

The effectiveness of lactobacilli-containing vaginal tablets (VT) in bacterial vaginosis (BV) recurrence prevention among women infected with HIV treated with standard oral metronidazole in Pune, India was studied.

METHODS

Women infected with HIV with confirmed BV diagnosis (Nugent score ≥7 and Amsel criteria >3) were enrolled in a 12-month, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase IV study between 2018 and 2021. After a standard course of oral metronidazole for 7 days (400 mg three times a day), women were randomly assigned to either lactobacilli-containing or placebo VT arms to receive VTs for 4 months. BV recurrence was assessed after the initial cure from BV.

RESULTS

Of the 464 women infected with HIV, 80 women with confirmed BV were enrolled. The retention was affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic (6-month retention rates 78%). The cure was seen in 85% and 93.5% of participants from the treatment and placebo arms, respectively, after four VT cycles. BV recurrence was seen in 41.4% and 44.8% in the treatment and placebo arm, respectively, with no significant difference in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The lactobacilli-containing VT was acceptable and safe; however, the addition of VT over standard oral metronidazole did not show any additional benefit in the prevention of BV recurrence in women infected with HIV, indicating the need for long-term randomized trials among them. Registered at Clinical Trials Registry- India, (CTRI) Number: CTRI/2018/04/013298.

Evaluating effects of IBEM-U on decreasing alcohol consumption and heavy episodic drinking among university students in Colombia: Protocol for a randomized control trial

Background

Alcohol misuse is a serious problem among university students in Colombia as well as in other Latin American countries. Studies show consistently that this population presents the highest rates of alcohol use. Despite such a situation, there is a lack of preventive programs for university students in this region of the world. The purpose of this paper is to present the protocol to evaluate a preventive strategy called IBEM-U, based on Motivational Interviewing and the I-Change Model.

Method

This protocol shows how the evaluation of the effectiveness of the IBEM-U program will be carried out. A randomized control trial with a within-subjects design with one follow-up at six months after the post-test will be implemented. The comparison group will receive an alternative program similar in length but focusing on another issue. Around 1000 participants over 18 years of age, from at least six different universities around the country, will be recruited.

Results

It is expected that the program will be effective in reducing past month alcohol consumption up to 15% in the experimental group as the main outcome. Secondary and tertiary outcomes include decreasing heavy episodic drinking and increasing knowledge, awareness, risk perception, attitude, self-efficacy, intention, and action planning, regarding heavy episodic drinking.

Conclusion

IBEM-U can be considered a highly appropriate approach for reducing alcohol misuse among university students. The main reasons for these results are the self-imposed goals based on long-term purposes, that could be seriously affected by the ingestion of high amounts of alcohol.

An Integrative Review of the Relationship Between Intrauterine Devices and Bacterial Vaginosis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between intrauterine devices (IUDs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) through an integrative review of the current literature.

DATA SOURCES

CINAHL, MEDLINE, Health Source, Evidence-Based Medicine's Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched.

STUDY SELECTION

Cross-sectional, case-control, cohort, quasi-experimental, and randomized controlled trials examining copper (Cu-IUD) and levonorgestrel (LNG-IUD) use in reproductive- age users with BV occurrence confirmed with Amsel's criteria or Nugent scoring were included. Articles included were published in the past 10 years.

DATA EXTRACTION

Fifteen studies met criteria, after an initial search identified 1,140 potential titles, and two reviewers assessed 62 full-text articles for inclusion.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Data were categorized into three groups: retrospective descriptive cross-sectional studies identifying point prevalence of BV among IUD users; prospective analytic studies examining BV incidence and prevalence among Cu-IUD users; and prospective analytic studies examining BV incidence and prevalence among LNG-IUD users.

CONCLUSION

Synthesis and comparison of studies were difficult because of disparate study designs, sample sizes, comparator groups, and inclusion criteria for individual studies. Synthesis of data from cross-sectional studies showed that all IUD users combined may have an increased point prevalence of BV compared with non-IUD users. These studies did not delineate LNG-IUDs from Cu-IUDs. Findings from cohort and experimental studies suggest a possible increase in BV occurrence among Cu-IUD users. Evidence is lacking to show an association between LNG-IUD use and BV.

Hormonal contraceptive use and the risk of sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis

There are 150 million women worldwide using combined or progestogen-only hormonal contraceptive methods who may be at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Previous systematic reviews that have sought to establish whether there is an aetiological association between hormonal contraceptive methods/use and STIs have been limited in their methods and have mixed findings. We sought to update these reviews using appropriate control groups. We undertook a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines and meta-analysis to examine the association between the use of all hormonal contraceptive methods and the acquisition of STIs (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, syphilis/Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus, and Trichomonas vaginalis) and/or bacterial vaginosis in literature published between 2005 and 2020. We analysed the effect of hormonal contraceptive methods/use separately on the prevalence, incidence and recurrence of STIs. A total of 37 studies were included in this review that reported 61 associations, in which 27 prevalence, eight incidence and two recurrence studies provided 43, 16, and two associations, respectively. We observed a positive association between hormonal contraceptive methods/use and the risk of chlamydia and herpes but a negative association for trichomoniasis and vaginosis. A negative but statistically insignificant association was observed between hormonal contraceptive methods/use and gonorrhoea. Hormonal contraceptive methods/use influences a woman's risk of STIs/ bacterial vaginosis, but the risk may differ depending on the type of STI. These findings should be contextualized carefully, particularly when formulating practice guidelines and policy, as the effects of hormonal contraceptive methods/use on the risk of STIs varied in direction when analysed separately by STI.

Bacterial Vaginosis: A Comprehensive Narrative on the Etiology, Clinical Features, and Management Approach

Due to the intricate balance of the vaginal microbiota's ecology, bacterial vaginosis is documented in one-third of females globally at various times of their lives. It is a typical reason for unusual vaginal discharge and is linked to various health problems. Gardnerella vaginalis is one of the anaerobic microorganisms linked to bacterial vaginosis. bacterial vaginosis is diagnosed by Amsel's criteria as well as comparisons among Amsel's criteria, Nugent's criteria, and Hay/Ison's criteria. To scan and assess the degree of dysbiosis within the vaginal microbiome, researchers have upped their game by combining cutting-edge molecular methods, with a focus on how specific microbial populations fluctuate in comparison to a healthy condition. A clue cell can be detected on a simple wet mount of vaginal secretions. Despite receiving regular antibiotic therapy, a substantial risk of treatment failure and bacterial vaginosis recurrence persists. Researchers have revealed positive treatment effects and reduced the infection of the female reproductive system with harmful bacteria.

Incidence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection Among African Women Using Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, a Copper Intrauterine Device, or a Levonorgestrel Implant for Contraception: A Nested Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Globally, women have higher herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) prevalence than men; data from observational studies suggest a possible association of HSV-2 acquisition with use of intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM).

METHODS

Within a randomized trial of the effect of 3 contraceptive methods-DMPA-IM, a copper intrauterine device (IUD), and a levonorgestrel (LNG) implant-on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition, we assessed HSV-2 acquisition. HSV-2 and HIV seronegative women, aged 16-35 years, and seeking effective contraception were followed for 12-18 months at 12 sites in Eswatini, Kenya, South Africa, and Zambia from 2015 to 2018. HSV-2 serologic testing was done at enrollment and final study visits. Intention-to-treat analysis using Poisson regression with robust standard errors compared HSV-2 incidence by contraceptive method.

RESULTS

At baseline, 4062 randomized women were HSV-2 seronegative, of whom 3898 (96.0%) had a conclusive HSV-2 result at their final study visit. Of these, 614 (15.8%) acquired HSV-2, at an incidence of 12.4/100 person-years (p-y): 10.9/100 p-y among women assigned DMPA-IM, 13.7/100 p-y the copper IUD, and 12.7/100 p-y the LNG implant. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) for HSV-2 acquisition were 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], .65-.97) for DMPA-IM compared with copper IUD, 0.86 (95% CI, .71-1.05) for DMPA-IM compared with LNG implant, and 1.08 (95% CI, .89-1.30) for copper IUD compared with LNG implant. HSV-2 acquisition risk was significantly increased among women who also acquired HIV during follow-up (IRR 3.55; 95% CI, 2.78-4.48).

CONCLUSIONS

In a randomized trial, we found no association between HSV-2 acquisition and use of 3 contraceptive methods.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02550067.

Prevalence and Demographic, Socioeconomic, and Behavioral Risk Factors of Self-Reported Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among Ever-Married Women: Evidence from Nationally Representative Surveys in Bangladesh

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) symptoms (e.g., abnormal genital discharge and genital sores/ulcers) are a major public health concern in Bangladesh because the symptoms can indicate an STI and cause sexual and reproductive health complications in women of reproductive age. To our knowledge, no study examined the prevalence and risk factors of STI symptoms using a nationally representative sample. This study investigates the prevalence of STI symptoms among ever-married women in Bangladesh and the associations of STI symptoms with various demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk factors using the most recent available data (2007, 2011, and 2014) of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS). The BDHS employs a two-stage stratified sampling technique. The analytic sample comprised 41,777 women of reproductive age (15-49 years). Outcome variables included STI symptoms: abnormal genital discharge and genital sores/ulcers. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to find the adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval to assess the associations of outcome measures with explanatory variables. The study found that the prevalence of abnormal genital discharge and genital sores/ulcers among ever-married women aged 15-49 years was 10% and 6%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that for women aged 25-34 years, those who used contraceptives and married earlier had an increased likelihood of STI symptoms. Furthermore, women from the wealthiest wealth quintile and couple's joint decision-making were less likely to have STI symptoms. Findings have implications for interventions efforts aiming to improve women's sexual and reproductive health in Bangladesh.

Hookworm Infections and Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Female Reproductive Tract Infections in Rural Areas of the Central Region of Togo

Female reproductive tract infections (FRTIs) have a huge impact on women’s health including their reproductive health in rural areas. Immunomodulation by helminth infections could influence the occurrence of FRTIs. This study aimed to investigate the association between FRTIs, hookworm infections, and sociodemographic factors in six rural areas of the central region of Togo. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographical information, and parasitological assessments were used to diagnose helminth infections. Moreover, cytobacteriological examination of vaginal swabs was performed for the diagnosis of candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis (BV), and real-time PCR method was used to determine sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Finally, a logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship and association of these factors to FRTIs. The prevalence of FRTIs was 82.3% including STIs (74.38%), BV (31.79%), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (9.85%). In detail, FRTIs were caused by bacteria such as Ureaplasma parvum (50%), Ureaplasma urealyticum (26.5%), and Mycoplasma hominis (17.5%) and viruses such us cytomegalovirus (5%) and human papilloma virus (HPV) (20%). No cases of Haemophilus ducreyi, Treponema pallidum, or varicella-zoster virus (VZV) were observed. Interestingly, women who had hookworm infections were at high risk of HPV. The use of condoms was a protective factor [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.23; 95% CI [0.11–0.51)], while the use of contraceptive methods was a risk factor [aOR = 2.49; 95% CI (1.19–5.19)] for STIs. The risk of BV was lower among participants who had more than four pregnancies [aOR = 0.27; 95% CI (0.11–0.65)]. Furthermore, women who had ever been paid for sexual intercourse were at high probability risk of vulvovaginal candidiasis [aOR = 16.92; 95% CI (1.46–196.48)]. This study highlighted risk factors associated with FRTIs, the control of which would help to reduce the incidence of these diseases. Health-care professionals could develop education and sensitization strategies based on these risk factors, and anti-hookworm treatment concepts may be taken into consideration to minimize the risk of HPV infections.

An updated review on the effects of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate on the mucosal biology of the female genital tract

Background

Access to safe, effective, and affordable contraception is important for women’s health and essential to mitigate maternal and fetal mortality rates. The progestin‐based contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a popular contraceptive choice with a low failure rate and convenient administration schedule.

Aim

In this review, we compiled observational data from human cohorts that examine how DMPA influences the mucosal biology of the female genital tract (FGT) that are essential in maintaining vaginal health, including resident immune cells, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, epithelial barrier function, and the vaginal microbiome

Materials and Methods

This review focused on the recent published literature published in 2019 and 2020.

Results

Recent longitudinal studies show that DMPA use associates with an immunosuppressive phenotype, increase in CD4+CCR5+ T cells, and alterations to growth factors. In agreement with previous meta‐analyses, DMPA use is associated with minimal effects of the composition of the vaginal microbiome. Cross‐sectional studies associate a more pro‐inflammatory relationship with DMPA, but these studies are confounded by inherent weaknesses of cross‐sectional studies, including differences in study group sizes, behaviors, and other variables that may affect genital inflammation.

Discussion & Conclusion

These recent results indicate that the interactions between DMPA and the vaginal mucosa are complex emphasizing the need for comprehensive longitudinal studies that take into consideration the measurement of multiple biological parameters.

Retracted: Family planning services use: A shared responsibility between men and women of reproductive age in Hubei province, China

OBJECTIVE

Effective use of family planning (FP) services significantly improves sexual and reproductive health of both women and men. Recently, the Chinese government has launched the two-child policy allowing families to have an additional child. This study aimed to explore the population's interest for FP services, unmet needs, and expectations.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using stratified random sampling was conducted in 102 counties of Hubei province and 17 555 randomized individuals from rural, transitional, and urban areas were interviewed through a guided semi-structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

The Han ethnicity dominated our population and number of living children per family ranged from zero to six. Although 81% reported FP services and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as a shared responsibility, the contraceptives used excluding condoms, were mainly intrauterine devices (76%), tubal ligation (16%), and vasectomy (8%). Although 24% of participants had a history of contraceptive failure, effective contraceptive use after failure among men remained lower (6% for tubal ligation and vasectomy) and 74% of naive contraceptive users strongly rejected vasectomy. Demographic factors, awareness of FP services/SRH, discussing and making joint decisions, and gender discrepancies were strongly associated with unmet FP services/SRH needs (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Family planning services use roughly varied with the population's unmet needs and expectations, which should be considered to sustain the strategies.

Sexually transmitted infections among women randomised to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, a copper intrauterine device or a levonorgestrel implant

Objectives

Reproductive aged women are at risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI). Understanding drivers of STI acquisition, including any association with widely used contraceptives, could help us to reduce STI prevalence and comorbidities. We compared the risk of STI among women randomised to three contraceptive methods.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis to assess the risk of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in a clinical trial evaluating HIV risk among 7829 women aged 16–35 randomised to intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), a copper intrauterine device (IUD) or a levonorgestrel (LNG) implant. We estimated chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences by contraceptive group and prevalence ratios (PR) using log-binomial regression.

Results

At baseline, chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences were 18% and 5%, respectively. Final visit chlamydia prevalence did not differ significantly between DMPA-IM and copper IUD groups or between copper IUD and LNG implant groups. The DMPA-IM group had significantly lower risk of chlamydia compared with the LNG implant group (PR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.95). Final visit gonorrhoea prevalence differed significantly only between the DMPA-IM and the copper IUD groups (PR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.87).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that chlamydia and gonorrhoea risk may vary with contraceptive method use. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the mechanisms of chlamydia and gonorrhoea susceptibility in the context of contraceptive use.

Liquid-based cervical cytology and microbiological analyses in women using cooper intrauterine device and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of the copper IUD and LNG-IUS on liquid-based cytology results (cellular atypia, reactive alterations, and microbiology).

STUDY DESIGN

This cross-sectional study was performed between January 2012 and December 2017 in the Northeast of Brazil. Three study groups, the LNG-IUS group (n = 1179), copper IUD group (n = 519), and a control group of women not using contraception (n = 14,616) were compared. To facilitate this analysis, the LNG-IUS and IUD groups were further divided into less and more than two years of use.

RESULTS

The mean age of the LNG-IUS and IUD groups was around 36 years and the control group was about 35 years (p = ns). The meantime between dispositive placement and examination was 19 ± 16 months for the LNG-IUS and 17 ± 15 months for the IUD. The frequency of epithelial atypia revealed upon cytological analysis did not differ between the groups. However, inflammatory infiltrates were significantly more frequent in the LNG-IUS and IUD (OR IUD = 1.32; OR LNG-IUS = 1.79) groups relative to control. Candida and cytolysis were more frequent in the LNG-IUS group (OR = 4.73 and 2.41, respectively) compared to both other groups. Bacterial vaginosis andActinomyces sp occurred more frequently in the IUD group (OR = 1.39 and 3352.55, respectively) compared to both other groups. Bacterial vaginosis was more common when using an IUD for more than two years than for less than two years (OR = 2.55). The Actinomyces morphotype was also observed at greater frequency after two years of IUD use than before (OR = 5.35).

CONCLUSIONS

The LNG-IUS and copper IUD do not affect the incidence of cellular atypia but do interfere with the microbiota over time. Specifically, the copper IUD is associated with bacterial vaginosis andActinomyces sp infection while the LNG-IUS is associated with candidiasis and cytolysis.

Hormonal contraception and risk of STIs and bacterial vaginosis in South African adolescents: secondary analysis of a randomised trial

OBJECTIVES

Young women in sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of STIs and unintended pregnancies, yet hormonal contraceptive (HC) use may affect STI risk. We compared the influence of three HCs on the incidence and prevalence of STIs and bacterial vaginosis (BV) in South African adolescents.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty adolescents between 15 and 19 years were randomised to the injectable norethisterone enanthate (Net-En), combined oral contraceptives (COC) (Triphasil or Nordette) or a combined contraceptive vaginal ring (CCVR; NuvaRing) for 16 weeks (clinicaltrials.gov/NCT02404038). Vaginal samples were collected at baseline and 16 weeks post contraceptive initiation for STI and BV testing.

RESULTS

In an intention-to-treat analysis, no significant differences in BV prevalence were found between study arms. The overall incidence of any STI at follow-up was high: 16.2% in the COC arm; 25.7% in the Net-En arm; and 37.1% in the CCVR arm. The incidence rate (IR) of any STI was similar between Net-En (IR 0.74 (95% CI 0.34 to 1.41)) and the oestrogen-containing contraceptives (IR 0.78 (95% CI 0.47 to 1.22)). A lower IR of Chlamydia trachomatis (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.68 (95% CI 0.19 to 1.99)) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (IRR 0.25 (95% CI 0.01 to 1.35)) but a higher IR of Mycoplasma genitalium (IRR 16.0 (95% CI 2.96 to 400)), was observed in the Net-En arm compared with the oestrogen-containing contraceptives, although the overall incidence of M. genitalium was low (4.7%). In an exploratory analysis, the risk of any STI and N. gonorrhoeae was lower in the COC arm compared with CCVR. A per-protocol analysis yielded similar results.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that use of Net-En may be associated with increased risk of M. genitalium compared with oestrogen-containing contraceptives but not with overall STI risk. COC use may decrease STI risk relative to CCVR.

[Ten questions about bacterial vaginosis]

The physiopathology of bacterial vaginosis (BV), the ultimate stage of vaginal dysbiosis, has benefited from recent advances in molecular biology, highlighting, among others, the important role of A. vaginae. Certain immunological specificities (variants of TLR4, elevation of IL-1β, for example) explain the variations in the prevalence of this infection, the poor clinical and cellular inflammatory response and the promoting influence of BV on the acquisition and progression of some sexually transmitted infections. These advances do not fully elucidate the causes of the high rate of recurrences. Some risk factors for relapses of BV have been identified such as tobacco use, stress or hygienic errors have been associated to relapses of BV. However, other paths are beginning to be explored such as the role of sexual transmission, the resistance of certain bacteria associated to BV to nitroimidazoles or the lack of efficacy of conventional treatments on dysbiosis itself. Taking into acount this vaginal dysbiosis appears to be important or even essential to better control the natural history of HPV-hr infection or improve the success rate of IVF, for example. Despite heterogeneous results, the use of probiotics as a complement to conventional treatments (nitroimidazoles, dequalinium chloride) has demonstrated a preventive effect on BV recurrences. Further studies are needed to customize the contribution of probiotics (or synbiotics) according to the individual specificities of the vaginal microbiome.

Analysis of characteristics of vulvo-vaginal infections in 14- to 18-year-old girls in late puberty

Objective

This study aimed to determine the characteristics of vulvo-vaginal infections in 14- to 18-year-old girls in late puberty.

Methods

From July 2016 to June 2019, 487 14- to 18-year-old girls with vulvo-vaginal infection in late puberty in West China Second University Hospital were retrospectively studied. The incidence of bacterial vaginosis (BV), the intermediate type of BV, vulvo-vaginal candidiasis (VVC), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), and differences among the incidence of these infections for patients with different ages were analyzed.

Results

The incidence of BV, the intermediate type of BV, TV, VVC, and unknown pathogenic vaginitis was 25.67%, 19.30%, 2.46%, 29.37%, and 23.20%, respectively. The incidence of BV and VVC was significantly higher than that of TV. The incidence of BV in the 17-year-old group was significantly higher than that in other age groups. The incidence of VVC and non-albicans Candida infection in the 17- and 18-year-old groups was significantly higher than that in the 14-year-old group.

Conclusion

Girls in late puberty are more susceptible to suffer from BV and VVC than TV infections. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the effects of menstrual hygiene, female estrogen levels, the vaginal internal environment, and hygiene in vulvo-vaginal infection at this stage.

Human alpha and beta herpesviruses and cancer: passengers or foes?

Based on seroepidemiological studies, human herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2) are put in relation with a number of cancer diseases; however, they do not appear to play a direct role, being only considered cofactors. Their ability to transform the cells in vitro could be demonstrated experimentally by removing their high lytic ability by a certain dose of UV radiation or by photoinactivation in the presence of photosensitizers, such as neutral red or methylene blue, or culturing under conditions suppressing their lytic activity. However, recent studies indicate that UV irradiated or photoinactivated HSV-1 and HSV-2, able to transform non-transformed cells, behave differently in transformed cells suppressing their transformed phenotype. Furthermore, both transforming and transformed phenotype suppressing activities are pertaining only to non-syncytial virus strains. There are some proposed mechanisms explaining their transforming activity. According to the "hit and run" mechanism, viral DNA induces only initiation of transformation by interacting with cellular DNA bringing about mutations and epigenetic changes and is no longer involved in other processes of neoplastic progression. According to the "hijacking" mechanism, virus products in infected cells may activate signalling pathways and thus induce uncontrolled proliferation. Such a product is e.g. a product of HSV-2 gene designated ICP10 that encodes an oncoprotein RR1PK that activates the Ras pathway. In two cases of cancer, in the case of serous ovarian carcinoma and in some prostate tumours, virus-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) were detected as a possible cofactor in tumorigenesis. And, recently described herpes virus-associated growth factors with transforming and transformation repressing activity might be considered important factors playing a role in tumour formation. And finally, there is a number of evidence that HSV-2 may increase the risk of cervical cancer after infection with human papillomaviruses. A similar situation is with human cytomegalovirus; however, here, a novel mechanism named oncomodulation has been proposed. Oncomodulation means that HCMV infects tumour cells and modulates their malignant properties without having a direct effect on cell transformation.

Acquisition of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Women Using a Variety of Contraceptive Options: A prospective Study among High-risk African Women

INTRODUCTION

In many African settings, women concurrently face substantial risk of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Few studies have evaluated STI risk among users of hormonal implants and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) although these long-acting reversible contraceptive methods are being promoted widely because of their benefits. Within a prospective study of women at risk for HIV-1, we compared the risk of acquisition of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis among women using different contraceptive methods.

METHODS

MTN-020/ASPIRE was a randomized trial of the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV-1 prevention among 2629 women aged 18 to 45 years from Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe, of whom 2264 used copper IUDs or progestin-based injectables or implants during follow-up. Screening for the above STIs occurred semi-annually.

RESULTS

Over 3440 person-years of follow-up, 408 cases of C. trachomatis (incidence 11.86/100 person-years), 196 of N. gonorrhoeae (5.70/100 person-years) and 213 cases of T. vaginalis (6.19/100 person-years) were detected. C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae incidence were not significantly different across contraceptive methods. T. vaginalis incidence was significantly higher for copper IUD users compared to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), implant and norethisterone enanthate users.

CONCLUSION

Among African women at high HIV-1 risk, STIs were common. Risk of cervical infections did not differ across contraceptive methods. Significantly higher rates of T. vaginalis were observed among progestin-based methods compared to copper IUD users. Overall, these findings call for more intensive routine screening for STIs, and they support current World Health Organization guidance that women should have a wide range of contraceptive options.