Evaluation of consumer self-selection of a proposed over-the-counter, progestin-only daily oral contraceptive

OBJECTIVES

In an effort to switch a norgestrel 0.075 mg progestin-only pill (Opill) from prescription to over-the-counter, we conducted this study to assess whether consumers can use the drug facts label alone to guide appropriate self-selection.

STUDY DESIGN

Two studies assessed self-selection: (1) an all-comers, actual-use study evaluating self-selection before purchasing and using norgestrel 0.075 mg and (2) the Targeted Breast Cancer Self-Selection Study evaluating theoretical self-selection among participants with a history of breast cancer.

RESULTS

In the actual-use study, based on the label, 1670/1772 participants (94%) were appropriate for use of norgestrel 0.075 mg; 102 (6%) were not appropriate. Of the 102, 66 (65%) correctly did not select and 36 (35%) responded it was okay for them to use norgestrel 0.075 mg. Of the 36 participants who incorrectly self-selected, one had a history of breast cancer and thus might have been adversely affected had they taken norgestrel 0.075 mg. In the Targeted Breast Cancer Self-Selection Study (N = 206), 97% of participants correctly stated norgestrel 0.075 mg was not appropriate for them.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed over-the-counter label enables 98% of potential users to self-select norgestrel 0.075 mg appropriately. Only 2% of potential purchasers may have bought and started to use norgestrel 0.075 mg inappropriately. For two-thirds of these, the potential benefits of their use of the method outweighed any theoretical risks. Adverse clinical consequences of norgestrel 0.075 mg use are unlikely even in those rare cases when the drug facts label was not followed.

IMPLICATIONS

The balance of the risk of inappropriate selection to the benefit of taking an over-the-counter progestin-only pill appears to be very much in favor of an overall benefit in terms of unintended pregnancy prevention.

Evaluation of adherence to a daily progestin-only pill in a simulated over-the-counter setting

OBJECTIVE

The Adherence with Continuous Dose Oral Contraceptive: Evaluation of Self-Selection and Use (ACCESS) study assessed whether consumers can adhere to the regimen for a progestin-only pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg) in an over-the-counter (OTC) setting.

STUDY DESIGN

An actual use study in a simulated OTC environment assessed adherence to directions to take norgestrel 0.075 mg every day at the same time in 883 participants for up to 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Eighty-five percent (747/883) of participants reported ≥85% adherence to taking norgestrel 0.075 mg every day and reported taking their dose within three hours of their scheduled dosing time on 96% of days. When accounting for use of a condom for 48 hours if a pill was missed, participants reported correctly following the label's directed use for 97% of doses overall, with 95% of participants following label directions for ≥85% of doses. The main limitations were related to finding a balance between intensely collecting data to ensure accurate assessment of adherence and leaving users to behave as they would in a real OTC situation without healthcare practitioner intervention. We observed that some participants reported taking more doses than they could have based on the supply of medication given to them. To fully examine the situation, and the impact on the conclusions, additional post hoc sensitivity analyses were performed, and showed remarkably consistent results.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumers were highly adherent to taking norgestrel 0.075 mg when using only the information provided by the proposed OTC label.

IMPLICATIONS

Adherence to a daily oral contraceptive pill was high when obtained OTC. This suggests that effectiveness of an OTC pill is likely to be like that of a prescribed pill and easier access to this effective contraceptive should allow more opportunity to prevent pregnancy.

The effect of deliberate non-adherence to a norgestrel progestin-only pill: A randomized, crossover study

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the effects on cervical mucus, ovarian activity and theoretical contraceptive protection of a 6-hour delay and of missing one norgestrel 0.075 mg progestogen-only pill.

STUDY DESIGN

In a prospective, two-site, randomized, crossover study, healthy women aged 18 to 35 with BMI <32.0 kg/m² and regular ovulatory cycles completed a baseline 28-day cycle with correct daily pill use followed by two intervention cycles in which, around mid-cycle, one pill was taken 6 hours late or missed completely. We undertook ovarian ultrasonography, estradiol and progesterone measurement, and cervical mucus assessments every 3 to 4 days (daily around the time of the incorrect use) and based the theoretical contraceptive protection score on ovarian activity status, cervical mucus and their temporal relationship.

RESULTS

Of 91 potential participants screened, 52 started the study and 46 provided complete data for each intervention cycle. Fourteen participants (30%) ovulated in each of the two intervention cycles, with four during the delayed pill cycle and two during the missed pill cycle having an abnormal luteal phase. Seven participants in the delayed pill cycle, and six with a missed pill had elevated cervical mucus scores temporally associated with the intervention. However only two women, one in the delayed pill cycle and one in the missed pill cycle, had cervical mucus scores in the range considered favorable for fertility.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed or missed intake of a single norgestrel 0.075 mg progestogen-only pill appears to have little effect on theoretical contraceptive efficacy.

IMPLICATIONS

This biomedical study suggests that taking a norgestrel 0.075mg progestogen-only pill 6 hours late or missing one pill have little effect on ovarian activity or cervical mucus and may not jeopardize contraceptive efficacy. Correlation with typical use outcomes is necessary to confirm pregnancy risk with delayed or missed norgestrel intake.

Modeling the potential benefit of an over-the-counter progestin-only pill in preventing unintended pregnancies in the U.S

OBJECTIVES

To develop a model to estimate the possible impact of use of an over-the-counter (OTC) progestin-only pill (POP) on the number of unintended pregnancies in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

Using typical use failure rates (7% for POPs), we compared the expected number of unintended pregnancies for two theoretical cohorts of 100,000 women: one which purchased and used an OTC POP exclusively for contraception, the other using contraceptive methods at proportions obtained from an actual-use clinical trial simulating OTC use of norgestrel 0.075 mg (including 35% using no method and only 19% using hormonal contraception or long-acting contraceptives). Sensitivity analyses were conducted using alternative model inputs such as different failure rates for OTC POPs and varied alternative contraceptive method mix.

RESULTS

An estimated 37,624 unintended pregnancies would occur annually if 100,000 women continued their usual contraceptive method as used at baseline in the actual use trial. This would be reduced by 81% to 7,000 pregnancies with the exclusive use of an OTC POP - a net reduction of 30,624 unintended pregnancies annually. While the number of unintended pregnancies prevented varied as the model parameters were modified (ranging from 1,461 to 34,124), a net benefit of OTC POP use was observed over a wide range of input values.

CONCLUSIONS

Using data from a real-world contraception user profile, our model suggests that use of an OTC POP could reduce the overall number of unintended pregnancies in the United States. This conclusion remains true across a wide range of modeled scenarios.

IMPLICATIONS

The estimates suggested by this model are supportive of an OTC switch for a POP.

The views of women and pharmacists on the desirability of a progestogen-only pill over the counter. Results of a survey in Germany, Italy and Spain

PURPOSE

To explore the perceived need and enthusiasm for over the counter (OTC) progestogen-only pills (POP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A web-based survey of 1000 sexually active women (16-45) and 100 pharmacists in Germany, Italy and Spain.

RESULTS

Despite not wanting to conceive, 5-6% of women in each country were not using contraception and 8-20% were using methods less effective than condoms. At least 74% of respondents felt knowledgeable about the different contraceptives available but at least 1/3 had experienced difficulty accessing oral contraceptive (OCs) in the past two years. The cost of contraceptives, the need to see a doctor and long waits for appointments were cited as barriers for not using OCs. The majority agreed they would discuss with their doctor the decision to buy the POP, consult about side effects and other reproductive health issues. Over 2/3 of pharmacists in each country would be very, or fairly, likely to recommend the POP, agreeing that the benefits included improved access for women, and offered them more independence.

CONCLUSIONS

Asked directly, women in Germany, Spain and Italy currently using contraception are positive about a POP OTC. Pharmacists are also positive, with the overwhelming majority in favour of providing POPs.

Adherence among a cohort taking progestin-only pills prescribed by a healthcare provider: Results of the BENCHMARK study

OBJECTIVES

To measure adherence over 6 months of progestin-only pill (POP) use.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort study measuring adherence to daily dosing and timing of dose in patients prescribed a POP, with up to six months of follow-up, conducted from January to October 2020. A pharmacy benefit manager identified potential participants with a newly prescribed POP and extended an invitation to participate. We enrolled qualified respondents by telephone, trained them to use an electronic diary to report daily whether they had taken their POP and at what time. We followed participants for up to six months. We calculated adherence to daily pill taking as the proportion of evaluable days in which a participant took a POP, and the proportion of participants reporting ≥85% adherence. We calculated adherence to same time each day as the proportion of doses taken no later than three hours after the previous dose time of day.

RESULTS

The user population comprised 199 participants, 154 (77.4%) of whom completed six months of follow-up. The majority (n=170, 85.4%) were taking norethindrone. Norethindrone users reported POP intake on 22,327 (96.4%) of 23,156 evaluable days, with 155 (91.2%) participants reporting ≥85% adherence; less than half (n=73, 42.9%) reported 100% adherence. Participants reported adherence to same time each day on 21,698 of 22,157 (97.9%) evaluable days.

CONCLUSIONS

Among participants taking a prescribed POP, participants demonstrated high adherence for daily pill taking and the same time of day, though the majority were not 100% adherent.

IMPLICATIONS

This study reports data specific to adherence among those taking a progestin-only pill (POP) in the prescription setting. Clinicians who counsel patients about POP use should be aware that majority of patients were not 100% adherent, although most report ≥ 85% adherence.

Perspectives of obstetricians and midwives on the provision of immediate postpartum intrauterine devices: a qualitative service evaluation

BACKGROUND

Immediate postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) insertion is safe and effective but largely unavailable in Europe. Data on maternity staff views on the provision and implementation of PPIUD services are limited. The objective of this qualitative evaluation was to explore the views and experiences of obstetricians and midwives providing PPIUD within a UK maternity setting, in order to identify areas for improvement and inform service provision in other areas.

METHODS

Qualitative health services research within two public maternity hospitals in Lothian (Edinburgh and surrounding region), UK. Interviews with 30 maternity staff (obstetricians n=8; midwives n=22) involved in PPIUD provision. Data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Maternity staff were positive about the benefits of PPIUD for women. Midwives reported initial concerns about PPIUD safety, and the impact on workload; these views shifted following training, and as PPIUD was embedded into practice. Having a large pool of PPIUD-trained staff was identified as an important factor in successful service implementation. Having PPIUD 'champions' was important to address staff concerns, encourage training uptake, and advocate for the service to ensure continued resourcing.

CONCLUSIONS

PPIUD in maternity services can help address unmet need for effective contraception in the immediate postpartum period. We emphasise the importance of widespread engagement around PPIUD among all healthcare professionals involved in the care of women, to ensure staff are informed and supported. Clinical champions and leaders play a key role in amplifying the benefits of PPIUD, and advancing organisational learning.

Mechanism of action of norgestrel 0.075 mg a progestogen-only pill. I. Effect on ovarian activity

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect on ovarian activity and ovulation of 28 days of correct daily use of a progestogen-only pill containing norgestrel 0.075 mg.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a prospective, randomized, cross-over study at two US sites, recruiting healthy women of reproductive age to use norgestrel 0.075 mg daily for three 28-day treatment cycles. We monitored ovarian activity every 3-4 days with reproductive hormone measurements and ovarian ultrasonography. Participants recorded pill use in daily diaries. An adjudication committee independent of the research sites assessed ovarian activity using a modified Hoogland score combining hormone concentrations and follicle diameter and appearance (quiescence 1-3, ovarian activity without ovulation 4-5, and ovulatory/postovulatory 6-7).

RESULTS

We report here the findings of the initial 28-day treatment cycle in which 51/52 recruited participants provided data sufficient for analysis. Two thirds of subjects had no evidence of ovulation (34/51, 66.6%); eight of these (15.7%) had quiescent ovaries (follicle <13 mm diameter) and 26 (51%) had follicular development (follicle >13 mm diameter) without ovulation. Seventeen participants ovulated, of whom 12 (23.5%) had a normal, and 5 (9.8%) an abnormal luteal phase. Persistent ovarian follicles were common among women who had ovarian activity without ovulation, 17/26 participants (65.4%) had a large follicle which persisted beyond 28 days.

CONCLUSION

During 28 days of exposure to a norgestrel 0.075 mg progestogen-only pill, most women had no evidence of ovulation.

IMPLICATIONS

Ovulation inhibition and follicle growth disturbance are important in the mechanism of action of a progestogen-only pill containing norgestrel 0.075 mg.

Improving effective contraception uptake through provision of bridging contraception within community pharmacies: findings from the Bridge-it Study process evaluation

OBJECTIVE

To present process evaluation results from the Bridge-it Study, a pragmatic cluster randomised cross-over trial to improve effective contraception uptake through provision of the progestogen only pill (POP) plus sexual and reproductive health (SRH) clinic rapid-access to women presenting to community pharmacies for emergency contraception (EC).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A multimethod process evaluation was conducted to assess intervention implementation, mechanisms of change and contextual factors. Data were gathered from screening logs (n=599), observations of pharmacist training, analysis of data from 4-month follow-up questionnaires (n=406), monitoring of contemporaneous events and qualitative interviews with 22 pharmacists, 5 SRH clinical staff and 36 study participants in three participating UK sites in Lothian, Tayside and London.

RESULTS

The intervention was largely delivered as intended and was acceptable. Pharmacists', SRH clinical staff and participants' accounts highlighted that providing a supply of POP with EC from the pharmacy as routine practice may have positive impacts on contraceptive practices in the short term, and potentially longer term. Key mechanisms of change included ease of access, increased awareness of contraception and services, and greater motivation and perceptions of self-efficacy. Few participants took up the offer to attend an SRH service (rapid-access component), and existing barriers within the SRH context were apparent (eg, lack of staff). Participant accounts highlight persistent barriers to accessing and using routine effective contraception remain.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation appeared to be acceptable and feasible, highlighting the potential for provision of POP within EC consultations as routine practice in community pharmacies. However, lack of engagement with the rapid access component of the intervention and existing barriers within the SRH context suggest that signposting to SRH services may be sufficient. Wider implementation should consider ways to address key implementation challenges to increase effectiveness and sustainability, and to overcome persistent barriers to accessing and using effective contraception.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN70616901.

Early medical abortion by telemedicine in the United Kingdom: a costing analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the potential cost savings resulting from the introduction of routine early medical abortion (EMA) at home by telemedicine in the UK.

DESIGN

A costing study.

SETTING

The UK.

POPULATION

Women in 2020 undergoing EMA provided by three independent abortion providers and two National Health Service (NHS) abortion clinics.

METHODS

Computation of the costs of each abortion procedure and of managing failed or incomplete abortion and haemorrhage requiring blood transfusion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cost savings.

RESULTS

Overall estimated cost savings are £15.80 per abortion undertaken by independent abortion providers, representing a saving to the NHS of over £3 million per year. Limited data from NHS services resulted in an estimated average saving of £188.84 per abortion.

CONCLUSIONS

Were telemedicine EMA to become routine, an increase in the number of women eligible for medical rather than surgical abortion, and a reduction in adverse events resulting from earlier abortion, could result in significant cost savings.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Early medical abortion at home using telemedicine could save the NHS £3 million per year.

Abortion regulation in Europe in the era of COVID-19: a spectrum of policy responses

BACKGROUND

Unprecedented public health actions restricting movement and non-COVID related health services are likely to have affected abortion care during the pandemic in Europe. In the absence of a common approach to ensure access to this essential health service, we sought to describe the variability of abortion policies during the outbreak in Europe in order to identify strategies that improve availability and access to abortion in times of public health crises.

METHODS

We collected information from 46 countries/regions: 31 for which country-experts completed a survey and 15 for which we conducted a desk review. We describe abortion regulations and changes to regulations and practice during the pandemic.

RESULTS

During COVID-19, abortions were banned in six countries and suspended in one. Surgical abortion was less available due to COVID-19 in 12 countries/regions and services were not available or delayed for women with COVID-19 symptoms in eleven. No country expanded its gestational limit for abortion. Changes during COVID-19, mostly designed to reduce in-person consultations, occurred in 13 countries/regions. Altogether eight countries/regions provided home medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol beyond 9 weeks (from 9 weeks+6 days to 11 weeks+6 days) and 13 countries/regions up to 9 weeks (in some instances only misoprostol could be taken at home). Only six countries/regions offered abortion by telemedicine.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of a unified policy response to COVID-19 restrictions has widened inequities in abortion access in Europe, but some innovations including telemedicine deployed during the outbreak could serve as a catalyst to ensure continuity and equity of abortion care.

A review of the effectiveness of a progestogen-only pill containing norgestrel 75 µg/day

OBJECTIVES

To review published data on the effectiveness of a progestogen-only pill containing norgestrel 75 µg/day which should be under consideration by the FDA in 2022 for sale over the counter in the US.

STUDY DESIGN

A literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and COCHRANE REVIEWS using specified search terms and adding related cross-references.

RESULTS

We identified a total of thirteen relevant studies of women using norgestrel 75 µg/day. None were reported with the rigor characteristic of trial reporting today. Nevertheless, six studies provided data on 3,184 women who were not breastfeeding, followed for over of 35,000 months and reported a range of overall failure rates during typical use of norgestrel 75 µg/day from 0 to 2.4/hundred woman-years giving an aggregate Pearl Index of 2.2. Seven additional studies involved 5,445 women some of whom were breastfeeding for at least part of the period of follow-up. More than 36,000 months of use yielded 12-month life table cumulative pregnancy rates for norgestrel 75 µg/day ranging from 0 to 3.4. We were unable to calculate an aggregate Pearl Index for the breastfeeding studies because of lack of crucial data.

CONCLUSIONS

The data support that norgestrel 75 µg/day is highly effective in clinical use, with similar estimates of failure in breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women, providing support to the case for approval without the need to see a healthcare provider.

Assessing the Pregnancy Protective Impact of Scheduled Nonadherence to a Novel Progestin-Only Pill: Protocol for a Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Crossover Study

Background

Progestin-only contraceptive pills (POP) are commonly reserved for women with medical comorbidities but in actuality, POPs can be safely used by anyone wanting to prevent pregnancy. This wide safety profile makes them an ideal candidate for being available over the counter without a prescription, but adherence issues may be more common with over-the-counter use. We need a better understanding of the ability of POPs to prevent pregnancy when adherence issues occur in the form of a missed or delayed pill.

Objective

This study aims to determine cervical mucus characteristics following a 6-hour delayed pill intake or after one missed pill as compared to typical daily use of norgestrel 75 mcg.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter, randomized, crossover study assesses the effect of norgestrel 75 mcg (Opill) on cervical mucus and ovarian activity during reported compliant daily use, after a 6-hour delayed intake mid cycle, and after a mid-cycle missed pill. Subject participation will last approximately 4.5 months. We will recruit at 2 US sites: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon and University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, California. Reproductive-aged subjects with regular menstrual cycles (21-35 days), BMI <32 kg/m2, and proven ovulation (screening luteal phase progesterone >3 ng/mL [>10 nmol/L]) are eligible to enroll. Participants cannot be at risk for pregnancy during the study period and not use other hormonal methods. Norgestrel 75 mcg will be taken at the same time daily except for one day in each of treatment periods 2 and 3, when the pill will be taken either 6 hours late (delayed pill) or omitted completely (missed pill). Every 3-4 days, we will monitor subjects for follicular activity with transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) examination, cervical mucus, and blood sampling for ovarian hormones and gonadotropins. Subjects will undergo serial cervical mucus sampling on the days with missed and delayed pill intake at 8 hours after pill intake on the day before the delayed or missed pill, 3 hours following the scheduled time of pill intake if intake was delayed, 6 hours after the scheduled time if intake was omitted, and on the next day 30 minutes before the time of scheduled pill intake. The primary objective of the study is to determine the effect of a delayed or omitted pill intake on cervical mucus characteristics based on a modified Insler score compared to reported daily use.

Results

Our protocol was successfully approved by a central institutional review board (Advarra, Columbia, MD), received ethical approval on March 23, 2018, and was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03585712). As of January 2020, the study completed enrollment of 52 subjects. Analyses are pending.

Conclusions

Our protocol was approved by a central review board, and study procedures were successfully executed with completed proposed enrollment.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03585712; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03585712

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/29208

Provision of the progestogen-only pill by community pharmacies as bridging contraception for women receiving emergency contraception: the Bridge-it RCT

INTRODUCTION

Unless women start effective contraception after using emergency contraception, they remain at risk of unintended pregnancy. Most women in the UK obtain emergency contraception from community pharmacies that are unable to provide ongoing contraception (apart from barrier methods which have high failure rates). This means that women need an appointment with a general practitioner or at a sexual and reproductive health clinic. We conducted a pragmatic cluster randomised cohort crossover trial to determine whether or not pharmacist provision of a bridging supply of a progestogen-only pill plus the invitation to attend a sexual and reproductive health clinic resulted in increased subsequent use of effective contraception (hormonal or intrauterine).

METHODS

Twenty-nine pharmacies in three UK cities recruited women receiving emergency contraception (levonorgestrel). In the intervention, women received a 3-month supply of the progestogen-only pill (75 µg of desogestrel) plus a card that provided rapid access to a local sexual and reproductive health clinic. In the control arm, pharmacists advised women to attend their usual contraceptive provider. The primary outcome was reported use of an effective contraception (hormonal and intrauterine methods) at 4 months. Process evaluation was also conducted to inform any future implementation.

RESULTS

The study took place December 2017 and June 2019 and recruited 636 women to the intervention (n = 316) and control groups (n = 320). There were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics between the groups. Four-month follow-up data were available for 406 participants: 63% (198/315) of the control group and 65% (208/318) of the intervention group. The proportion of participants reporting use of effective contraception was 20.1% greater (95% confidence interval 5.2% to 35.0%) in the intervention group (58.4%, 95% confidence interval 48.6% to 68.2%) than in the control group (40.5%, 95% confidence interval 29.7% to 51.3%) (adjusted for recruitment period, treatment arm and centre; p = 0.011). The proportion of women using effective contraception remained statistically significantly larger, when adjusted for age, current sexual relationship and history of past use of effective contraception, and was robust to the missing data. There were no serious adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Provision of a bridging supply of the progestogen-only pill with emergency contraception from a pharmacist and the invitation to a sexual and reproductive health clinic resulted in a significant increase in self-reported subsequent use of effective contraception. This simple intervention has the potential to prevent more unintended pregnancies for women after emergency contraception.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN70616901.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 27. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Emergency contraception from the pharmacy 20 years on: a mystery shopper study

BACKGROUND

Emergency contraception (EC) was approved in the UK as a pharmacy medicine for purchase without prescription in 2001. Twenty years later we conducted a study to characterise routine practice pharmacy provision of EC.

STUDY DESIGN

Mystery shopper study of 30 pharmacies in Edinburgh, Dundee and London participating in a clinical trial of contraception after EC.

METHODS

Mystery shoppers, aged ≥16 years, followed a standard scenario requesting EC. After the pharmacy visit, they completed a proforma recording the duration of the consultation, where it took place, and whether advice was given to them about the importance of ongoing contraception after EC.

RESULTS

Fifty-five mystery shopper visits were conducted. The median reported duration of the consultation with the pharmacist was 6 (range 1-18) min. Consultations took place in a private room in 34 cases (62%) and at the shop counter in the remainder. In 27 cases (49%) women received advice about ongoing contraception. Eleven women (20%) left the pharmacy without EC due to lack of supplies or of a trained pharmacist. Most women were generally positive about the consultation.

CONCLUSIONS

While availability of EC from UK pharmacies has undoubtedly improved access, the necessity to have a consultation, however helpful, with a pharmacist introduces delays and around one in five of our mystery shoppers left without getting EC. Consultations in private are not always possible and little advice is given about ongoing contraception. It is time to make EC available without a pharmacy consultation.

Use of effective contraception following provision of the progestogen-only pill for women presenting to community pharmacies for emergency contraception (Bridge-It): a pragmatic cluster-randomised crossover trial

BACKGROUND

Unless women start effective contraception after oral emergency contraception, they remain at risk of unintended pregnancy. Most women in the UK obtain emergency contraception from community pharmacies. We hypothesised that pharmacist provision of the progestogen-only pill as a bridging interim method of contraception with emergency contraception plus an invitation to a sexual and reproductive health clinic, in which all methods of contraception are available, would result in increased subsequent use of effective contraception.

METHODS

We did a pragmatic cluster-randomised crossover trial in 29 UK pharmacies among women receiving levonorgestrel emergency contraception. Women aged 16 years or older, not already using hormonal contraception, not on medication that could interfere with the progestogen-only pill, and willing to give contact details for follow-up were invited to participate. In the intervention group, women received a 3-month supply of the progestogen-only pill (75 μg desogestrel) plus a rapid access card to a participating sexual and reproductive health clinic. In the control group, pharmacists advised women to attend their usual contraceptive provider. The order in which each pharmacy provided the intervention or control was randomly assigned using a computer software algorithm. The primary outcome was the use of effective contraception (hormonal or intrauterine) at 4 months. This study is registered, ISRCTN70616901 (complete).

FINDINGS

Between Dec 19, 2017, and June 26, 2019, 636 women were recruited to the intervention group (316 [49·6%], mean age 22·7 years [SD 5·7]) or the control group (320 [50·3%], 22·6 years [5·1]). Three women (one in the intervention group and two in the control group) were excluded after randomisation. 4-month follow-up data were available for 406 (64%) participants, 25 were lost to follow-up, and two participants no longer wanted to participate in the study. The proportion of women using effective contraception was 20·1% greater (95% CI 5·2-35·0) in the intervention group (mean 58·4%, 48·6-68·2), than in the control group (mean 40·5%, 29·7-51·3 [adjusted for recruitment period, treatment group, and centre]; p=0·011).The difference remained significant after adjusting for age, current sexual relationship, and history of effective contraception use, and was robust to the effect of missing data (assuming missingness at random). No serious adverse events occurred.

INTERPRETATION

Provision of a supply of the progestogen-only pill with emergency contraception from a community pharmacist, along with an invitation to a sexual and reproductive health clinic, results in a clinically meaningful increase in subsequent use of effective contraception. Widely implemented, this practice could prevent unintended pregnancies after use of emergency contraception.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research (Health Technology Assessment Programme project 15/113/01).

Changes in the prevalence and profile of users of contraception in Britain 2000-2010: evidence from two National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles

AIM

To describe prevalence and trends in contraceptive method use in Britain through a comparison of the second and third National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-2 and Natsal-3).

METHODS

Cross-sectional probability sample surveys. General population sample of women aged 16-44 years, resident in Britain, with ever-experience of vaginal sex and, for analysis by sociodemographic characteristics, vaginal sex in the last year. Main outcome measure was current contraceptive method use ('usual these days'), categorised by effectiveness.

RESULTS

Prevalence of current contraceptive use among women who had ever had vaginal sex declined between Natsal-2 and Natsal-3, 83.5% (95% CI 82.4 to 84.5) and 76.4% (95% CI 75.0 to 77.7), respectively. The condom and oral contraceptive pill remain the most commonly used methods. One in five women reported use of a most effective method. While no difference was found between surveys in use of most effective methods, a decline in sterilisation use was compensated by an increase in long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) use. Increased LARC use was particularly evident among under-25s compared with women aged 40-44 years (OR 11.35, 95% CI 3.23 to 39.87) and a decline was observed among those with two or more children relative to those with none (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies to improve access to LARC methods have been particularly successful in increasing uptake among young people in the first decade of the 21st century. Whether this trajectory is maintained given changing sociodemographic characteristics and more recent financial cuts to sexual health service provision will warrant investigation.

The effects on ovarian activity of delaying versus immediately restarting combined oral contraception after missing three pills and taking ulipristal acetate 30 mg

OBJECTIVE

Among combined oral contraception (COC) users, to determine the effect on ovarian activity and ovulation of waiting five days before restarting COC, versus restarting immediately, having taken ulipristal acetate 30 mg (UPA, the dose used for emergency contraception) after missing three consecutive COC pills.

STUDY DESIGN

Women already using COC were enrolled for two cycles of COC use (21/7 regimen). In cycle 2, all women omitted COC pills for three consecutive days (days 5,6,7), and on day 8 took UPA 30 mg. They were randomized either to restart their COC pills that same day (immediate restart) or to wait five days (delayed restart). Transvaginal ultrasound, and blood sampling for estradiol and progesterone were undertaken on days 4,8,11,13,15,18,22 and 26. A modified Hoogland score was used to quantify ovarian activity/ovulation and to assess whether luteal phase progesterone concentrations were sufficiently 'adequate' to have conferred a theoretical risk of pregnancy.

RESULTS

No one ovulated with risk of pregnancy during the five days following UPA. Among 26 women with immediate restart, none ovulated with a theoretical risk of pregnancy at any time in the cycle. Four of 23 women (17.4% CI [5.0; 38.8]) with delayed restart ovulated with theoretical risk of pregnancy before the end of the cycle. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

Women who delay restarting COC for five days after taking UPA 30 mg are at much greater risk of ovulation, and therefore theoretically of pregnancy, than if they restart their COC on the same day as taking UPA. Current recommendations should be revisited.

IMPLICATIONS

Women who take UPA-EC after having missed combined oral contraceptive pills are advised to wait five days before restarting the COC. This delay puts them at risk of ovulation and, if intercourse occurs, theoretically therefore of pregnancy. Women who restart their COC pills immediately are much less likely to ovulate. The label for UPA-EC and clinical guidelines on using EC after missed pills should be revisited.

Provision of immediate postpartum intrauterine contraception after vaginal birth within a public maternity setting: Health services research evaluation

Introduction

Expanding access to postpartum intrauterine contraception (PPIUC) can reduce unintended pregnancies and short inter‐pregnancy intervals; however, provision across Europe is limited. Our aim was to determine the feasibility, clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction of providing immediate PPIUC after vaginal birth using a health services research model.

Material and methods

Phased introduction of PPIUC across two Lothian maternity hospitals; all women intending vaginal birth during the study period without a contraindication to use of the method were eligible to receive PPIUC. Midwives and obstetric doctors were trained in vaginal PPIUC insertion using Kelly forceps. Women received information antenatally and had PPIUC insertion of either a levonorgestrel intrauterine system or a copper intrauterine device within 48 hours of vaginal birth. Follow‐up was conducted in‐person at 6 weeks postpartum and by telephone at 3, 6 and 12 months. Primary outcomes were: uptake, complications (infection, uterine perforation), expulsion and patient satisfaction at 6 weeks; and method of continuation up to 12 months. Secondary outcomes included hazard ratio for expulsion adjusted for demographic and insertion‐related variables.

Results

Uptake of PPIUC was 4.6% of all vaginal births; 465/447 (96.1%) of those requesting PPIUC successfully received it and most chose a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (73%). At 6 weeks postpartum, the infection rate was 0.8%, there were no perforations and 98.3% of women said they would recommend the service. The complete expulsion rate was 29.8% (n = 113) and most had symptoms (n = 79). Of the additional 121 devices removed, 118 were because of partial expulsion. The rate of complete/partial expulsion was higher for insertions by midwives compared with those by doctors. The re‐insertion rate after expulsion/removal was 87.6% and method continuation at 12 months was 79.6%.

Conclusions

Routine PPIUC at vaginal birth is feasible. Complications were extremely rare. High expulsion rates may be observed in early stages of service introduction and with inexperienced providers. Re‐insertion and therefore longer‐term continuation rates of intrauterine contraception were very high. In settings with low rates of attendance for interval postpartum intrauterine contraception insertion, PPIUC could be a useful intervention to prevent unintended and closely spaced pregnancies.

Pragmatic cluster randomised cohort cross-over trial to determine the effectiveness of bridging from emergency to regular contraception: the Bridge-It study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Oral emergency contraception (EC) can prevent unintended pregnancy but it is important to start a regular method of contraception. Women in the UK usually access EC from a pharmacy but then need a subsequent appointment with a general practitioner or a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service to access regular contraception. Unintended pregnancies can occur during this time.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Bridge-It is a pragmatic cluster randomised cohort cross-over trial designed to determine whether pharmacist provision of a bridging supply of a progestogen-only pill (POP) plus rapid access to a local SRH clinic, results in increased uptake of effective contraception and prevents more unintended pregnancies than provision of EC alone. Bridge-It involves 31 pharmacies in three UK regions (London, Lothian and Tayside) aiming to recruit 626-737 women. Pharmacies will give EC (levonorgestrel) according to normal practice and recruit women to both intervention and the control phases of the study. In the intervention phase, pharmacists will provide the POP (desogestrel) and offer rapid access to an SRH clinic. In the control phase, pharmacists will advise women to attend a contraceptive provider for contraception (standard care).Women will be asked 4 months later about contraceptive use. Data linkage to abortion registries will provide abortion rates over 12 months. The sample size is calculated on the primary outcome of effective contraception use at 4 months (yes/no) with 90% power and a 5% level of significance. Abortion rates will be an exploratory secondary analysis. Process evaluation includes interviews with pharmacists, SRH clinicians and women. Cost-effectiveness analysis will use a healthcare system perspective and be expressed as incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was received from South East Scotland REC June 2017. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN70616901.

Towards a more pragmatic and wiser approach to infertility care

Infertility represents a very peculiar area of medicine. Contrary to other areas, where signs and symptoms lead to a diagnosis, which in turn leads to a specific treatment, in reproduction the lack of signs and symptoms for more than 12 months suggests the diagnosis of ‘unexplained subfertility’, and if this condition has lasted for some years, couples qualify for IVF. Diagnosis and treatments can extend over long periods of time (even years) and the accuracy of the diagnostic armamentarium is not optimal. Uncertainty about diagnosis and the need for significant perseverance is demanding on both couples and physicians, and actually constitute a very favourable situation for overdiagnosis (‘unexplained subfertility’) and overtreatment (IVF) on one hand, and, on the other, it may also affect compliance with treatments. To improve our capacity to properly handle this challenging situation, increased attention should be given to the duration of pregnancy seeking. Initiating treatments earlier in older women is unwise because this population has a lower fecundity and, therefore, duration of pregnancy seeking is even more important to achieve a reliable diagnosis of infertility. Moreover, if the infertility work-up is unremarkable, duration of pregnancy seeking should be extended up to more than 2 years prior to making a diagnosis of unexplained infertility regardless of age. An adequate period of pregnancy seeking is also required for couples who are diagnosed with conditions that can interfere with fertility to avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Indeed, most causes of infertility will reduce but not impair natural conception. Within this sometimes long-term management, physicians should also pay attention to detrimental life habits in order to optimize the chances of both natural and assisted reproduction technology -mediated pregnancy. Even if interventional studies are not conclusive, it is advisable to address the problems of obesity and smoking. Focussing on frequency of sexual intercourse may be also beneficial for natural conception. Finally, there is the need for improving our capacity to handle compliance. Providing information on the importance of persevering at the start of treatment, promoting shared decision-making and tackling patient, clinic and treatment causes of drop-out can all improve the overall chances of parenthood. Thus, we plead for a wiser and more pragmatic approach to infertility, paying more attention to these neglected, but in our opinion essential, aspects of infertility care.

Contraception after pregnancy

Whatever the outcome, pregnancy provides the opportunity to offer effective contraception to couples motivated to avoid another pregnancy. This narrative review summarizes the evidence for health providers, drawing attention to current guidelines on which contraceptive methods can be used, and when they should be started after pregnancy, whatever its outcome. Fertility returns within 1 month of the end of pregnancy unless breastfeeding occurs. Breastfeeding, which itself suppresses fertility after childbirth, influences both when contraception should start and what methods can be used. Without breastfeeding, effective contraception should be started as soon as possible if another pregnancy is to be avoided. Interpregnancy intervals of at least 6 months after miscarriage and 1-2 years after childbirth have long been recommended by the World Health Organization in order to reduce the chance of adverse pregnancy outcome. Recent research suggests that this may not be necessary, at least for healthy women <35 years old. Most contraceptive methods can be used after pregnancy regardless of the outcome. Because of an increased risk of venous thromboembolism associated with estrogen-containing contraceptives, initiation of these methods should be delayed until 6 weeks after childbirth. More research is required to settle the questions over the use of combined hormonal contraception during breastfeeding, the use of injectable progestin-only contraceptives before 6 weeks after childbirth, and the use of both hormonal and intrauterine contraception after gestational trophoblastic disease. The potential impact on the risk of ectopic pregnancy of certain contraceptive methods often confuses healthcare providers. The challenges involved in providing effective, seamless service provision of contraception after pregnancy are numerous, even in industrialized countries. Nevertheless, the clear benefits demonstrate that it is worth the effort.

Where do women and men in Britain obtain contraception? Findings from the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3)

INTRODUCTION

To estimate the prevalence of use of different sources of contraceptive supplies in Britain and its variation by key demographic and behavioural characteristics.

METHODS

Cross-sectional probability sample survey of women and men aged 16-74 years, resident in Britain, interviewed between 2010 and 2012. Analyses reported here were of 4571 women and 3142 men aged 16-44 years who reported having vaginal sex in the past year. Those relying exclusively on sterilisation (including hysterectomy) were excluded. Sources of contraceptive supplies were categorised as: general practice, community clinic, retail and other. Prevalence of use of these sources was estimated, and associated factors examined.

RESULTS

Some 87.0% of women and 73.8% of men accessed at least one source of contraceptive supplies in the previous year. Most women (59.1%) used general practice and most men (54.6%) used retail outlets. Community clinics were less commonly used, by 23.0% of women and 21.3% of men, but these users were younger and at greater sexual health risk. These associations were also observed among the 27.3% of women and 30.6% of men who used more than one source category (general practice, community clinic or retail) for contraceptive supplies.

CONCLUSIONS

People in Britain use a variety of sources to obtain contraceptive supplies and some sources are more commonly used by those more vulnerable to poorer sexual health. Our findings suggest that national policy changes to increase access to contraceptive methods have had an effect on the diversity of services used.

Where do women and men in Britain obtain contraception? Findings from the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3)

INTRODUCTION

To estimate the prevalence of use of different sources of contraceptive supplies in Britain and its variation by key demographic and behavioural characteristics.

METHODS

Cross-sectional probability sample survey of women and men aged 16-74 years, resident in Britain, interviewed between 2010 and 2012. Analyses reported here were of 4571 women and 3142 men aged 16-44 years who reported having vaginal sex in the past year. Those relying exclusively on sterilisation (including hysterectomy) were excluded. Sources of contraceptive supplies were categorised as: general practice, community clinic, retail and other. Prevalence of use of these sources was estimated, and associated factors examined.

RESULTS

Some 87.0% of women and 73.8% of men accessed at least one source of contraceptive supplies in the previous year. Most women (59.1%) used general practice and most men (54.6%) used retail outlets. Community clinics were less commonly used, by 23.0% of women and 21.3% of men, but these users were younger and at greater sexual health risk. These associations were also observed among the 27.3% of women and 30.6% of men who used more than one source category (general practice, community clinic or retail) for contraceptive supplies.

CONCLUSIONS

People in Britain use a variety of sources to obtain contraceptive supplies and some sources are more commonly used by those more vulnerable to poorer sexual health. Our findings suggest that national policy changes to increase access to contraceptive methods have had an effect on the diversity of services used.

Self-management of first trimester medical termination of pregnancy: a qualitative study of women's experiences

OBJECTIVE

To explore the experiences of women in Scotland who return home to complete medical termination of pregnancy (TOP) ≤63 days of gestation, after being administered with mifepristone and misoprostol at an NHS TOP clinic.

DESIGN

Qualitative interview study.

SETTING

One National Health Service health board (administrative) area in Scotland.

POPULATION OR SAMPLE

Women in Scotland who had undergone medical TOP ≤63 days, and self-managed passing the pregnancy at home; recruited from three clinics in one NHS health board area between January and July 2014.

METHODS

In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 44 women in Scotland who had recently undergone TOP ≤63 days of gestation, and who returned home to pass the pregnancy. Data were analysed thematically using an approach informed by the Framework method.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Women's experiences of self-management of TOP ≤63 days of gestation.

RESULTS

Key themes emerging from the analysis related to self-administration of misoprostol in clinic; reasons for choosing home self-management; facilitation of self-management and expectation-setting; experiences of getting home; self-managing and monitoring treatment progress; support for self-management (in person and remotely); and pregnancy self-testing to confirm completion.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants primarily found self-administration of misoprostol and home self-management to be acceptable and/or preferable, particularly where this was experienced as a decision made jointly with health professionals. The way in which home self-management is presented to women at clinic requires ongoing attention. Women could benefit from the option of home administration of misoprostol.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Women undergoing medical TOP 63 days found home self-management to be acceptable and/or preferable.

The changing body work of abortion: a qualitative study of the experiences of health professionals

'Body work' has emerged at the nexus of sociologies of work and bodies as a means of conceptualising work focusing on the bodies of others. This article utilises this analytical tool in the context of contemporary abortion work. Abortion provision in Britain has seen significant change in the last 25 years, paralleling developments in medical methods, and the option for women under nine weeks' gestation to complete the abortion at home. These shifts raise questions around how abortion work is experienced by those who do it. We apply the conceptual lens of body work to data drawn from in-depth interviews with 37 health professionals involved in abortion provision, to draw out the character, constraints and challenges of contemporary abortion work. We explore three key themes: the instrumental role of emotional labour in facilitating body work; the temporality of abortion work; and bodily proximity, co-presence and changes in provision. By drawing on the conceptual frame of body work, we illuminate the dynamics of contemporary abortion work in Britain and, by introducing the idea of 'body work-by-proxy', highlight ways in which this context can be used to expand the conceptual boundaries of body work.

Actual and preferred contraceptive sources among young people: findings from the British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles

OBJECTIVE

To describe actual and preferred contraceptive sources among young people in Britain and whether discordance between these is associated with markers of sexual risk behaviour or poor sexual health.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional probability sample survey.

SETTING

British general population.

PARTICIPANTS

3869 men and women aged 16-24 years interviewed for the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3) between 2010 and 2012.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Reported source of contraceptive method(s) and preferred source if all were available and easily accessible.

RESULTS

Of the 75% of young people (aged 16-24) who were heterosexually active (1619 women, 1233 men), >86% reported obtaining contraceptives in the past year. Most common sources were general practice (women, 63%) and retail (men, 60%): using multiple sources was common (women 40%, men 45%). Healthcare sources were preferred by 81% of women and 57% of men. Overall, 32% of women and 39% of men had not used their preferred source. This discordance was most common among men who preferred general practice (69%) and women who preferred retail (52%). Likelihood of discordance was higher among women who usually used a less effective contraceptive method or had an abortion. It was less likely among men who usually used a less effective method of contraception and men who were not in a steady relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Most young people in Britain obtained contraception in the past year but one-third had not used their preferred source. Healthcare sources were preferred. Discordance was associated with using less effective contraception and abortion among young women. Meeting young people's preference for obtaining contraception from healthcare sources could improve uptake of effective contraception to reduce unwanted pregnancies.

Trends in the use of emergency contraception in Britain: evidence from the second and third National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles

OBJECTIVE

To examine the changes in the prevalence of, and the factors associated with, the use of emergency contraception (EC) in Britain between 2000 and 2010, spanning the period of deregulation and increase in pharmacy supply.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional probability sample surveys.

SETTING AND POPULATION

British general population.

METHODS

Data were analysed from the second and third British National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal), undertaken in 1999-2001 and 2010-12. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to measure change in EC use amongst sexually active women aged 16-44 years not intending pregnancy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of EC use and factors associated with use.

RESULTS

Of the 5430 women surveyed in 1999-2001 and the 4825 women surveyed in 2010-12, 2.3 and 3.6%, respectively, reported using EC in the year prior to interview (P = 0.0019 for change over time). The prevalence of EC use increased amongst single women and those with higher educational attainment (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.04-2.20; P = 0.0308). Increases in EC use were generally greater among women without behavioural risk factors, such as those with no history of abortion within 5 years (aOR 1.57; 95% CI 1.17-2.12; P = 0.0029), or those whose first heterosexual intercourse occurred after the age of 16 years (aOR 1.68; 95% CI 1.21-2.35; P = 0.0021). The increase in EC use was also more marked among women usually accessing contraception from retail sources than among those doing so from healthcare sources, which may reflect a use of condoms amongst EC users.

CONCLUSION

The increase in EC use among women in Britain in the first decade of the 21st century was associated with some, but not all, risk factors for unplanned pregnancy. Advice and provision may need to be targeted at those at highest risk of unplanned pregnancy.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Despite pharmacy access, only a small rise in emergency contraception use has been seen in Britain over 10 years.

Changes in conceptions in women younger than 18 years and the circumstances of young mothers in England in 2000-12: an observational study

BACKGROUND

In 2000, a 10-year Teenage Pregnancy Strategy was launched in England to reduce conceptions in women younger than 18 years and social exclusion in young parents. We used routinely collected data and data from Britain's National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal) to examine progress towards these goals.

METHODS

In this observational study, we used random-effects meta-regression to analyse the change in conception rates from 1994-98 to 2009-13 by top-tier local authorities in England, in relation to Teenage Pregnancy Strategy-related expenditure per head, socioeconomic deprivation, and region. Data from similar probability sample surveys: Natsal-1 (1990-91), Natsal-2 (1999-2001), and Natsal-3 (2010-12) were used to assess the prevalence of risk factors and their association with conception in women younger than 18 years in women aged 18-24 years; and the prevalence of participation in education, work, and training in young mothers.

FINDINGS

Conception rates in women younger than 18 years declined steadily from their peak in 1996-98 and more rapidly from 2007 onwards. More deprived areas and those receiving greater Teenage Pregnancy Strategy-related investment had higher rates of conception in 1994-98 and had greater declines to 2009-13. Regression analyses assessing the association between Teenage Pregnancy Strategy funding and decline in conception rates in women younger than 18 years showed an estimated reduction in the conception rate of 11.4 conceptions (95% CI 9.6-13.2; p<0.0001) per 1000 women aged 15-17 years for every £100 Teenage Pregnancy Strategy spend per head and a reduction of 8.2 conceptions (5.8-10.5; p<0.0001) after adjustment for socioeconomic deprivation and region. The association between conception in women younger than 18 years and lower socioeconomic status weakened slightly between Natsal-2 and Natsal-3. The prevalence of participation in education, work, or training among young women with a child conceived before age 18 years was low, but the odds of them doing so doubled between Natsal-2 and Natsal-3 (odds ratio 1.99, 95% CI 0.99-4.00).

INTERPRETATION

A sustained, multifaceted policy intervention involving health and education agencies, alongside other social and educational changes, has probably contributed to a substantial and accelerating decline in conceptions in women younger than 18 years in England since the late 1990s.

FUNDING

Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, Economic and Social Research Council, and Department of Health.

Prevalence of infertility and help seeking among 15 000 women and men

STUDY QUESTION

What is the prevalence of infertility and of help seeking among women and men in Britain?

SUMMARY ANSWER

One in eight women and one in ten men aged 16–74 years had experienced infertility, defined by unsuccessfully attempting pregnancy for a year or longer, and little more than half of these people sought medical or professional help.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Estimates of infertility and help seeking in Britain vary widely and are not easily comparable because of different definitions and study populations.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A cross-sectional population survey was conducted between 2010 and 2012 with a sample of 15 162 women and men aged 16–74 years.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Participants completed the Natsal-3 questionnaire, using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) and computer-assisted self-interview (CASI).

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The reported prevalence of infertility was 12.5% (CI 95% 11.7–13.3) among women and 10.1% (CI 95% 9.2–11.1) among men. Increased prevalence was associated with later cohabitation with a partner, higher socio-economic status and, for those who had a child, becoming parents at older ages. The reported prevalence of help seeking was 57.3% (CI 95% 53.6–61.0) among women and 53.2% (CI 95% 48.1–58.1) among men. Help seekers were more likely to be better educated and in higher status occupations and, among those who had a child, to have become parents later in life.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

These data are cross-sectional so it is not possible to establish temporality or infer causality. Self-reported data may be subject to recall bias.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The study provides estimates of infertility and help seeking in Britain and the results indicate that the prevalence of infertility is higher among those delaying parenthood. Those with higher educational qualifications and occupational status are more likely to consult with medical professionals for fertility problems than others and these inequalities in help seeking should be considered by clinical practice and public health.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Funding was provided by grants from the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust, with support from the Economic and Social Research Council and the Department of Health. AMJ is a Governor of the Wellcome Trust. Other authors have no competing interests.

Postpartum contraception: a missed opportunity to prevent unintended pregnancy and short inter-pregnancy intervals

BACKGROUND

Women in the postpartum period need effective contraception. Unintended pregnancies soon after childbirth may lead to abortion or short inter-pregnancy intervals associated with adverse outcomes. Using databases for a 6-month period (September 2013-February 2014) we examined the proportion of women attending for abortion in Edinburgh, Scotland who had given birth in the preceding 12 months, and the proportion of women giving birth in this region after an inter-pregnancy interval of 12 months or less. We also surveyed 250 women prior to discharge from the same maternity service about their contraceptive intentions.

RESULTS

Some 75/1175 (6.4%) attending for abortion had given birth within the preceding 12 months and 332/4713 (7.0%) postpartum women gave birth following an inter-pregnancy interval of 12 months or less. When considering parous women, percentages were 13.3% and 13.9%, respectively. The majority (n=237, 96.7%) of postpartum women were not planning another pregnancy within the year but only a minority (n=32, 12.8%) were planning on using long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), namely the implant or intrauterine device. However, 42.8% (n=107) indicated that if the implant or intrauterine contraception could be inserted before they left hospital then they would choose these methods (p<0.0001).

DISCUSSION

Almost one in thirteen women in our population presenting for abortion or giving birth has conceived within 1 year of giving birth. Provision of LARC immediately postpartum appears to be an attractive option to mothers, and could be an important strategy to prevent unintended pregnancy and short inter-pregnancy intervals.

Comparison of uptake of long-acting reversible contraception after abortion from a hospital or a community sexual and reproductive healthcare setting: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Uptake of the most effective long-acting reversible methods of contraception (LARC) immediately after abortion has been shown to reduce a woman's risk of further abortion. We aimed to compare the uptake of LARC at abortion services from a hospital department of obstetrics and gynaecology and a specialist contraceptive setting of a community sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service within the same city.

METHODS

Retrospective database review of women (n=2473) requesting abortion who were assessed at either a community SRH service or a hospital department of obstetrics and gynaecology, in the same UK city over a period of 1 year. The main outcome measures were immediate post-abortal uptake of LARC from each site.

RESULTS

A higher proportion of women assessed at the SRH service received LARC after abortion [50.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-0.53%] compared to those attending the hospital site (39.2%; 95% CI 0.36-0.42%; p<0.0001). Amongst women having an outpatient early medical abortion, LARC uptake at the SRH was twice that of the hospital setting (48.4% vs 23.3%; p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher uptake of immediate post-abortal LARC was observed amongst women who were assessed at the specialist contraceptive service in the community SRH setting compared to the hospital setting. Further research is required to determine the reasons for these observations since all abortion services should provide the same high-quality contraceptive service to women undergoing abortion.

Contraceptive care at the time of medical abortion: experiences of women and health professionals in a hospital or community sexual and reproductive health context

Objective

To examine experiences of contraceptive care from the perspective of health professionals and women seeking abortion, in the contexts of hospital gynaecology departments and a specialist sexual and reproductive health centre (SRHC).

Materials and methods

We conducted in-depth semistructured interviews with 46 women who had received contraceptive care at the time of medical abortion (gestation≤9 weeks) from one SRHC and two hospital gynaecology-department-based abortion clinics in Scotland. We also interviewed 25 health professionals (nurses and doctors) involved in abortion and contraceptive care at the same research sites. We analysed interview data thematically using an approach informed by the Framework method, and comparison was made between the two clinical contexts.

Results

Most women and health professionals felt that contraceptive counselling at abortion was acceptable and appropriate, if provided in a sensitive, nonjudgemental way. Participants framed contraceptive provision at abortion as significant primarily as a means of preventing subsequent unintended conceptions. Accounts of contraceptive decision making also presented tensions between the priorities of women and health professionals, around ‘manoeuvring’ women towards contraceptive uptake. Comparison between clinical contexts suggests that women's experiences may have been more positive in the SRHC setting.

Conclusions

Whilst abortion may be a theoretically and practically convenient time to address contraception, it is by no means an easy time to do so and requires considerable effort and expertise to be managed effectively. Training for those providing contraceptive care at abortion should explicitly address potential conflicts between the priorities of health professionals and women seeking abortion.

Implications

This paper offers unique insight into the detail of women and health professionals' experiences of addressing contraception at the time of medical abortion. The comparison between hospital and community SRHC contexts highlights best practise and areas for improvement relevant to a range of settings.

Giving information about the contraceptive implant using a DVD: is it acceptable and informative? A pilot randomised study

BACKGROUND

To provide standardised information about the contraceptive implant (Nexplanon(®)), a digital video disc (DVD) was developed for use within a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service in Edinburgh. The aim was to determine if the accuracy of information recalled after watching a DVD was comparable to that following a face-to-face consultation, and if patients found the use of a DVD acceptable.

METHODS

Fifty women attending an SRH service abortion clinic considering using Nexplanon for the first time agreed to be randomised to receive information about the implant either by (a) a DVD (n=35) developed using information taken from Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare guidance or (b) a face-to-face consultation (n=15). A structured interview was conducted immediately following the DVD/face-to-face consultation and by telephone 3 months later. A small number of participants from each group attended for in-depth interview.

RESULTS

Knowledge recall (e.g. expected side effects) immediately following each intervention was similar in both groups. Most of the women who watched the DVD felt it was helpful (89%), easy to understand (94%) and acceptable (69%). Subsequently 76% of participants were contacted successfully at 3 months. The majority of those who had watched the DVD agreed that it had been informative (93%) and would be happy to receive contraceptive information via a DVD in future (93%).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a DVD to provide patient information on Nexplanon is acceptable and informative, and may enhance patient consultations. A large randomised controlled trial may determine if provision of quality standardised information via DVD can improve uptake or continuation rates of long-acting reversible methods of contraception.