Time to pregnancy recognition among users of an FDA-cleared fertility application

Background: Previous investigations of time-to-pregnancy recognition have analysed data from national surveys and clinics, but this has not been investigated in the context of digital fertility applications. Timely pregnancy recognition can help individuals in health and pregnancy management, reducing maternal and foetal risk and costs, whilst increasing treatment options, availability, and cost. Methods: This dataset contained 23,728 pregnancies (conceived between June 2018 and December 2022) from 20,429 participants using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared fertility app in the United States. Most participants (with non-missing information) identified as Non-Hispanic White, and one-third reported obtaining a university degree. We used two-tailed Welch's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and two-tailed Z-tests to compare time to pregnancy recognition between those using the app to conceive or contracept. Results: Participants using an app to conceive recognised pregnancy on average at 31.3 days from last menstrual period (LMP) compared to 35.9 days among those using the app to prevent pregnancy. Conclusion: Generalisability is limited, as all participants were using a fertility app and had relatively homogenous sociodemographic characteristics.

Time after time: failure to identify and support females with ADHD - a Swedish population register study

BACKGROUND

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with risk taking and negative health-related outcomes across the lifespan. Due to delay in referral and diagnostics, young females with ADHD may not be identified, nor appropriately supported by adequate interventions.

METHODS

A total of 85,330 individuals with ADHD, all of whom were residents in Stockholm County between January 01, 2011, and December 31, 2021, were included as participants in this population-based, cross-sectional cohort study. Population controls (n = 426,626) were matched by age, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES). Data was obtained from Regional Healthcare Data Warehouse of Region Stockholm (VAL) in Stockholm County. Exposure was ADHD-index, defined as the first record of either ICD-10 F90 diagnosis and/or ATC-code for stimulant or non-stimulant ADHD-medication during the study period. Primary outcome was age at ADHD-index. Secondary outcome measures were psychiatric comorbidity, pharmacological treatment, and health care utilization, prior to and after ADHD-index.

RESULTS

Females were older at ADHD-index (23.5 years, SD 13.8) compared to males (19.6 years, SD 13.9, 95% CI of difference 3.74-4.11). Overall, females with ADHD showed higher rates of psychiatric comorbidity, pharmacological treatment, and health care utilization, compared to males with ADHD and female controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Females with ADHD receive diagnosis and treatment for ADHD approximately 4 years later than males. They have a higher burden of comorbid psychiatric conditions and health care utilization, compared to males with ADHD and female controls, both prior to and after ADHD-index. To prevent long-term adverse consequences for females with ADHD, methods, and tools for early diagnosis and treatments that mitigate personal suffering and societal burden are warranted.

Placement of an intrauterine device within 48 hours after second trimester medical abortion: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

International guidelines recommend placement of intrauterine devices immediately after second trimester medical abortion, but evidence concerning the optimal time for intrauterine device placement is lacking from clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of intrauterine device placement within 48 hours, compared with placement at two to four weeks after second trimester medical abortion. We hypothesized that intrauterine device placement within 48 hours would be superior compared with placement at two to four weeks after the abortion, in terms of the proportion of intrauterine device use after six months, with maintained safety and acceptability.

STUDY DESIGN

In this open-label, randomized, controlled, superiority trial, we recruited participants at eight abortion clinics in Sweden. Eligible participants were ≥18 years, requesting medical abortion with gestation ≥85 days and opting for use of a post abortion intrauterine device. Participants were randomized (1:1) to intrauterine device placement either within 48 hours of complete abortion (intervention) or after 2 to 4 weeks (control). Our primary outcome was self-reported use of an intrauterine device after 6 months. Secondary outcomes included expulsion rates, pain at placement, adverse events and complications, acceptability, and subsequent pregnancies and abortions. Differences in non-normal continuous variables were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U-test and differences in dichotomous variables with the chi square or Fisher's exact tests. A P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Group differences are presented by modified intention-to-treat and per protocol analyses.

RESULTS

Between January 2019, and June 2022, we enrolled 179 participants, of whom 90 were assigned to intervention and 89 to control. Enrolment was prematurely stopped after an interim analysis exceeded a predefined intrauterine device expulsion rate of 20%. By modified intention-to-treat, use of intrauterine device after 6 months was 50.7% (34/67) in the intervention group compared to 71.6% (48/67) in the control group (proportion difference 20.9%; 95% confidence interval 4.4%-35.9%; P=.02). The intrauterine device expulsion rate was 30.1% (22/73) in the intervention group versus 2.9% (2/70; P <.001) in the control group. Other adverse events were rare and patient acceptability was high in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Intrauterine device placement within 48 hours after second trimester medical abortion was non-superior in terms of the proportion of intrauterine device use after 6 months when compared with placement after 2 to 4 weeks. Placement within 48 hours after second trimester abortion can be used in selected individuals after counselling on expulsion risk.

Mepivacaine instillation for pain reduction during intrauterine device placement in nulliparous women: a double-blinded randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Fear of pain associated with intrauterine device placement has been identified as a significant barrier to the adoption of long-acting reversible contraception, contributing to lower utilization of the most effective reversible contraceptive methods.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether instillation of intrauterine mepivacaine before intrauterine device placement alleviates pain more effectively than a placebo.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving nulliparous women undergoing intrauterine device placement. An instillation of 10 mL of 20 mg/mL mepivacaine or 0.9 mg/mL sodium chloride was administrated through a hydrosonography catheter 2 minutes prior to intrauterine device placement. Pain scores were assessed using a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale at pre-specified time points. Primary outcome measured the difference in Visual Analog Scale pain scores between the intervention group and the placebo group during intrauterine device placement. Secondary outcomes included Visual Analog Scale pain scores at instillation and 10 minutes after placement, tolerability of the placement pain, as well as acceptability of the analgesia method.

RESULTS

We enrolled 151 participants, with 76 assigned to the mepivacaine group and 75 to the placebo group. The mean VAS pain score during IUD placement showed a difference of 13.3 mm (95% CI 5.75-20.87; P<.001): the mepivacaine group had a mean of 53.9 mm (SD 22.8), while the placebo group had a mean of 67.2 mm (SD 22.4). After adjusting for each individual provider's impact, the difference in mean pain scores remained statistically significant (12.2 mm 95% CI 4.85-19.62; P<.001). A greater proportion of women in the intervention group reported tolerable pain during placement with 70/75 participants (93.3%) compared to 53/66 participants (80.3%) in the placebo group (P=.021).

CONCLUSION

The intrauterine instillation of mepivacaine results in statistically significant reduction in pain score among nulliparous women during intrauterine device placement. Although the precise clinical impact of this pain reduction method remains uncertain, the observed reduction in pain score result in a higher proportion of women reporting tolerable pain. This finding and the high acceptance as a pain reduction method thereby suggests clinical relevance. Intrauterine instillation of mepivacaine is a possible strategy to increase IUD utilization, particularly among nulliparous women who are at high risk of unintended pregnancy.

Women's experiences of postpartum contraceptive services when elective caesarean section is the method of birth: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The unmet need for postpartum contraception is a global challenge. Postpartum placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) within 48 hours of vaginal delivery is available in many settings worldwide, but is not routinely practised in Sweden. To improve contraceptive services and facilitate the informed choice of IUD placement at the time of a caesarean section (CS), we performed this study to identify and describe women's experiences of contraceptive services before, during and after an elective CS.

METHODS

A qualitative design and methodology was used. We interviewed 20 women aged 28-42 years who underwent elective CS in Sweden. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The three main themes found were (1) receptivity to contraceptive counselling in the context of CS, (2) communication and decision-making about postpartum contraception before CS and (3) lack of support and guidance to receive contraceptive services before and after CS. The participants described readiness and interest regarding postpartum contraception. They prefered counselling from around 25 weeks of gestation. Despite this finding, antenatal communication and contraceptive decision-making seemed rare. Participants reported a lack of support and guidance which necessitated a need by women to navigate the contraceptive services themselves in order to receive information about contraception before CS and to receive postpartum support.

CONCLUSIONS

Antenatal contraceptive counselling including information about IUD placement during CS was appreciated and welcomed by women with elective CS as their birth method. Most of the women whom we interviewed would prefer to receive contraception counselling on postpartum use during the second half of their pregnancy.

Estrogen-modulating treatment among mid-life women and COVID-19 morbidity and mortality: a multiregister nationwide matched cohort study in Sweden

BACKGROUND

It has been repeatedly shown that men infected by SARS-CoV-2 face a twofold higher likelihood of dying, being hospitalized or admitted to the intensive care unit compared to women, despite taking into account relevant confounders. It has been hypothesized that these discrepancies are related to sex steroid hormone differences with estrogens being negatively correlated with disease severity. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate COVID-19-related mortality and morbidity among peri- and postmenopausal women in relation to estrogen-containing menopause hormonal treatments (MHT).

METHODS

This is a national register-based matched cohort study performed in Sweden between January 1 to December 31, 2020. Study participants comprised women over the age of 53 years residing in Sweden. Exposure was defined as prescriptions of local estrogens, systemic estrogens with and without progestogens, progestogens alone, or tibolone. MHT users were then compared with a matched cohort of non-users. The primary outcome consisted of COVID-19 mortality, whereas the secondary outcomes included inpatient hospitalizations/outpatient visits and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression-derived hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Use of systemic estrogens alone is associated with increased COVID-19 mortality among older women (aHR 4.73, 1.22 to 18.32), but the association is no longer significant when discontinuation of estrogen use is accounted for. An increased risk for COVID-19 infection is further observed for women using combined systemic estrogens and progestogens (aHR 1.06, 1.00 to 1.13) or tibolone (aHR 1.21, 1.01 to 1.45). Use of local estrogens is associated with an increased risk for COVID-19-related death (aHR 2.02,1.45 to 2.81) as well as for all secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic or local use of estrogens does not decrease COVID-19 morbidity and mortality to premenopausal background levels. Excess risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality was noted among older women and those discontinuing systemic estrogens. Higher risk for death was also noted among women using local estrogens, for which non-causal mechanisms such as confounding by comorbidity or frailty seem to be the most plausible underlying explanations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION DETAILS

Not applicable.

Medical abortion in the second trimester - an update

The safety and efficacy of medical abortion in the second trimester is provider independent and may therefore offer advantages over surgical second trimester abortion in certain settings. Due to bleeding risk, medical abortions in the second trimester are still mostly performed in a clinic or hospital setting. The most effective regimen for abortion includes pretreatment with oral mifepristone and following doses of misoprostol. An alternative is misoprostol only which should only be used when mifepristone is not available. The optimal dosing of prostaglandin to achieve the highest efficacy with the lowest proportion of complications remains to be established. Complications are rare and serious adverse events uncommon but may include uterine rupture especially in women with a previous cesarean delivery or uterine surgery. Women having second trimester medical abortion are a diverse group with different indications for the abortion. All women should be offered pain relief and respectful care. Staff involved in second trimester medical abortion often find their work challenging. At the same time, staff indicate pride and a conviction of contributing to the 'greater good' for women and society. Staff involved in second trimester abortion should be offered guidance and support through the employer. Post abortion contraception should be offered to all women having second trimester medical abortions, including those who have the abortion due to fetal malformation. All methods of contraception can be started immediately after a second trimester medical abortion except for cycle based methods and diaphragms.

The use and access to contraception in Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic period

PURPOSE

Explore perceived access to, the need for, use of, and satisfaction with telemedicine services for contraceptive counselling and prescription-renewal-only during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic period on the choice and use of contraceptives.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Internet-based e-survey of Swedish women of fertile age, 16-49 years.

RESULTS

In total, 1016 participants completed the survey. Most participants (69.7%) rated their access to contraceptive services 'as usual'. Among the remaining participants, a higher proportion rated their access as deteriorated (73.4%) compared to improved (26.6%; p < 0.001). In total, 38.0% reported a need for contraceptive counselling, whereof 14.0% had used telemedicine for counselling and reported high satisfaction. Telemedicine for prescription-renewal-only was used by 15.1% of the total population. Two per cent reported use of another contraceptive than their intended, whereof long-acting reversible contraceptives were the most common intended method. The proportion of current contraceptive users was lower than in 2017 (62.4% vs 71.1%, p < 0.001), and current users of long-acting reversible contraception decreased from 30.6% to 19.3% (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID-19 pandemic period, most women found their access to contraceptive services unaffected, but more women felt that it had deteriorated than improved. The use of telemedicine was low, and the use of contraception overall fell. Efforts are needed to raise awareness of available services, and TM-provided interventions for maintained quality of care and informed decision-making remain to be evaluated.SHORT CONDENSATIONThe COVID-19 period imposed a change in contraceptive service provision, and efforts are needed to raise awareness of available services, including telemedicine. Access to all contraceptives, including LARCs, is crucial and telemedicine-provided interventions need evaluation.

Profiling spatiotemporal gene expression of the developing human spinal cord and implications for ependymoma origin

The spatiotemporal regulation of cell fate specification in the human developing spinal cord remains largely unknown. In this study, by performing integrated analysis of single-cell and spatial multi-omics data, we used 16 prenatal human samples to create a comprehensive developmental cell atlas of the spinal cord during post-conceptional weeks 5-12. This revealed how the cell fate commitment of neural progenitor cells and their spatial positioning are spatiotemporally regulated by specific gene sets. We identified unique events in human spinal cord development relative to rodents, including earlier quiescence of active neural stem cells, differential regulation of cell differentiation and distinct spatiotemporal genetic regulation of cell fate choices. In addition, by integrating our atlas with pediatric ependymomas data, we identified specific molecular signatures and lineage-specific genes of cancer stem cells during progression. Thus, we delineate spatiotemporal genetic regulation of human spinal cord development and leverage these data to gain disease insight.

Molecular subclass of uterine fibroids predicts tumor shrinkage in response to ulipristal acetate

Precision medicine carries great potential for management of all tumor types. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate if the two most common genetically distinct uterine fibroid subclasses, driven by aberrations in MED12 and HMGA2 genes, respectively, influence response to treatment with the progesterone receptor modulator ulipristal acetate. Changes in diameter and mutation status were derived for 101 uterine fibroids surgically removed after ulipristal acetate treatment. A significant difference in treatment response between the two major subclasses was detected. MED12 mutant fibroids had 4.4 times higher odds of shrinking in response to ulipristal acetate treatment as compared to HMGA2 driven fibroids (95% confidence interval 1.37-13.9; P = 0.013), and in a multivariate analysis molecular subclassification was an independent predictive factor. Compatible with this finding, gene expression and DNA methylation analyses revealed subclass specific differences in progesterone receptor signaling. The work provides a proof-of-principle that uterine fibroid treatment response is influenced by molecular subclass and that the genetic subclasses should be taken into account when evaluating current and future uterine fibroid therapies.

Development of a brief menstrual quality of life measure for women with heavy menstrual bleeding

BACKGROUND

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence advises that considerations around quality of life should be made when assessing and treating heavy menstrual bleeding. A quick and reliable method for women to assess the impact of HMB on their quality of life might encourage help-seeking. This research aimed to develop a new 10-item measure of menstrual quality of life (the PERIOD-QOL).

METHODS

Three pilot studies describe PERIOD-QOL development and a cross-sectional survey (N = 376) assessed PERIOD-QOL scores in women who reported HMB and those who did not. A population sample of women (mean age 30.29, SD = 9.06) completed the PERIOD-QOL and rated their menstrual bleeding as heavy/very heavy/extremely heavy (HMB group) or very light/light/moderate bleeding (LMMB) group. Data were analysed using independent samples Analysis of Variance and independent samples t-tests.

RESULTS

Cronbach's Alpha for the PERIOD-QOL = .88. A significant reduction in PERIOD-QOL scores was found across the 6 levels of bleeding from very light to extremely heavy, and significantly lower PERIOD-QOL scores were reported in the HMB than the LMMB group.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the PERIOD-QOL is a reliable measure and that women experiencing HMB reported significantly lower menstrual quality of life than those who did not. Further validation of the PERIOD-QOL is required to determine its relationships with existing measures of menstrual quality of life and to establish whether PERIOD-QOL scores are associated with decisions to seek help from health professionals and with verified diagnoses of conditions that cause HMB.

Bleeding profile satisfaction and pain and ease of placement with levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD: findings from the Kyleena® Satisfaction study

PURPOSE

To investigate bleeding profile satisfaction and pain and ease of placement with levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

Women who independently chose levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD during routine counselling were invited to participate in this prospective, multinational, observational study. Patient-reported pain and clinician-reported ease of placement were assessed. Bleeding profile satisfaction was evaluated at 12 months/premature end of observation.

RESULTS

Most participants (77.8%, n = 878/1129) rated levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD placement pain as 'none' or 'mild' and most clinicians (91.1%, n = 1029/1129) rated placement as 'easy'. Pain was more often rated higher in nulliparous compared with parous (p < .0001) and younger (<26 years) compared with older participants (p < .0001), although 67.7% and 69.0% of nulliparous and younger participants respectively reported 'none' or 'mild' pain. Bleeding profile satisfaction at 12 months/end of observation was similar in parous (72.9%, n = 318/436) and nulliparous (69.6%, n = 314/451) participants. Most participants irrespective of age reported bleeding profile satisfaction, ranging from 67.8% (n = 206/304) for 18-25 years to 76.5% (n = 218/285) for >35 years.

CONCLUSION

We observed high bleeding profile satisfaction regardless of age or parity with levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD and confirmed that device placement is easy and associated with no more than mild pain in most cases in routine clinical practice. Real-world evidence from the Kyleena^® Satisfaction Study in routine clinical practice shows high bleeding profile satisfaction with levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD regardless of age or parity. IUD placement was easy and associated with little to no pain for most women.

Placement of an intrauterine device within 48 hours after early medical abortion-a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine devices are safe, well-tolerated, and known to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies. At medical abortion, intrauterine devices are placed at a follow-up visit. Patients who miss this visit risk being left without contraception.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate if placement of an intrauterine device within 48 hours of completed medical abortion at up to 63 days' gestation leads to higher user rates at 6 months after the abortion compared with placement at 2 to 4 weeks after abortion. Furthermore, we aimed to compare continued use of intrauterine devices, safety, and patient satisfaction between groups.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed an open-label, randomized, controlled, multicenter, superiority trial (phase 3). A total of 240 patients requesting medical abortion at up to 63 days' gestation and opting for an intrauterine device were allocated to placement within 48 hours of complete medical abortion (intervention group) or at 2 to 4 weeks after abortion (control group). We defined the abortion as complete after bleeding with clots and cessation of heavy bleeding following the use of misoprostol. Patients answered questionnaires at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome was use of intrauterine device at 6 months postabortion. Secondary outcomes included expulsion rate, pain at placement, adverse events and complications from the abortion, acceptability, and pregnancies and their outcomes. Differences in nonparametric continuous variables were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test and differences in dichotomous variables with the chi square or Fisher exact tests. A P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In the intervention group, 91 of 111 (82%) participants used an intrauterine device at 6 months after the abortion vs 87 of 112 (77.7%) in the control group, with a difference in proportion of 4.3% (95% confidence interval, -0.062 to 0.148; P=.51). Attendance rate and rate of successful intrauterine device placement were similar between the groups. Patients in the intervention group had lower pain scores at placement of the intrauterine device (mean pain score [visual analogue scale], 32.3; standard deviation, 29) compared with the control group (mean pain score [visual analogue scale], 43.4; standard deviation, 27.9; P=.002). Patients preferred their allocated time of placement significantly more often in the intervention group (83/111, 74.8%) than in the control group (70/114, 61.4%; P=.03). Use of ultrasound at intrauterine device placement (because of doubts concerning complete abortion) was more common in the intervention group (43/108, 39.8%) than in the control group (15/101, 14.9%; P<.001), and in one patient in the control group a retained gestational sac was found. Three patients in the intervention group and 2 in the control group had a vacuum aspiration. No difference was found in intrauterine device expulsion rates between the groups. Expulsion during the first 6 months after abortion was experienced by 9 of 97 (9.3%) patients in the intervention group and 4 of 89 (4.5%; P=.25) in the control group. There were no perforations or infections requiring antibiotic treatment.

CONCLUSION

Placement of an intrauterine device within 48 hours after medical abortion at ≤63 days' gestation does not lead to higher user rates at 6 months after the abortion compared with intrauterine device placement at 2 to 4 weeks after abortion. When compared with placement at a follow-up visit after 2 to 4 weeks, intrauterine device placement within 48 hours after early medical abortion seems safe, is preferred by patients, and is associated with lower pain scores.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHOD

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Interpregnancy interval and maternal and neonatal morbidity: a nationwide cohort study

This study aimed to assess the association between interpregnancy interval (IPI)-the time from childbirth to conception of the next pregnancy-and maternal and neonatal morbidity. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommends an IPI of at least 24 months after a live birth to reduce adverse birth outcomes. However, assessing the relationship between IPI and perinatal outcome is complicated by confounding factors. We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study using Swedish registry data, allowing for adjustment of maternal characteristics and health at first birth. The study population consisted of all women with a singleton, live, and vaginal first birth with a second singleton birth within five years during 1997-2017, covering 327,912 women and 655,824 neonates. IPI was grouped into six-month intervals with 24-29 months as the reference. The association between IPI and morbidity was examined using multivariate logistic regression. For women having a vaginal delivery at their first birth, intervals < 24-29 months were associated with decreased maternal morbidity and unaffected neonatal morbidity. Intervals > 24-29 months were associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity. Our findings question the relevance of WHO's recommendation of an IPI of at least 24 months in a high-income country.

Hormonal contraception and risk of breast cancer and breast cancer in situ among Swedish women 15–34 years of age: A nationwide register-based study

Background

Evidence on a possible association between newer hormonal contraceptives (HC) and risk of breast cancer remains inconclusive, especially as concerns progestogen-only methods.

Methods

In this nationwide prospective cohort study, all Swedish women aged 15–34 at study start on January 1^st 2005, or who turned 15 years during the study period, were followed until December 31^st 2017. Using information from seven National Registers, we assessed the risk ratio of developing breast cancer and breast cancer in situ in relation to different HC using Poisson regression. We adjusted the analyses for several known confounders of breast cancer.

Findings

This cohort included 1.5 million women providing more than 14 million person-years. During the study period, 3842 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Compared with never users of any HC, we found no increased risk of developing breast cancer among current users of any combined HC, IRR 1.03 (0.91–1.16), whereas current users of progestogen-only methods had an increased risk of developing breast cancer, IRR 1.32 (1.20–1.45). Across all types of HC, the risk of developing breast cancer appeared to be highest the first five years of use (combined HC IRR 1.39 (1.14–1.69); progestogen-only methods IRR 1.74 (1.44–2.10). The risk disappeared ten years after the women stopped using HC. The absolute risk of breast cancer per 100,000 women-years was 22.4 for never users, 10.9 for current users of combined HC, and 29.8 for current users of progestogen-only methods.

Interpretation

Current use of progestogen-only methods is associated with a small increased risk of developing breast cancer, whereas we could only detect an increased risk among users of combined HC during the first five years of use. This may partly be explained by a selective prescription of progestogen-only methods to women with risk factors for breast cancer, like smoking or obesity. As the absolute risk of breast cancer was small, the many health benefits associated with HC must also be taken into account in contraceptive counselling.

Funding

This study was funded by the Swedish Cancer Society and by the Uppsala County Council, the Faculty of Medicine at Uppsala University.

Long term follow-up of uterine fibroids treated with microwave ablation: an up to 3-year observational study of volume, regrowth, and symptoms

OBJECTIVE

To study long-term effects in patients treated with microwave ablation (MWA) for symptomatic uterine fibroids and investigate fibroid characteristics predictive of successful treatment.

METHOD

Women who received MWA treatment for uterine fibroids in a previous study were included. A total of 16 patients underwent contrast enhanced MRI before treatment, postoperatively at 6 months and at long-term follow-up, to assess volumes of treated fibroids (n = 42). Long-term MRI was performed between 16 and 36 months after treatment [median 22 months, interquartile range (IQR) 18.5-27]. Validated questionnaires for evaluation of uterine fibroid symptoms and menstrual bleeding (UFS-QoL and PBAC) were used to assess long-term effects on symptoms. The degree of shrinkage was correlated to vascularization and T2 signal intensity (SI) at preoperative MRI and location of fibroids according to the FIGO classification, using the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Most patients (82%) reported improvement up to 3 years after treatment. Out of 42 treated fibroids, 35 (83%) continued to shrink over time with median relative volume reduction of 77% (IQR 39-95). For eight fibroids (19%) which showed low vascularization on the pretreatment MRI, there was less shrinkage compared to well-vascularized fibroids (p = 0.01). Most fibroids (79%) showed iso- to hyperintense T2 signal on preoperative MRI and showed a higher grade of shrinkage than hypointense fibroids (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

After microwave treatment improvement is maintained for most patients up to 36 months and most fibroids showed continuous shrinkage. Preoperative vascularization, high T2 SI and submucosal location predicted continuous volume reduction. However, to confirm this, larger studies are needed.

Use of contraception and attitudes towards contraceptive use in Swedish women: an internet-based nationwide survey

PURPOSE

Explore contraceptive use, unmet need of and attitudes towards contraceptive use in Sweden. Secondly, to investigate knowledge of contraceptives, prevalence and outcomes of unintended pregnancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Internet based e-survey of Swedish women aged 16-49. The e-survey contained 49 questions with both spontaneous and multi-choice character on demographics, contraceptive use, knowledge of and attitudes towards contraception, importance of monthly bleeding, and experience of unintended pregnancy. The e-survey was closed when reaching the estimated sample size of 1000 respondents.

RESULTS

A total of 1016 women participated, whereof 62.4% used contraception, 31.8% did not and 5.8% had stopped in the last 12 months. Unmet need for contraception was estimated at 17.2%. At least one unintended pregnancy was experienced by 19.9%. All women rated effectiveness as the most important characteristic of a contraceptive method.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of contraception in Swedish women remains low, 62.4%, and the unmet need for contraception has increased to 17.2%. Method effectiveness and health benefits of hormonal contraception should be emphasised during contraceptive counselling, and actions are needed to target groups with low use of effective contraception as well as to reach those who never seek contraception.KEY MESSAGEClose to one third of Swedish women do not use contraception and one fifth have experienced at least one unintended pregnancy. Unmet need for contraception is high despite easy access and subsidies for young women.

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

OBJECTIVES

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

METHOD

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Effectiveness, safety and overall satisfaction of early postpartum placement of hormonal IUD compared with standard procedure: An open-label, randomized, multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

In this open-label, randomized controlled, non-inferiority, multicenter study we aimed to study the risk of termination of pregnancy within 1 year postpartum, the safety profile and patient acceptability after early postpartum insertion of a hormonal intrauterine device (LNG-IUS, Mirena®) compared with standard placement 6-8 weeks postpartum.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

April 2018 to January 2020 women with uncomplicated vaginal delivery at four urban birth centers in Sweden, were randomized to either early placement within 48 h after delivery (early group) or standard placement 6-8 weeks postpartum (standard group) of a hormonal intrauterine device. The main outcome measure was the proportion of terminations of pregnancies in each group during the first year after placement of the intrauterine device. Registration EudraCT database no. 2017-001945-29.

RESULTS

The study was prematurely stopped according to the protocol due to an expulsion rate >20% in the early group. No pregnancies occurred. Fifty-two women were randomized to early and 49 women to standard insertion. In the early group, 23/52 (44.2%) of the intrauterine devices were expelled. After expulsion, 10 women chose to have another hormonal intrauterine device placed but still significantly fewer women (39/52, 75%, p = 0.22) in the early group used the hormonal intrauterine device method at study completion. No expulsions occurred in the standard group, but 5/49 (10.2%) requested removal and 41/49 (83.7%, p = 0.22) had used the hormonal intrauterine device method continuously for 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Early hormonal intrauterine device insertion after vaginal delivery is associated with high expulsion rates. Despite this, a high continuation rate of the hormonal intrauterine device method is seen among women once choosing the method. In the light of high continuation rates, the advantages of early insertion could balance the risk of expulsion for well-informed women.

Long-acting reversible contraception and satisfaction with structured contraceptive counselling among non-migrant, foreign-born migrant and second-generation migrant women: evidence from a cluster randomised controlled trial (the LOWE trial) in Sweden

OBJECTIVE

This trial aimed to evaluate effects of structured contraceptive counselling among non-migrants, foreign-born migrants and second-generation migrants.

METHODS

A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in 2017-2019 at abortion, youth and maternal health clinics in Stockholm, Sweden (the LOWE trial). Patients were eligible if they were 18 years or older, could understand Swedish or English (or if assisted by an interpreter), were sexually active or planning to be, and were seeking contraception for pregnancy prevention. We randomised clinics at a 1:1 allocation ratio to give either structured contraceptive counselling (intervention) or to maintain standard contraceptive counselling (control). Blinding was not deemed feasibile. A study-specific package for structured contraceptive counselling was used and comprised an educational video, an effectiveness chart, four key questions and a box with contraceptive models. Outcomes were effects of the intervention on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) choice, initiation and use, and satisfaction with the intervention material among the participants.

RESULTS

We involved 14 clinics in each of the intervention and control groups, respectively. A total of 1295 participants were included: 1010 non-migrants, 169 foreign-born migrants and 116 second-generation migrants. Participants in the intervention group chose LARC to a higher extent than the control group (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.85, 95% CI 2.04-3.99), had higher LARC initiation rates (aOR 2.90, 95% CI 1.97 to 4.27) and higher LARC use within the 12-month follow-up period (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.96). The majority of the participants who received the intervention package found all the different parts to be supportive in contraceptive choice. The effectiveness chart was the only part of the package that a higher proportion of foreign-born migrants (58/84, 69%) and second-generation migrants (40/54, 74.1%) found supportive in contraceptive choice compared to non-migrants (259/434, 59.7%) (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Structured contraceptive counselling increased LARC choice, initiation and use, controlled for participants' migration background. The effectiveness chart was found to be significantly more supportive among foreign-born migrants and second-generation migrants compared to non-migrants when choosing contraceptive methods.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03269357.

Migration of a subdermal contraceptive implant into a subsegmental pulmonary artery and etonogestrel serum concentration over time - a case report

Nexplanon is a single-rod contraceptive implant that should be placed subdermally at the inner side of the upper nondominant arm approximately 8-10 cm above the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Insertion guidelines were recently updated to place of insertion superficial of the triceps muscle to lower risk of insertion into vessels and nerves. If migration however occurs, it is most commonly around the insertion site. Migration above 2 cm is rarely reported [Ismail H, Mansour D, Singh M. Migration of implanon®. BMJ Sexual Reproduct Health. 2006;32:157-159]. This is a case report of a 24-year-old caucasian woman who presented with an impalpable Nexplanon implant that was, with the help of chest radiography and CT, located in a posterior basal subsegmental pulmonary artery in the left lower lobe of the lung. An attempt to remove the contraceptive implant by endovascular approach was unsuccessful. The implant remains in situ. Etonogestrel and oestradiol concentrations were followed over time.

Prevalence and correlates of current suicidal ideation in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Background

Although previous studies report an association between Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and suicidal ideation, most studies have only established a provisional and retrospective diagnosis of PMDD fundamentally invalidating the diagnosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and to explore correlates of current suicidal ideation in the late luteal phase in women with prospectively assessed and confirmed PMDD.

Methods

Participants were 110 women who attended the pre-randomization baseline visit of two randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials between January 15, 2017 and October 19, 2019. PMDD was diagnosed prospectively in line with DSM-5 criteria. Current suicidal ideation was measured by the MADRS-S in the late luteal phase. Descriptive statistics were presented and logistic regression analyses were carried out to explore the association between psychosocial and health characteristics and current suicidal ideation, presenting unadjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Current suicidal ideation was reported by nearly 40% of women with confirmed PMDD (n = 43, 39.1%). Previous psychological treatment for PMDD and higher depressive symptoms in the late luteal phase were positively associated with current suicidal ideation (OR 5.63, 95% CI 1.07–29.49, and OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.10–1.25, respectively), whereas higher ratings of self-rated health were associated with lower odds ratios for current suicidal ideation (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–0.99).

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of women with confirmed PMDD report current suicidal ideation in the late luteal phase. Results point to a need for better awareness and screening of suicidal ideation in women with PMDD.

Ultrasound guided microwave ablation compared to uterine artery embolization treatment for uterine fibroids - a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of microwave ablation (MWA) compared to uterine artery embolization (UAE) as treatment for uterine fibroids.

METHOD

A randomized controlled superiority trial, including premenopausal women 30-55 years, with symptomatic uterine fibroids without any single fibroid exceeding mean diameter of eight centimeters. Patients were randomized to receive microwave ablation, performed abdominally or vaginally, or to uterine artery embolization. The primary outcome was volume difference of the three largest fibroids at 6 months post treatment evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by a blinded radiologist analyzed by Mann-Whitney U-test. Secondary outcomes included symptom severity score (SSS), health related quality of life (HR-QoL), amount of menstrual bleeding, postoperative pain, length of hospitalization, need for additional treatment, adverse events and if patients would recommend the treatment to a friend.

RESULTS

Patients were recruited from 30 January 2017 to 12 September 2019, with a total of 17 patients treated in each group from May 2017 to December 2019. Superiority of MWA could not be established. The volume reduction was 41.8% (Interquartile range, IQR, 14-63) in the MWA group compared to 62.2% (IQR 34.9-80.1) in the UAE group (p = 0.29). Effects on symptoms, HR-QoL and acceptability did not differ between groups. Days of hospitalization and sick leave were significantly fewer in the MWA group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although superiority of MWA could not be established, it is a promising technique for treating uterine fibroids. It was well tolerated and associated with lower use of health care resources. Trial registration: NCT02942537, www.clincialtrials.gov.

Intendedness of pregnancies and preconception contraceptive use in women of Swedish and non-European origins seeking emergency care in early pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

Unintended pregnancies in Europe have been estimated to constitute 43% of all pregnancies, with the proportion in Sweden being unknown. In striving for equitable healthcare, increased knowledge about unintended pregnancies among women born outside Europe is needed. We aimed to estimate the proportion of unintended pregnancies in women born in Sweden compared with women born outside Europe in an unselected population seeking gynaecological emergency care in early pregnancy. Our secondary aim was to compare contraceptive use at the time of conception in unplanned pregnancies between women born in Sweden and women born outside Europe.

METHODS

Pregnant women seeking gynaecological emergency care in early pregnancy at a tertiary hospital were asked to fill out a questionnaire in their native language. The questionnaire contained questions from the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP) and questions regarding sociodemographic data, gynaecological health and previous contraception.

RESULTS

Of 180 pregnancies, 66 were unintended (36.7%) according to the LMUP. Among patients born in Sweden, 49/129 (38.0%) of the pregnancies were unintended compared with 17/51 (33.3%) among patients born outside Europe (p=0.56). 86% of participants with unintended pregnancy did not use any form of contraception during the month of conception, with no difference between women born in Sweden and those born outside Europe.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women seeking gynaecological emergency care in early pregnancy, unintended pregnancies are common. Women with unintended pregnancies had low use of preconception contraceptives, which highlights a need for further interventions aimed at avoiding unintended pregnancies.

Attitudes and knowledge regarding episiotomy use and technique in vacuum extraction: A web-based survey among doctors in Sweden

OBJECTIVES

Correct episiotomy use and technique may prevent obstetric anal sphincter injuries. We aimed to explore the attitudes, use, and technique regarding episiotomy among doctors in Sweden, and their willingness to contribute to a randomized controlled trial of lateral episiotomy or no episiotomy in vacuum extraction in nulliparous women.

STUDY DESIGN

A web-based survey was sent to members of the Swedish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (n = 2140). The survey included 31 questions addressing personal characteristics, use of episiotomy, a two-dimensional picture on which the respondents drew an episiotomy, and questions regarding attitudes towards episiotomy and participation in a randomized controlled trial. We calculated the proportion of supposedly protective episiotomies (fulfilling criteria of a lateral or mediolateral episiotomy and a length ≥ 30 mm). We compared the results between obstetricians, gynecologists, and residents using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests for differences between groups, and logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of drawing a protective episiotomy.

RESULTS

We received 432 responses. Doctors without a vacuum delivery in the past year were excluded, leaving 384 respondents for further analyses. In all, 222 (57.8%) doctors reported use of episiotomy in<50% of vacuum extractions. We obtained 308 illustrated episiotomies with a median angle of 53°, incision point distance from the midline of 21 mm, and length of 36 mm, corresponding to a lateral episiotomy. Few doctors combined these parameters correctly resulting in 167 (54.2%) incorrectly drawn episiotomies. Residents drew shorter episiotomies than obstetricians and gynecologists. Doctors ranked episiotomy the least important intervention to prevent obstetric anal sphincter injuries in vacuum extraction. Doctors contributing to an ongoing randomized controlled trial of lateral episiotomy or no episiotomy in vacuum extraction were more able to draw a protective episiotomy (OR 3.69, 95% confidence interval 1.94-7.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Doctors in Sweden reported restrictive use of episiotomy in vacuum extraction and depicted lateral type episiotomies, although the majority were incorrectly drawn. Preventive episiotomy was ranked of low importance. Our results imply a need for education, training, and guidelines to increase uptake of correct episiotomy technique, which could result in improved prevention of obstetric anal sphincter injuries.

Provision of long-acting reversible contraception at surgical abortion-A cross-sectional nationwide register study

INTRODUCTION

Provision of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) at surgical abortion is safe, practical, and leads to higher user rates than does delayed provision. The aim of this study was to explore whether provision of LARC at surgical abortion is associated with known risk factors for subsequent abortions and inconsistent use of contraception, including sociodemographic factors and psychiatric disorders.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a register-based cross-sectional study of 6251 women having a surgical abortion in Sweden. Data were collected from National health and population registers. Women with procedure codes for surgical abortion were identified in the National Patient Register from October 2016 to December 2018. Information from Statistics Sweden, the National Patient Register, and the Swedish prescribed drug register on sociodemographic factors, psychiatric disorders, and dispensed LARC was added and linked on an individual level. Associations of sociodemographic factors and psychiatric disorders with LARC provision were explored with generalized logit mixed models and presented as crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The overall rate of LARC provision at the time of the abortion was 2515/6251 (40.2%). Younger age and lower level of education were associated with an increased likelihood of LARC provision. In the study population, 2624/6251 (42.0%) patients had a pre- or post-abortion psychiatric disorder, a factor associated with an increased likelihood of LARC provision compared with women with no such disorders (adjusted odds ratio 1.21; 95% CI 1.08-1.34). The highest rates and odds were seen among women with personality, substance use, and/or neurodevelopmental disorders and among women with multiple psychiatric disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Sociodemographic risk factors and psychiatric disorders were associated with increased LARC provision at surgical abortion, indicating that women at high risk of unwanted pregnancies are provided with effective contraception. Still, less than half of all women undergoing surgical abortion were provided with LARC, suggesting that contraceptive access and counseling prior to a surgical abortion can be improved.

Satisfaction and continuation with LNG-IUS 12: findings from the real-world kyleena® satisfaction study

PURPOSE

The Kyleena^® Satisfaction Study (KYSS) aimed to assess satisfaction and continuation with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) 12 (Kyleena^®) in routine clinical practice and to evaluate factors that influence satisfaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, observational, multicentre, single-arm cohort study, with 1-year follow-up, was conducted in Belgium, Canada, Germany, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, Spain and the United States from 2017 to 2018. During routine counselling, women who independently selected to use LNG-IUS 12 were invited to participate in the study. KYSS assessed LNG-IUS 12 satisfaction, continuation and safety.

RESULTS

Overall, there were 1126 successful LNG-IUS 12 placements, with insertion attempted in 1129 women. Most participants (833/968, 86.1%, 95% CI 83.7-88.2%, with satisfaction outcome data available) reported satisfaction with LNG-IUS 12 at 12 months (or at the final visit if the device was discontinued prematurely). Satisfaction was not associated with age, parity or motivation for choosing LNG-IUS 12. The majority of women (919/1129, 81.4%) chose to continue after 12 months. Discontinuation was not correlated with age or parity. Overall, 191 women (16.9%) reported a treatment-emergent adverse event.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from KYSS provide the first real-world evidence assessing LNG-IUS 12, and demonstrate high satisfaction and continuation rates irrespective of age or parity. Clinical trial registration: NCT03182140.

Evaluation of satisfaction with a model of structured contraceptive counseling: Results from the LOWE trial

INTRODUCTION

Intervention trials of structured contraceptive counseling have proved to increase use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) and decrease numbers of unintended pregnancies. However, these interventions have not been evaluated from a user perspective. This study aimed to evaluate both healthcare providers' and participants' satisfaction with an intervention used in a large trial in Sweden.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study on the intervention group from a cluster randomized trial conducted at 28 clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. Clinics were randomized (1:1 allocation ratio) to provide either structured contraceptive counseling (intervention) or standard contraceptive counseling (control). The intervention consisted of four parts; an educational video to be seen by the participant prior to contraceptive counseling, key questions to be asked by the healthcare provider, an effectiveness chart, and a box of contraceptive models. Eligible participants were 18 years or older, sexually active without a wish to conceive, and with the main purpose of contraceptive use being pregnancy prevention. Healthcare providers completed an electronic semi-structured survey to evaluate the intervention. This study analyses provider and participant satisfaction with the counseling material used in the intervention and if the intervention was found to be supportive in contraceptive counseling and contraceptive choice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03269357).

RESULTS

Fourteen intervention clinics enrolled 658 participants from September 2017 to May 2019. Response rate among providers was 88.0% (55/62) and among participants 97.1% (639/658). Providers found the intervention to be supportive in their counseling. Each separate part of the intervention package received high ratings from both providers and participants. Participants found the educational video and the effectiveness chart to be more helpful than the box of contraceptive models in their contraceptive choice. Providers reported the time taken to complete the intervention outside the study to be time-neutral to standard counseling, and most providers wished to continue to use all parts of the intervention package.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention of structured contraceptive counseling had high provider and participant satisfaction. The structured counseling package could be used in several clinical settings to improve quality in contraceptive counseling and to enhance informed decision making about use of contraceptive methods.

Ulipristal Acetate for Treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a common mood disorder, characterized by distressing affective, behavioral, and somatic symptoms in the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The authors investigated continuous treatment with a selective progesterone receptor modulator, ulipristal acetate (UPA), as a potential treatment for PMDD.

METHODS

The authors conducted an investigator-initiated, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial in which women with PMDD (N=95) were treated with either 5 mg/day of UPA or placebo during three 28-day treatment cycles. The primary outcome was the change in premenstrual total score on the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) from baseline to end of treatment. DRSP scores were captured by daily ratings using a smartphone application and were analyzed with linear mixed models for repeated measures.

RESULTS

The mean improvement in DRSP score after 3 months was 41% (SD=18) in the UPA group, compared with 22% (SD=27) in the placebo group (mean difference -18%; 95% CI=-29, -8). Treatment effects were also noted for the DRSP depressive symptom subscale (42% [SD=22] compared with 22% [SD=32]) and the DRSP anger/irritability subscale (47% [SD=21] compared with 23% [SD=35]), but not for the DRSP physical symptom subscale. Remission based on DRSP score was attained by 20 women in the UPA group (50.0%) and eight women in the placebo group (21.1%) (a statistically significant difference).

CONCLUSIONS

If these results are replicated, UPA could be a useful treatment for PMDD, particularly for the psychological symptoms associated with the disorder.

Adherence to Swedish national recommendations for long acting reversible contraceptive provision at the time of medical abortion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if abortion clinics follow Swedish national guidelines regarding early insertion of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) after medical abortions up to 9 weeks of gestation and, if not, the reasons for not doing so.

STUDY DESIGN

We attempted to survey representatives of all 60 known Swedish abortion clinics by telephone in November 2019, including public hospitals and private clinics. We asked questions about clinic characteristics, clinic routines concerning early insertion of IUDs and implants, adherence to guidelines and, when applicable, perceived reasons for nonadherence. Current guidelines include offering implant placement at the time of mifepristone administration and intrauterine device (IUD) insertion within 7 days of misoprostol treatment.

RESULTS

We obtained responses from 57 (95%) clinics of which 22 (40%) followed guidelines for both implants and IUDs. Slightly more than half (n = 33, 58%) follow implant guidelines and fewer (n = 25, 44%) follow IUD guidelines. Respondents most commonly cited lack of updated local guidelines at the clinic (7/24, 29%) and a perceived lack of time (6/25, 24%) as the most common reasons for nonadherence to guidelines for insertion of implants and insufficient number of nurse midwives for insertion of IUDs 8/32, 25%).

CONCLUSIONS

Less than half of Swedish abortion clinics fully adhere to national evidence-based guidelines regarding early LARC insertion at the time of abortion.

IMPLICATIONS

National guidelines alone are not always sufficient to effect change in practice; awareness of existing guidelines is needed in Swedish abortion clinics and work is needed to address barriers that limit LARC access after abortion.

Insertion experience of women and health care professionals in the Kyleena® Satisfaction Study

Purpose: The Kyleena^® Satisfaction Study (KYSS) is a prospective, observational study conducted to assess satisfaction with LNG-IUS 12 (Kyleena^®) in clinical practice and aims to provide adequate information for counselling women on what to expect regarding insertion and satisfaction.Materials and methods: Women deciding to use LNG-IUS 12 during routine counselling were informed of the study and provided informed consent. A baseline analysis was conducted to evaluate demographics, ease of insertion assessed by investigators, pain at insertion rated by women, additional interventions for insertion, and adverse events.Results: 1,110 women (536 parous, 574 nulliparous) had an insertion attempt and were included. Insertion was rated as easy in 494 (92.2%) parous and 516 (89.9%) nulliparous women. Pain was assessed as none or mild by 475 (88.6%) parous and 387 (67.4%) nulliparous women. Additional interventions were not required for most insertions (705; 63.6%). Overall 111 (10.0%) women reported adverse events at the time of baseline analysis.Conclusions: This analysis demonstrates that LNG-IUS 12 insertion is easy and associated with no or mild pain in most women. Additional interventions for insertion are not required in most cases. After 3 months, the number of adverse events is low.Implications: The present baseline analysis of the Kyleena^® Satisfaction Study (KYSS) demonstrates that most women rate insertion pain of LNG-IUS 12 as none or mild and clinicians consider insertion easy in the majority of cases.

Contraceptive use at the time of and after an ectopic pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives: Approximately, 1-2% of all pregnancies are ectopic; 25% of unintended pregnancies are conceived despite the use of contraception. The primary objective of our study was to explore the proportion of ectopic pregnancies (EPs) that were conceived during contraceptive use among women in Stockholm County. Secondary objectives were to establish the prevalence of contraceptive methods used at the time of EP and the intended contraceptive method after treatment completion.Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1180 women diagnosed with and treated for EP between 1 December 2013 and 30 April 2017 at all hospitals in Stockholm County. Demographic variables and contraceptive use before and after treatment were noted. Exclusion criteria were uncertainty about the diagnosis of EP in the patient records and planned treatment/follow-up outside Stockholm County.Results: A total of 222/1180 (18.8%) EPs were conceived during known contraceptive use. A total of 112/222 (50.5%) women with known use of contraception at the time of conception discontinued contraceptive use and 81/857 (9.5%) women with no prior use of contraception initiated contraceptive use. Among the 857 women, 520 (60.7%) expressed a desire to conceive. Results were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate.Conclusion: EP occurring during use of contraception is an unexplored problem. Contraceptive use decreased in women who were using contraception at the time of EP conception, leaving these women at risk of a subsequent unintended pregnancy. There should be more focus on contraceptive use after treatment for EP, in order to preserve fertility.

Risk of abortion within 1-2 years after childbirth in relation to contraceptive choice: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives: The primary objective of the study was to investigate whether the choice of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) was associated with the risk of abortion over a period of 24 months postpartum. The secondary objective was to analyse whether other significant factors were affecting the risk of abortion during this period.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analysed 11,066 women who had delivered in three Swedish cities during 2013 and 2014. Demographic and medical variables were obtained from medical records. Attendance at the postpartum visit, choice of postpartum contraception and history of abortion was noted. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with the risk of abortion. The main outcome measure was the proportion of women with abortion up to 24 months postpartum.Results: Data from 11,066 women were included in the final analysis. Within 12-24 months after delivery 2.5% of women had an abortion. The choice of LARC after childbirth reduced the risk of subsequent abortion (odds ratio 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60, 0.91; p =  .005). Smoking, age <25 years and have had a previous abortion significantly increased the risk of abortion during follow-up, whereas exclusive breastfeeding decreased the risk.Conclusions: Increasing the proportion of women who choose LARC postpartum could decrease the risk of abortion for up to 2 years after childbirth.

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

IMPORTANCE

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

OBJECTIVES

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

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

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

EXPOSURES

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

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

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

Short- and long-term effect of contraceptive methods on fecundity

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of previously used contraceptive methods on women's short- and long-term fecundity. Use of hormonal contraception (HC) was compared with the use of a contraceptive mobile application (app). Methods: This real-life prospective observational study comprised 2874 women who were attempting to become pregnant using the Natural Cycles mobile app to monitor their fertility. The women registered to use the app between August 2014 and June 2016 with the intention of planning a pregnancy and had previously either used the same app to prevent pregnancy or had recently discontinued HC use. We calculated the average time to pregnancy (TTP) for all women who became pregnant during the study and performed Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis to examine the cumulative probabilities of pregnancy for all women in the study. Results: The average TTP was 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1, 2.4) and 3.7 (95% CI 3.4, 3.9) cycles for women who had previously used Natural Cycles and HC, respectively. The time to reach 30% pregnancy probability for women previously on HC was 1.6 (95% CI 1.5, 1.8) times longer than for women previously using Natural Cycles. There was no significant difference in the 13 cycle cumulated pregnancy probability between the two groups. Conclusion: The results show that fertility awareness-based methods of contraception increase short-term pregnancy rates relative to HC, but have no effect on long-term pregnancy rates.

Urodynamics as a Prognosticator of Mirabegron Treatment Outcomes

AIMS

To determine if findings at urodynamics prognosticate improvements in overactive bladder symptoms among women receiving mirabegron treatment.

METHODS

Before treatment, women completed a urodynamic investigation, a micturition diary and the Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI) with the irritative subscale UDIOAB. After 6 months mirabegron treatment, patients were clinically evaluated and completed the UDI. Associations were tested using regression analyses and nonparametric statistics.

RESULTS

Testing urodynamic variables for association with treatment effects in multiple linear regression analysis showed that lower volumes at first sensation to void significantly correlated with greater improvement in the UDIOAB after 6 months mirabegron treatment (B = 0.026, 95% CI 0.002-0.049, p = 0.034). Improvements in UDIOAB showed no correlation with presence of nocturia (p = 0.65), previous use of anticholinergics (p = 1), menopausal status (p = 1), any detrusor overactivity during filling (p = 1), phasic detrusor contractions during filling (p = 1), or detrusor overactivity during inhibition (p = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

We found limited support for clinically relevant associations between findings at urodynamics and subsequent treatment outcomes for mirabegron in routine clinical practice. Our findings do not support the role of these investigations as predictors of outcomes in patients with overactive bladder symptoms.

Levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive systems (13.5 mg and 52 mg) and risk of ectopic pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

The objective was to investigate the Pearl index for ectopic pregnancy in women using the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) at the time of conception.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a substudy of a hospital-based historical cohort including women with an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed in 4 referral hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden between December 2013 and April 2017. Study participants and type of contraception at time of conception were identified through the electronic medical chart system. Cases were defined as women with LNG-IUS 13.5 or 52 mg in situ at the time of diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy who had their LNG-IUS inserted 1 January 2014 or later. Outcome was defined as the incidence rate for ectopic pregnancy during use per 100 woman-years (Pearl index) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

RESULTS

The study includes 35 cases with LNG-IUS 13.5 mg and 13 cases with LNG-IUS 52 mg, which occurred in 18 488 (13.5 mg) and 50 246 (52 mg) exposed woman-years. Pearl index for ectopic pregnancy was estimated at 0.19 (95% CI 0.15-0.28) for LNG-IUS 13.5 mg and to 0.006 (95% CI 0.00-0.01) for LNG-IUS 52 mg. The most cases for the LNG-IUS 13.5 mg (n = 26; 74%) occurred during the first year of use with a corresponding Pearl index at 0.23 (95% CI 0.14-0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

The absolute risk of ectopic pregnancy during the use of LNG-IUS remains low. Our method may underestimate as well as overestimate the Pearl index for ectopic pregnancy. The findings underline the importance of identifying risk factors for ectopic pregnancy at insertion, and to rule out ectopic pregnancy for all women presenting with abdominal discomfort during the use of LNG-IUS. Longer observation periods and prospective studies in a general population are a priority for further research.

Lateral episiotomy versus no episiotomy to reduce obstetric anal sphincter injury in vacuum-assisted delivery in nulliparous women: study protocol on a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) occurs in 5%-7% of normal deliveries and increases with vacuum extraction (VE) to 12%-14% in nulliparous women in Sweden. Lateral/mediolateral episiotomy may reduce the prevalence of OASIS at VE in nulliparous women. The current use of episiotomy is restrictive. The protective effect and consequences are uncertain. This trial will investigate if lateral episiotomy can reduce the prevalence of OASIS and assess short-term and long-term effects.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a multicentre randomised controlled trial of lateral episiotomy versus no episiotomy in nulliparous women with a singleton, live fetus, after gestational week 34+0 with indication for VE. A lateral episiotomy of 4 cm is cut at crowning, 1-3 cm from the midline, at a 60° angle. The primary outcome is OASIS by clinical diagnosis analysed according to intention to treat. To demonstrate a 50% reduction in OASIS prevalence (from 12.4% to 6.2%), 710 women will be randomised at a 1:1 ratio. Secondary outcomes are pain, blood loss, other perineal injuries, perineal complications, Apgar score, cord pH and neonatal complications. Web-based questionnaires at baseline, 2 months, 1 and 5 years will be used to assess pain, incontinence, prolapse, sexual function, quality of life and childbirth experience. A subset of women will receive follow-up by pelvic floor sonography and pelvic examination. Mode of delivery and recurrence of OASIS/episiotomy in subsequent pregnancies will be assessed at 5 and 10 years using register data.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The trial is open for enrolment. The trial has received ethical approval from the Regional Ethical Review Board of Stockholm and full funding from the Swedish Research Council. Women are interested in participation. The predominant restrictive view on episiotomy may limit recruitment. Results are of global interest and will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at international congresses.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02643108; Pre-results.

Benefits of reversible contraception

Long-acting reversible contraception—intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants—offers the highest protection against unintended pregnancies. In addition, the use of reversible hormonal contraception has added health benefits for women in both the short and the long term. This review will give an overview of the benefits of reversible contraception as well as an evidence-based recommendation on how it should be used to benefit women the most.

Colposcopy telemedicine: live versus static swede score and accuracy in detecting CIN2+, a cross-sectional pilot study

Background

This cross-sectional pilot study evaluates diagnostic accuracy of live colposcopy versus static image Swede-score evaluation for detecting significant precancerous cervical lesions greater than, or equal to grade 2 severity (CIN2+).

Methods

VIA or HrHPV positive women were examined using a mobile colposcope, in a rural clinic in Kolkata, India. Live versus static Swede-score colposcopy assessments were made independently. All assessments were by gynecologists, junior or expert. Static image assessors were blinded to live scoring, patient information and final histopathology result. Primary outcome was the ability to detect CIN2+ lesions verified by directed biopsies. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated for live versus static Swede-score in detecting CIN2+ lesions, as well as for interclass correlation.

Results

495 images from 94 VIA positive women were evaluated in this study. Thirteen women (13.9%) had CIN2+ on biopsy. No significant difference was found in the detection of CIN2+ lesions between live and static assessors (area under curve = 0.69 versus 0.71, p = 0.63). A Swede-score of 4+, had a sensitivity of 76.9% (95% CI 46.2–95.0%) and 84.6% (95% CI 54.6–98.1%), for live- and static-image assessment respectively. The corresponding positive predictive values were found to be 90.9% (95% CI 75.7–98.1%) and 92.6% (95% CI 75.7–99.1%). The interclass correlation was good (kappa statistic = 0.60) for the senior static assessors.

Conclusions

Swede-score evaluation of static colposcopy images was found to reliably detect CIN2+ lesions in this study. Larger studies are needed to further develop the colposcopy telemedicine concept which may offer reliable guidance in management where direct specialist input is not available.

Trial registration

Ethical approval of the study was obtained by the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) Human Research Ethics Committee (4.311/27/2014). The trial was retrospectively registered in the Clinical Trails Registry of India CTRI/2018/03/012470.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12905-018-0569-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Investigating the loss of work productivity due to symptomatic leiomyoma

Introduction

Leiomyoma affects up to 50% of fertile women, leading to morbidity such as bleeding or pain. The effect of symptomatic leiomyoma on the productivity of employed women is understudied. The present study investigates productivity loss in a Swedish setting in women with symptomatic leiomyoma compared to healthy women.

Material and methods

Women seeking care for leiomyoma and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) were recruited at nine Swedish sites. Healthy controls with self-perceived mild to normal menstruation were recruited at routine visits. Cases and controls were employed without option to work from home. After recruitment, all women reported the work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, the pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC) and pain on the visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

Women with symptomatic leiomyoma (n = 88) missed more working time during menses compared to asymptomatic controls (n = 34): 7.6 vs 0.2% p = 0.003. The proportion of impairment while working was also significantly higher in women with symptomatic leiomyoma (43.8 vs 12.1% p<0.001). Moreover, cases reported greater activity impairment outside office hours (43.9 vs 12.1%, p<0.001). Among healthy controls, 69.5% reported symptoms of HMB (PBAC>100).

Conclusions

Symptomatic leiomyoma leads to loss of working hours as well as loss of productivity during working hours, and affects women in other daily activities. Increased awareness of the impact of leiomyomas on women's lives is needed, and timely and appropriate management of the symptomatic leiomyomas could improve work productivity and quality of life.

Prevention of unintended pregnancy and use of contraception-important factors for preconception care

Preservation of fertility and optimizing health before pregnancy is becoming increasingly important in societies where childbirth often is postponed. Research shows that as women postpone childbirth they achieve higher levels of education and higher incomes. This leads to advantages for their children and for society. However, as women postpone childbearing they are at risk for contracting conditions which may affect fertility and/or pregnancies, pregnancy outcome, and the newborn child. Preconception counseling is therefore becoming increasingly important. Women are often unaware of the added health benefits of contraception and have the right to be well informed so they can make decisions to fulfill their reproductive desires. Contraception can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies, ectopic and molar pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. In addition, hormonal contraceptives reduce the risk of some types of cancer, dysmenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, and anemia and are a treatment for endometriosis. Contraception should increasingly be looked upon as a means of preserving fertility and optimizing health status before a planned pregnancy. Thus, effective contraception can provide women with a possibility of achieving their long-term reproductive goals, although childbearing is actually postponed. The most effective contraceptive methods are the long-acting reversible contraceptives, which have been shown to be highly effective especially in young women who have difficulties with adherence to user-dependent methods. Therefore, these methods should increasingly be promoted in all age groups.