Awareness of emergency contraceptive pills among female patients of family planning unit of tertiary care teaching hospital, Rajkot, Gujarat, India

Background: In India, sizeable population of pregnancies are either unplanned or unwanted and thus these pregnancies add to the population burden or the women may resort to pregnancy termination by traditional or harmful methods leading to serious health consequences. Emergency contraception, developed from trials and research during the past 10 years with aim to cut down the occurrence of unwanted and unintended pregnancies and abortion is one most important step being taken to solve the problem. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the awareness regarding contraception and emergency contraceptive pills among female patients of reproductive age group and to evaluate any association between marital status, type of family and family member as a sister, education, and awareness about contraception and emergency contraceptive pills. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age group over a period of 3 months after obtaining written informed consent. Data were collected regarding demographic parameters, knowledge of different contraceptive measures, and emergency contraceptive pills using an anonymous pretested structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel sheet and Medcalc software. Results: A total of 253 women were included in the study. Majority of them were married (94.5%), literate (74.7%), belong to joint family (71.5%), having no history of abortion (69.2%), and having sister in their family (76.7%). About 67.2% know contraceptive methods and the most common source of information was a hospital (58.3%). About 15% were aware of emergency contraceptive pills and audio-visual (71%) is the most common source of information. Awareness about contraception was more in literate women and opposite to this awareness about emergency contraceptives pills was more in illiterate women. Those having sister in their family having more knowledge about contraception and emergency contraceptive pills. Conclusions: Awareness about emergency contraceptive pills is very low. Education can play important role either directly or indirectly to create awareness about emergency contraceptive pills.

The efficacy of oral Micronized Progesterone versus Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in the control of mild to moderate abnormal uterine bleeding - ovulatory Dysfunction (AUB-O) in adolescents: An open label randomized controlled trial

Objectives@#To determine the efficacy of micronized oral progesterone (OMP) versus Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) in the control and regulation of mild to moderate abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescents with ovulatory dysfunction.@*Materials and Methods@#This is an open labelled Randomized Controlled Trial. Fifty patients with mild to moderate abnormal uterine bleeding were randomized to treatment with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate or Oral Micronized Progesterone.

Opinions, Attitudes, and Prescribing Practices of Oral Contraceptive Pills of General Practitioners and Gynecologists in India

Background:To study the prescription behavior of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) by physicians, gynecologists, and alternative medicine practitioners (AMPs). Materials and Methods?Close-ended questionnaire-based cross-section study was performed between 1st September 2012 and 28th February 2014 in three groups of responders, i.e., AMP, general medical practitioners (GMPs), and obstetricians and gynecologists (ObGy). A stratified random cluster sample was used. Data of 400 subjects in all three groups were obtained using both univariate and multi-variate sophisticated statistical analyses for analyzing attitude and practices and were recorded on an ordinal scale using appropriate non-parametric test. Results?Of the 1,237 subjects surveyed, 400 completed questionnaires were received from each of the three groups viz; AMPs, GMPs, and ObGy. Remaining 37 incomplete questionnaires were not included in the final analysis. Conclusion?There are equal misconceptions regarding OCPs among users and prescribing physicians. Preference for OCPs in married and unmarried women is also equally low. OCP usage and their prescription practices can be improved by removing potential barriers, developing public–private partnership, and training promoters.

"De mão-em-mão tramando redes e normas: a vida social das pílulas anticoncepcionais, a partir de suas bulas" / "From hand to hand plotting networks and norms: The social life of contraceptive pills through their patient information leaflet "

Resumo Com o objetivo de descortinar aspectos da vida social das pílulas anticoncepcionais, o artigo analisou o conteúdo de suas bulas publicados no guia de medicamentos Dicionário de Especialidades Farmacêuticas (DEF), entre 1971 e 1990. Procuramos explorar os discursos veiculados nesses dispositivos - a quem se dirigiam, o que propunham e que efeitos pretendiam - e compreender como contribuíram e o que nos revelaram sobre o seu percurso biográfico. As bulas se comportaram como importantes veículos de intercomunicação entre os atores que participaram da trajetória desses medicamentos, desde sua produção pela da indústria farmacêutica, até chegarem às suas consumidoras finais, as mulheres, passando também por médicos, enfermeiros, farmacêuticos, donos e balconistas de farmácias e transitando entre consultórios, serviços de saúde, entidades de planejamento familiar, estabelecimentos comerciais, lares e bolsas femininas. Nessa enorme cadeia de associações produzidas pelas pílulas, as bulas contribuíram para a geração de um mínimo denominador comum que permitiu a normalização e naturalização das práticas de controle da fecundidade hormonal e para a formação do mercado - não só no sentido econômico, mas em sentido sociológico, como redes de interações e trocas, onde circularam bens que agregaram a um só tempo valores econômicos, simbólicos e normativos.

Abstract In order to uncover aspects of social life of pharmaceutical pills and based on the theoretical-methodological perspective of the drugs biography, this paper analyzes the instructions of their leaflets, published in the Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Specialties (DEF), between 1971 and 1990. It seeks to explore the speeches conveyed in papers that accompanied the packaging of the "medicine pill" - to whom they were headed, what they proposed and what social effects they intended - and to understand their participation in the set of associations that allowed the stabilization of oral contraceptives in Brazil. Leaving the pharmaceutical laboratories, the patient information leaflet transited among physicians, nurses, pharmacists, owners and shopkeepers of pharmacies and women, passing from hand to hand, in offices, health services family planning entities, pharmacy counters, medical departments of companies, households and women's bag. They were the important intercommunication vehicles between these actors and in the big chain of associations produced by contraceptive pills, the patient information leaflets contributed to a minimum common denominator that allowed to return a normal and natural control practices of hormone-mediated fecundity and the formation of the fertility control pill market, where goods were giving movement to add economic, symbolic and normative values at the same time.

A study to compare the efficacy, acceptability and side effect of combined contraceptive vaginal ring with the combined oral contraceptive pills in a tertiary health centre located in central India

Background: A study to compare the efficacy, acceptability and side effect of combined contraceptive vaginal ring with the combined oral contraceptive pills in a tertiary health centre (RKDF Medical College and Research Centre, Bhopal) located in central India.Methods: This prospective randomized comparative trial enrolled hundred women aged between 20 to 40 years seeking for contraception with no contraindication to hormonal contraception. After proper counseling and informed consent, women divided into two groups, study group (50) includes women using contraceptive vaginal ring and control group (50) include women using combined oral contraceptives. The contraceptive efficacy, acceptability, tolerability and adverse events were recorded at each follow-up visit at RKDF Medical College and Research Centre, Bhopal.Results: Vaginal ring and combined oral contraceptives were found to have comparable contraceptive efficacy. In study group no pregnancy reported during study period while one pregnancy reported in control group, which was statistically insignificant. Satisfaction, continuation and recommendation to others were more with vaginal ring which were not significant statistically. Cycle control is superior with vaginal ring. Incidence of adverse effects was same in both groups.Conclusions: Combined contraceptive vaginal ring is an effective and reliable contraception with excellent cycle control, well-tolerated and highly acceptable to most women.

A randomized controlled trial to study the efficacy of intravaginal hormonal ring for control of heavy menstrual bleeding as compared to combined oral contraceptive pills

Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is one of the commonest presenting complaints in reproductive age group. Although combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are commonly used in such patients, combined hormones by intravaginal route has been found acceptable and effective. Aim of the study is to compare the efficacy and side effects of combined intravaginal hormonal ring (IHR) with COCs in control of HMB in these patients.Methods: Hundred women with HMB fulfilling inclusion criteria were randomized into two equal groups and treated with either IHR or COCs for three cycles. Each cycle consisted of three weeks of IHR/COC use followed by 1-week ring-free/non-hormonal pills period. Outcome measures were change in PBAC score (pictorial blood loss assessment chart), hemoglobin rise, side effects and overall patient satisfaction.Results: The percentage reduction in PBAC score, the duration of menses and increase in hemoglobin levels were statistically significant at the end of study in each group. The PBAC score reduction was 87.37% vs 61.52%, menses duration was 4.24±0.74 versus 5.16±1.67, and hemoglobin increase was 3.16 (95% CI:0.142-1.412) and 1.24 (95% CI:1.048-1.640) in the IHR versus COC group. However, the intergroup reduction of mean PBAC score was not statistically significant. Significantly more ring users were satisfied and elected to continue with treatment.Conclusions: Both the IHR and COCs are effective treatments for HMB in reproductive age group. IHR may be an attractive option for HMB due to better compliance and lesser systemic side-effects.

Ormeloxifene versus combined oral contraceptive pills to control blood loss in cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Background: Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is one of the most often encountered gynecologic problems causing anemia, reduced quality of life and unnecessary hysterectomies. A prospective study was conducted on women with DUB to study the effect of ormeloxifene versus combined oral contraceptive pills in controlling blood loss in them.Methods: 100 Women with DUB were enrolled randomly in three groups. After baseline assessment each patient in group A was treated with iron tablets, containing 100 mg elemental iron and folic acid 1.5 mg, for three months and were termed as control group. Group B patients were treated with ormeloxifene in dose of 60 mg twice a week for twelve weeks. Group C patients were treated with combined oral contraceptive pills for twenty- one days starting from third day of their LMP. The treatment was continued for three consecutive cycles. The efficacy of the studied drugs was analyzed by comparing the baseline and post treatment PBAC score, haemoglobin level and endometrial thickness, using appropriate statistical tests.Results: Ormeloxifene was more effective than only iron or combined oral contraceptive therapy in controlling menstrual blood loss (79.11% versus 58.57%). There was a reduction in endometrial thickness in group receiving ormeloxifene as well as in the group receiving combined oral contraceptive pills (p=0.486), however this was statistically not significant.Conclusions: Ormeloxifene was significantly better than combined OCP in reduction of menstrual blood flow in cases of DUB. It has better compliance and marked improvement in subjective symptoms as compared to OCP.

Oral Contraceptive Pills: Socio-demographic Characteristics of Acceptors at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background:Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) are the most widely prescribed form of hormonal contraception both in developed and developing countries. They are also the most popular non-surgical method of contraception.Objective:To determine the prevalence rate and socio-demographic characteristics of oral contraceptive pills acceptors at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt.Methods:A 10 year review of all clients who accepted oral contraceptive pills in the family planning clinic of the hospital from 1stJanuary, 2008 to 31stDecember, 2017. Data was extracted, coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM version 25.0 (Armonk, NY). Results:There were 1893 contraceptive acceptors during the study period, out of which 86 (4.5%) accepted the oral pills. Majority of the clients 66 (76.8%) were between the age range of 20 to 34 married 82 (95.3%), multiparous 48 (55.8%), Christians 82 (95.3%) and 82 (95.3%) had formal education. Clinical personnel were the commonest source of information on the use of oral contraceptive pills, accounting for 36 (41.8%).Conclusion:Oral contraceptive pills are methods of contraception used by young, multiparous and educated women. Only 4.5% of the women accepted OCPs during the study period therefore concerted efforts should be made to improve its uptake in the family planning clinic

Prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis in females in the reproductive age group

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common infection among reproductive age group females. The objective of present study is to determine the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis, its distribution and association of risk factors among reproductive age group females, attending the outpatient department of obstetrics and gynaecology of our Prime Medical Centre, Sharjah attached with Prime Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods: It was cross-sectional descriptive study over a period of six months. Patients who came to our outpatient department with complains of vaginal discharge and itching in reproductive age group were included in this study. Patients characteristics i.e. age, parity, risk factors like diabetes, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPills) and intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) were noted. High vaginal swabs (HVS) were collected and sent for culture. Candida positive cases were noted, and results were analyzed.Results: A total of 224 high vaginal swabs were collected. Prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis was found to be 31.6%. It was found more in 26-30 years age group and multiparous women. Previous history of candidiasis and diabetes were the commonest risk factors. Frequency of C. albicans was more (76.05%) than non-albicans candida (23.94%).Conclusions: Present study concluded that vulvovaginal candidiasis is more prevalent in reproductive age group females, therefore a routine high vaginal swab culture must be performed in every woman presenting with vaginal discharge and itching for correct diagnosis. Women should be educated on clinical symptoms.

Effect of six-month use of oral contraceptive pills on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 & factor VIII among women with polycystic ovary syndrome: An observational pilot study

Background & objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy warranting lifelong individualized management by lifestyle and pharmacological agents mainly oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). This study was aimed to report the impact of six-month OCP use on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and factor VIII (FVIII) in women with PCOS. Methods: PCOS women diagnosed on the basis of Rotterdam 2003 criteria, either treated with OCPs (ethinyl estradiol-0.03 mg, levonorgestrel-0.15 mg) for a period of six months (n=40) or drug-naïve (n=42), were enrolled in this study. Blood was drawn to estimate glucose, insulin levels and lipid profile. Chemiluminescence immunoassays were used to measure hormones (LH, FSH, PRL, T4). Plasma levels of PAI-I and FVIII were measured by commercially available kits. Results: Menstrual regularity, Ferriman-Gallwey score and serum total testosterone significantly improved in the OCP group compared to drug-naïve group (P<0.01). No significant difference was observed in PAI-1 levels of the two groups; however, significant decrease in FVIII levels was observed in OCP group as compared to drug-naïve group. PAI-1 levels of OCP group correlated positively with blood glucose two hours, triglycerides and insulin two hours, while FVIII levels of OCP group correlated negatively with fasting insulin and homoeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance. Interpretation & conclusions: OCPs use has differential effect on pro-coagulant markers among women with PCOS. Well-designed, long-term, prospective, large-scale studies are prerequisite to elucidate the efficacy and safety of OCP in the treatment of PCOS.

Effect Of Synthetic Progesterone (norethisterone) On Human Chromosomes: A Cytogenetic Study From India

Birth restriction methods dates back to prehistoric times, half a million years ago. Modern contraceptive methodsconstitute most contraceptive use. Nearly 800 million married or in-union women are projected to be usingcontraception in 2030. Norethisterone (synthetic progesterone) is used for many therapeutic purposes, and isbeing used by millions of women in India. The present study was carried out during August 2009 to July 2011 onsixty fertile females within reproductive age group. Chromosomal analysis was carried out to find the effects ofsynthetic progesterone (Norethisterone) on human chromosomes in lymphocyte culture in vitro in three groups at0, 75 µg, 100 µg of drug per ml respectively and observed for chromosomal aberrations like break, gap, dicentricchromosome and chromosomal association. Chromosomal aberrations were significantly increased at higherconcentrations. Mean chromosomal gaps at 0µg/ml, 75µg/ml and 100 µg/ml concentration were 6.90, 7.62 and10.58 respectively and mean chromosomal breaks in that same concentration were 6.63, 7.28 and 10.08respectively. 30 samples of the 60 showed chromosomal associations and 5 showed dicentric chromosomes.There is a direct correlation between increase in concentration of Norethisterone and structural chromosomalaberrations, which may be carried to next generation, and lead to anomalies in progeny of woman taking suchhigh doses of synthetic progesterone

Investigation on the Utilization of Emergency Contraceptive Pills among Women with Unwanted Pregnancy / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To provide reference for improving the utilization ratio of emergency contraceptive(EC)pills and re-ducing unwanted pregnancy. METHODS:Among 458 women with unwanted pregnancy in our hospital,self-designed question-naires were used to survey the respondents'knowledge and utilization of EC pills,reasons for not using,sources of EC knowledge and drug availability. The results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS:Totally 458 questionnaires were distributed and then 426 valid questionnaires were collected with effective rate of 93.0%. Among respondents,the awareness rate of EC was 81.2%(346/426),and the rate of those receiving higher education was higher than that of other education levels(P<0.001). 56.3%(240/426) of the respondents had ever used EC pills at one time,the utilization ratio of EC pills were higher in women less than 30-year-old and receiving higher education than other age and educational levels(P<0.01). Only 20.2%(86/426)of the respondents ever used EC pills after the last menstrual period and only 3.5%(3/86) of them took EC pills correctly. Not understanding or knowing EC was the main reason for not using EC pills,accounting for 60.6%(206/340). The highest proportion of source which the respon-dents got EC knowledge was network,accounting for 53.5%(185/346). 37.0%(81/219) of the respondents who had ever pur-chased drugs couldn't purchase EC pills conveniently. CONCLUSIONS:The utilization ratio of EC pills in women with unwanted pregnancy needs to be improved and non-standard drug use is more common. It indicates that health education of contraception still need to be strengthened and the availability of EC pills improved.

Female sexual dysfunction with combined oral contraceptive use

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) remain one of the most popular forms of contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy in women. While it is known that COCs can cause sexual dysfunction in women, there is currently no recommendation to screen for sexual function before and after initiation of COCs. We propose that, based on the evidence available, assessment of sexual function should be done at initiation of COCs, as well as at regular intervals thereafter. This would allow COC-related sexual dysfunction to be managed early, such as by switching the patient to newer-generation COCs or other forms of contraception.

Píldora anticonceptiva de emergencia: características de la demanda en una organización no gubernamental en Chile / Emergency contraceptive pill: demand characteristics in a non-governmental organization in Chile

Antecedentes: En Chile, existe escasa información sobre las características de las usuarias de la píldora de emergencia y aún hay barreras para obtenerla, pese a existir una ley que garantiza su acceso. Objetivos: Indagar sobre el perfil de las mujeres que demandan la píldora de emergencia y las barreras para acceder al método en centros públicos de salud. Método: Estudio descriptivo y transversal. Se revisaron las fichas clínicas de usuarias de la píldora de emergencia atendidas en Prosalud Chile de enero de 2012 a marzo de 2013, para analizar edad, razón de uso, uso previo y antecedentes de no acceso. Resultados: Se analizaron 520 fichas clínicas. Edad promedio de las usuarias 21,8 +/- 6,8 años. 50 por ciento usó el anticonceptivo porque tuvo un coito sin protección anticonceptiva y la otra mitad porque su método falló. El 71,7 por ciento no había usado la píldora previamente y 0,8 por ciento (3 mujeres) la habían usado 3 y 4 veces; 8,8 por ciento no obtuvo el anticonceptivo en centros públicos de salud. Conclusiones: La mayoría de las usuarias de la píldora de emergencia son jóvenes y la solicitan porque no usaron un anticonceptivo o éste les falló. El uso previo y frecuente es muy bajo. Aún existen barreras en el acceso en centros públicos de salud.

Background: In Chile, the information about the characteristics of the users of emergency contraception pill is limited. In addition, some studies have revealed barriers to access to this method, despite the law guarantees its provision. Objectives: To enquire the profile of emergency contraceptive pills users and the barriers to its access in public health services. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study. Clinical forms of users who requested the emergency contraceptive pill in Prosalud Chile from January 2012 to March 2013 were revised, in order to analyze age, reason to use, previous use and non-access history in public health services. Results: 520 clinical forms were analyzed. Users mean age was 21.8 +/- 6.8 years. 50 percent of women demanded the pill because they did not use any contraceptive and another half because the contraceptive failed. 71.7 percent had never used the pill previously and only 0.8 percent (3 women) used it three and four times before. 8,8 percent could not obtain the pill in public health services. Conclusions: The majority of the emergency contraceptive pills users are young and they use it because they did not use a contraceptive or the contraceptive failed. The previous and frequent use is low. There are still barriers to access to emergency contraceptive pills in public health services.

Knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) of emergency contraceptive pills among women of reproductive age group attending AIIMS OPD Raipur (C.G.).

India’s population as per 2011 census was 1.028 billion. Even though a wide variety of contraceptive choices are available in India, contraceptive prevalence in the country is only 56% as per the WHO global health statistics 2012. Most couples in India do not want to use a contraceptive method on a long-term basis hence unwanted and unplanned pregnancies are common. Emergency contraceptive Pills are largely underutilized in India resulting in women resorting to unsafe or illegal abortions contributing 8% to the cause of maternal mortality in India, which if taken correctly can reduce the risk of an unintended pregnancy to the range of 75-79%. The objective of the study is to assess knowledge, attitude& practice (preference &experience) of emergency contraceptive pills among women of child bearing age. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 328 females of reproductive age group. Data was collected using an anonymous pretested structured questionnaire. Results: Out of 328 subjects 300 women gave consent for the study. Around 56% women had heard of emergency contraceptive pills but only 19.3% had ever used it. Detailed and specific knowledge of ECPs are poor and misinformation is high. This was because main source of information was through electronic media which are unreliable and gives limited information. Conclusion: The study concludes that in spite of having awareness about EC Pills there is great knowledge and attitude gap in the community. Public information strategy needs to be devised to generate awareness and bring attitudinal change among females for emergency contraceptive pills. Support from women advocacy groups is thus necessary and their views, apprehensions, doubts and perceptions have to be adequately addressed to make their occasional use to prevent unwanted pregnancy is likely to bring down the load on the therapeutic abortion services.

HPV infection, risk factors and viral load among Mexican male college students

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HPV and the risky sexual behaviors associated to it in a sample of male college students, taking into account genotype and viral load. Methods: From 2002 to 2003, male students from the Autonomous University of Morelos State completed a questionnaire and provided self-collected genital samples to detect and quantify HPV. We performed a bivariate and a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify correlates associated with the infection and to assess the viral load as a function of the viral infecting type. The fragments of β-globin gene and L1 of HPV, were amplified, purified and cloned, to evaluate viral load. Results: Among 253 subjects, HPV prevalence was 19.4%, and HPV16 was the most common subtype. History of STIs (OR = 4.8; 95% CI 1.2–18.9), contraceptive pill use by female partner (OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.1–6.3) and exchanging sex for money (OR = 4.9; 95% CI 1.2–20) were associated to the HPV infection. HPV16 viral load was 7.8 copies (HPV/beta-globin) compared to 0.9 copies for other HPV types. Discussion: HPV16 displayed the highest viral load, and it was the most prevalent. It was found that using contraceptive pills by female partners was associated with HPV infection. .

La píldora anticonceptiva a debate / The contraceptive pill submitted for debate

El propósito de este trabajo es hacer una revisión sobre los riesgos y beneficios de la píldora anticonceptiva y la necesidad de informar desde las consultas de enfermeras/os y de matronas con base en la evidencia científica. Desde su comercialización en los años 60, se ha publicado una gran cantidad de información sobre los riesgos de la píldora , tanto en el ámbito científico como en los medios de comunicación social y sin embargo, los beneficios han sido poco difundidos. La píldora combinada es uno de los métodos anticonceptivos reversibles con mayor eficacia para evitar el embarazo. Se asocia a un aumento de riesgo de tromboembolismo venoso y presenta efectos beneficiosos no anticonceptivos relacionados con la menstruación, la fertilidad, la masa ósea, el acné, y reduce el riesgo de cáncer de ovario y de endometrio. Los profesionales de enfermería, al igual que el resto de profesionales del equipo de salud, deben abordar el derecho a la información de la población basada en datos científicos y deben implicarse en funciones de orientación en planificación familiar para mejorar la salud materno-infantil, promoviendo los embarazos deseados y que el derecho a tener el número de hijos e intervalo entre ellos sea respetado.

The objective of this research is to reflect on the risks and benefits of the contraceptive pill and the need for women to be informed by qualified health care providers including nurse midwives and nurse practitioners based on scientific evidence. Since its commercialization in the 60's, a lot of information has been published about the risks of the pill by both scientists and the social media and yet the benefits have been little known. The combined pill is one of the most effective reversible methods of preventing pregnancy. It is associated with increased risk factors for venous thromboembolism and it has non-contraceptive benefits not related to menstruation, fertility, bone mass, acne, and it reduces the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. Nursing professionals, like all other health care team professionals should address the right to inform the population based on scientific data as well as get involved in family planning counseling to improve maternal and child health, promoting unintended pregnancies and the right to decide the number of children and the time interval be respected.

Oral contraceptives induced hepatotoxicity.

Oral Contraceptives are the pharmacological agents used to prevent pregnancy. These are divided as the combined and progestogen methods and are administered orally, transdermally, systemically and via vaginal route. All these methods contain both oestrogen and progestogen. Vigorous usage of oral contraceptives and anabolic steroids as associated with cholestasis, vascular lesions and hepatic neoplasm. Benign hepatic neoplasms are clearly associated with oral contraceptives. In this article we discuss the various hepatocellular complications like cholestasis, benign neoplasm and hepatocellular carcinoma occurred by oral contraceptives.

Association between reproductive factors and breast cancer in an urban set up at central India: A case-control study.

Background: Epigenetic changes, geography and environmental factors do surpass the genetic factors in the development of breast cancer. This study investigates the association of reproductive factors with the breast cancer in this context. Objective: To detect the association of reproductive risk factors with breast cancer in an urban set up at central India. Study Design: Matched paired community-based case-control study. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted for a period of a year from October 2008 to August 2009 in Bhopal (MP). Demographic data and reproductive risk factor related information were collected using structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done by Epi-info and SPSS 16. Results: History of using oral contraceptive pills (OR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.28-7.11), history of not having breastfeeding (OR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.29-10.16) and family history of breast cancer (OR = 3.98, 95%CI: 1.06-14.826) were associated significantly with the occurrence of breast cancer in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggests that positive family history of breast cancer and history of using OCP may be the epigenetic factors promoting the occurrence of breast cancer while breastfeeding reduces the possibility of acquiring breast cancer.

Oral contraceptive pills decrease pulmonary airway resistance in healthy north Indian women.

Objectives: Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are hormonal pills used by females to prevent conception; they are a combination of estrogen and progestin. There is, however, compelling evidence that throughout the reproductive life of a woman, her airways are subject to the influence of the cyclical variations in sex hormones which occur in relation to circadian rhythms. The present study has been designed to investigate the effects of OCPs on airway resistance in terms of spirometric parameters in OCP users and nonusers. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 women (age: 20-40 years) ware selected for the present study. The subjects were provided with a one-month supply of OCPs. The constituents per tablet of MALA-N used were levonorgestrel 0.15 mg and ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory flow in expiring 25-75% air (FEF 25-75), forced expiratory volume percentage in one second (FEV1% or FEV1/FVC), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were recorded. Results: In our study, the FEF 25-75and PEFR increased significantly in OCP users, showing that these hormone pills decrease the resistance offered by small bronchioles.