The impact of COVID-19 on fertility behaviour and intentions in a middle income country.

The COVID Pandemic may affect fertility behaviour and intentions in many ways. Restrictions on service provision reduce access to family planning services and increase fertility in the short term. By contrast, the economic uncertainty brought about by the pandemic and its impact on mental health and well-being may reduce fertility. These various pathways have been explored in the context of high income countries such as the United States and Western Europe, but little is known about middle income countries. In this paper we asses the impact of the COVID pandemic on fertility intentions and behaviour in the Republic of Moldova, a middle income country in Eastern Europe, using the Generations and Gender Survey. This survey was conducted partially before and partially after the onset of the pandemic in 2020, allowing for detailed comparisons of individual circumstances. The results indicate that the pandemic reduced the used of intrauterine devices, and increased the use of male condoms, but with no overall decrease in contraceptive use. Conversely individuals interviewed after the onset of the pandemic were 34.5% less likely to be trying to conceive, although medium term fertility intentions were unchanged. Indicators therefore suggest that in the medium term fertility intentions may not be affected by the pandemic but restricted access to contraception requiring medical consultation and a decrease in short-term fertility intentions could disrupt short term family planning.

Trends in oral contraceptive and intrauterine device use among reproductive-aged women in the US from 1999 to 2017.

PURPOSE: Since the 1960s, increasing oral contraceptive (OC) use has mirrored decreasing ovarian cancer incidence. The impact of intrauterine devices (IUDs) on cancer risk is less well established. With improved access and increased options, we must consider how changing usage can affect cancer risks. METHODS: Nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2016) and the National Survey for Family Growth (NSFG, 2006-2017) were used to evaluate contraceptive use over time in premenopausal women (NHANES n = 13,179; NSFG n = 26,262). Trends were assessed overall and by race, age, pregnancy history, education, and body mass index. RESULTS: The average annual absolute increase in self-reported IUD use was 0.81% (NSFG), while OC use decreased 0.49% in NSFG and 0.47% in NHANES. This represents a significant decrease in OC use in NSFG [annual percent change (APC) - 2.2% (95% CI - 3.4, - 1.0%), p < 0.01]. Trends in OC use varied somewhat by pregnancy history in NHANES (p-interaction = 0.054). In contrast, IUD use increased 6.2% annually [(1.4, 11.2%), p = 0.03] and varied significantly by pregnancy history (p-interaction < 0.01). Nulligravid women increased IUD use 11.0% annually [(2.6, 20.1%), p = 0.02] compared to women with prior pregnancy at 5.2% [(0.4, 10.2%), p = 0.04]. In 2015-2017, IUD use was 76.5% hormonal (71.1, 81.8%) and 22.9% copper (17.4, 28.3%) with greater hormonal IUD use in obese women [89.4%, (82.9, 95.9%)]. CONCLUSION: Increasing IUD use outpaced declining OC use in premenopausal US women. There may be a resulting decreased gynecologic cancer risk as more women gain access to potentially risk-reducing contraceptives.

The Comeback of the IUD in Twenty-First Century USA.

From 1995 to 2014, intrauterine devices (IUDs) rose from ranking 10th (out of 11) among contraceptive methods to being the fourth most popular, outnumbered only by the pill, sterilization, and condoms. In 1995, the IUD had been largely abandoned by American doctors; two decades later, major medical associations promoted it as a "first line" method for prospective users of all ages. This paper explains the rapid and dramatic increase in intrauterine contraception by exploring three influential factors from the 1970s-1980s - the Dalkon Shield disaster, the lack of innovation in contraceptive research and development, and the moral panic over teen pregnancy in America - that created circumstances by the early 2000s in which health care providers became more receptive to long-acting reversible contraception. Key thought leaders in obstetrics and gynecology took it upon themselves to rehabilitate the IUD in the court of medical opinion and succeeded in securing professional approval of the device as the initial step in its resurrection.

A twenty year experience with the use of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) in a university teaching hospital in South- south Nigeria

Context: Contraceptive prevalence in Nigeria is low at 17%. Amongst Nigerian women and couples who accept to use contraception, the IUCD is the most commonly used contraceptive method with variation in rates of use between geographical areas and among Health Institutions. Factors that determine decision making on IUCD use are not well understood. Aims: To study the use, effectiveness, complications and discontinuation rates for intrauterine contraceptive device received at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital from 1997 to 2016 and analyzed in January, 2019. Study Design: This was a retrospective cross sectional study. Methodology: The case notes of all 3326 new clients who accepted Copper T intrauterine contraceptive device at the UBTH Family Planning Clinic during the review period were retrieved and analyzed. Data regarding acceptors socio-demographic characteristics, side effects, effectiveness, complications, duration of use and reasons for discontinuation were extracted and entered into SPSS for windows version 22.0 and analyzed. Results: Out of the 8203 clients that accepted to commence a family planning method, 3326 (40.55%) accepted to use IUCD. The mean age of IUCD acceptors at commencement was 33.4±5.60 and the mean age of their husbands was 39.85±6.91. The mean parity was 3.73±1.87 (range 0-12), while the mean number of living children was 3.56±1.66 (range 0-10). The mean duration of use (in months) was 40.43±40.13. Women with 5 or more children (P Value 0.000) and at least a minimum of secondary education (P Value 0.000), were significantly associated with IUCD use duration of > or more than 2 years. Also, women who reported satisfaction with IUCD (P Value 0.000) and no complications (P Value 0.000) were also associated with longer duration of use. Conclusion: IUCD is a common family planning method used by women at UBTH. Its duration of use is higher among clients with more children, at least a minimum of secondary school education and no complications from its use. This information is relevant for family planning service providers to increase contraceptive uptake by women in Nigeria

Family planning in adolescents.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As politics continue to shape contraception and abortion care, providers have a responsibility to address the specific needs of the adolescent patient. Here we review the current literature on contraception and abortion in adolescents. RECENT FINDINGS: Shared decision-making among patients, parents, and providers is the cornerstone of successful adolescent family planning. Providers should be aware of local state regulations related to consent in minors. When provided directive and noncoercive contraception counseling at no cost, adolescents are motivated and effective decision-makers in their care. Long-acting reversible contraceptives should be offered as the first-line method of contraception in adolescents. SUMMARY: Family planning in adolescents presents unique challenges to obstetrician-gynecologists. Improved access to contraception and abortion services is significantly lowering unintended pregnancies rates in adolescents, but more data assessing the effectiveness of interventions in marginalized communities are needed.

Análisis de la costo-efectividad del sistema intrauterino liberador de levonorgestrel, como alternativa a histerectomías, en dos países latinoamericanos / Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system as alternative to histerectomies in two latin american countries

Resumen Objetivo: El sistema intrauterino con levonorgestrel ha demostrado un fuerte efecto supresor endometrial de mucha utilidad en gran variedad de problemas ginecológicos. Existen numerosos estudios y revisiones del sistema intrauterino con levonorgestrel que avalan su uso en sangrado uterino anormal, como también bastantes publicaciones que demuestran su costo-efectividad. No se encontraron publicaciones latinoamericanas. El objetivo del estudio es desarrollar un modelo para valorar el beneficio en costos del uso del dispositivo como manejo alternativo del sangrado uterino anormal. Métodos : Se realizó modelo fármaco-económico que ayudará a comparar costos y efectividad de sistema intrauterino con levonorgestrel, inserción, controles clínicos más ultrasonido transvaginal al mes, y anuales, y se comparó con los costos directos de histerectomía. Los costos de histerectomía se obtienen mediante GRD-WinSIG en Chile y los costos reales directos en Costa Rica. El modelo es básicamente comparar los costos de la inserción de sistema intrauterino con levonorgestrel más las fallas del tratamiento versus histerectomías. Resultados: El modelo permite demostrar que al utilizar el sistema intrauterino con levonorgestrel como alternativa a la histerectomía en pacientes seleccionadas, se produce un ahorro en costos, aun asumiendo el costo de las fallas. Estos modelos no consideran los costos asociados a las complicaciones eventuales de todo acto quirúrgico, de tal forma que el ahorro generado por el uso del sistema intrauterino con levonorgestrel podría ser mayor. Conclusión: La inclusión del sistema intrauterino con levonorgestrel en guías de práctica clínica permite la posibilidad de disminuir las histerectomías en pacientes refractarias a tratamiento médico convencional, y que cumplan con criterios de inclusión y exclusión estrictos. El modelo permitió demostrar que al utilizar el sistema intrauterino con levonorgestrel como alternativa a la histerectomía, se produce un gasto que es solo un tercio del generado al realizar histerectomías.

Summary Objective: The intrauterine system with levonorgestrel has demonstrated a strong endometrial suppressive effect that is useful in a wide variety of gynecological problems. There are numerous studies and reviews of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system that support its use in abnormal uterine bleeding, as well as numerous publications that demonstrate its cost-effectiveness. As far as we know, there are no Latin American publications in this regard. The objective of the present study was to develop a model to assess the costs benefits of the use of the devices as alternative management of abnormal uterine bleeding. Methods: A pharmacoeconomic model was performed comparing costs and effectiveness with costs of levonorgestrel intrauterine system, insertion, clinical controls plus ultrasounds per month and annually, compared with the direct costs of hysterectomy. Hysterectomy costs were obtained through DRG-WinSIG or direct real costs in Chile and Costa Rica respectively. Results: Our model demonstratde that when using the levonorgestrel intrauterine systsem as an alternative to hysterectomy in selected patients there is an expenditure of only one third of the costs of performing the hysterectomies in the same patients, even assuming failures with the dispositive. These model did not consider the costs associated with the eventual complications of any surgical act, thus, savings generated by use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in these patients could be even greater. Conclusión: The inclusion of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in clinical practice guidelines could allow the possibility of reducing hysterectomies in patients refractory to conventional medical treatment and who meet strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our models demonstrate that when using the levonorgestrel intrauterine system as an alternative to hysterectomy in selected patients there is a reduction in costs.

Attitudes and practices related to intrauterine devices for nulliparous women among Chinese health care providers.

BACKGROUND: Unintended pregnancy and induced abortion among young (unmarried or nulliparous) women have become serious social and health issues in China, which are thought to partly result from low use of long-acting reversible contraception, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs). Considering that providers may play an especially important role in increasing use of this particular method, we investigated Chinese health care providers' attitudes and practices regarding IUDs use for nulliparous women, and further examine the potential factors and reasons contributing to their attitudes and practices. METHODS: We recruited health care providers at two Chinese national academic conferences and surveyed them about knowledge of IUDs, willingness to recommend IUDs to nulliparous women, and their related practices. Modified Poisson regression was used to examine the potential factors related to their attitudes and practices. RESULTS: Approximately a half of respondents reported unwillingness to recommend IUDs to nulliparous women. Providers with more misperceptions about the safety and contraindications were more likely to be unwilling to recommend IUDs to nulliparous women. Moreover, 71.0% of respondents rarely or never recommended or provided IUDs to nulliparous women. Providers' unwillingness to recommend IUDs to nulliparous women was associated with their infrequent practices (aPR=1.43; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.96). In addition to concerns about the side effects or complications, traditional sexual concept against premarital sex was often cited as a reason by Chinese health providers for their negative attitudes towards IUDs use for nulliparous women, a large proportion of whom are unmarried. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that negative attitudes and infrequent practices regarding IUDs use for nulliparous women are common in Chinese health care providers. Moreover, misperceptions about IUDs, as well as traditional sexual concept, contribute to Chinese health care providers' negative attitudes towards IUDs use for nulliparous women, and may further reduce their provision. Educational interventions are needed to improve providers' accurate knowledge of IUDs and fill the gap between traditional sexual concept and young women's needs of contraceptive services.

Trends of contraception use among married reproductive age women: Tehran lipid and glucose cohort study 2002-2011.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the trends of contraception use among married reproductive age women in Tehran Lipid and Glucose study between 2002 and 2011. METHODS: This analysis investigated a proportion of women users and non-users of family planning, using data from 10year population-based Tehran Lipid Glucose Study from surveys conducted in 2002, 2005, 2008, and 2011. Of the 6813, 6993, 7077, and 6789 women in the four phases mentioned, 34.1%, 33.9%, 33.5% and 35% of participants in each phase preferred to use contraception. Number of participants studied were 2506 women in 2002, 2529 women in 2005, 2594 women in 2008 and 2525 women in 2011. RESULTS: Types of methods and patterns of change in contraception differed across time. The percentage of women using traditional methods increased significantly from 25.7% in 2002 to 34.6% in 2011 (p value for trend=0.001). Accordingly, modern contraception use showed a reverse trend. From 2002 to 2011, 61.4%, 61%, 57.7%, and 51% of married women reported currently using various modern contraceptives, respectively (p value for trend=0.001). The proportion of users relying on condoms showed a significant increase during this decade, being 10.9% in 2002, 15.2% in 2005, 20% in 2008 and 21.9% in 2011. The prevalence of non-users for contraception was generally low; 12.7%, 8.2%, 8% and 14.3%, respectively from 2002 to 2011, but increased significantly across time (p=0.005) CONCLUSION: Relying on less effective contraceptive methods has increased rapidly among women in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose cohort study, a trend that could be a warning to policy makers about the possibility of higher unsafe abortion and maternal mortality/morbidity rates in the near future.

Retrospective analysis of the impact of increasing access to long acting reversible contraceptives in a commercially insured population.

BACKGROUND: Unintended pregnancies have been shown to be associated with high costs for the healthcare system, among other adverse impacts, but could still account for up to 51 % of pregnancies in the US. Improvements in contraception among women are needed. Long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), which have proved their safety and efficacy, have been found to significantly decrease the risk of unintended pregnancy. Yet they are still marginally employed. This study aims at investigating the evolution of LARC use over 15 years and at assessing the impact of the introduction of newer LARCs on LARC use relative to all contraceptive use. METHODS: This retrospective study identified women with LARC or short acting reversible contraceptive (SARC) claims from a US insurance claims database (01/1999-03/2014). Yearly proportions of LARC users relative to all contraceptive users were reported. Generalized estimating equation models were used to assess the impact of user characteristics, such as age group (15-17, 18-24, 25-34, and 35-44), and of time periods related to the introduction of new LARCs (01/2001: Mirena, 07/2006: Implanon, 01/2013: Skyla) on LARC use. RESULTS: A total of 1,040,978 women were selected. LARC use increased yearly from 0.6 % (1999) to 16.6 % (2013) among contraceptive users. Time periods associated with the introduction of a newer LARC were significant predictors of LARC use; women in 2006-2012 and 2013-2014 were respectively 3.7-fold (95 % CI:3.57-3.74) and 6.6-fold (95 % CI:6.43-6.80) more likely to use LARCs over SARCs relative to women in 2001-2006. The increase in LARC use was especially pronounced in young women. Compared to women aged 18-24 in 2001-2006, women aged 18-24 in 2006-2012 and 2013-2014 were respectively 6.4-fold (95 % CI:5.91-6.86) and 14.7-fold (95 % CI:13.59-15.89) more likely to use LARCs over SARCs. CONCLUSIONS: This broadly representative commercial claim-based study showed that the proportion of privately insured women of childbearing age using LARCs increased over time and that the introduction of newer LARCs corresponded with significant increases in overall LARC use. Future research is needed to assess LARC use in uninsured or publicly-insured populations.

Trends and determinants of IUD use in the USA, 2002-2012.

STUDY QUESTION: What factors and subgroups have propelled the recent increase in intrauterine device (IUD) use in the USA? SUMMARY ANSWER: The increase in IUD use, from 1.8 to 9.5% in the USA between 2002 and 2012, was driven primarily by a marked uptake among parous women who intended to have more children. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Recent data suggest an unprecedented increase in IUD use among women in the USA, yet less is known about how this increase has affected the overall proportion of women, at risk of unintended pregnancy, who are using contraception and which social and economic groups are involved. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Data are drawn from the 2002 and 2011-2013 National Surveys of Family Growth. The surveys were based on cross-sectional, national samples of women of 15-44 years of age in the USA. Women responded to in-person interviews, which lasted an average of 80 min. The response rate was 80% in 2002 and 73% in 2011-2013. The sample included 7643 completed interviews in 2002 and 5601 interviews in 2011-2013. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: This study was limited to women at risk of unintended pregnancy, i.e. women who were sexually active in the previous 3 months (using contraception or not); it excludes women who were sterile, currently pregnant or trying to conceive. Altogether, 5181 women were at risk in the 2002 sample and 3681 were at risk in the 2012 sample. We used descriptive statistics to investigate trends in contraceptive use patterns by women's sociodemographic characteristics between 2002 and 2012 and used logistic regression to identify current predictors of IUD use in 2012. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: IUD use increased from 1.8% in 2002 to 9.5% in 2012 (P < 0.001). The surge was especially marked among parous women who intended to have more children (4.2% in 2002 to 19.3% in 2012; P < 0.001); it occurred to a lesser extent among parous women who did not intend to have more children (2.0-9.7% P < 0.001), suggesting that IUDs are more often used for spacing than for ending childbearing in the USA. The most important predictors of IUD use in 2012 were age, parity and intent to have children. Dissatisfaction with a previous method was also associated with IUD use (adjusted odds ratio = 1.89, P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: As with all cross-sectional studies, causal inference is limited. Data are self-reported, but the survey had a high response rate and rigorous quality controls. WIDER IMPLICATION OF THE FINDINGS: This study shows promising trends in the use of highly effective contraceptive methods in the USA, which may help to explain recently reported declines in unintended pregnancy in the USA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: Caroline Moreau was supported by the William Robertson endowment funds. The work of Hannah Lantos and William Mosher on this analysis was supported by the Department of Population Family and Reproductive Health, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The authors declare that no conflict of interest exists.

Dispositivo intrauterino migrado a cavidad abdominal: características clínicas, diagnóstico y manejo / Intraabdominal migration of intrauterine devices: characteristics, diagnosis and treatment options

OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas, los factores predisponentes, complicaciones y la actitud terapéutica en pacientes con DIU migrado a cavidad abdominal. Material y MÉTODOS: Se analizaron de manera retrospectiva 17 casos de DIU migrado diagnosticados en el Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves de Granada (España) entre 2002 y 2012. RESULTADOS: En 8 casos (47,1 %) el diagnóstico se hizo en el primer mes, mientras que en 5 (29,5 %) el diagnóstico se realizó transcurridos más de 4 años tras la implantación. El 35,2 % presentaron dolor abdominal, sin embargo el 52,9 % estaban asintomáticas y el diagnóstico se realizó de manera casual o tras un embarazo. Se llevó a cabo una extracción quirúrgica en todos los casos y fue realizada sin complicaciones mediante una laparoscopia en 15 pacientes, mientras que dos precisaron una laparotomía. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de las perforaciones uterinas por un DIU se inician durante la inserción por lo que debemos recomendar un examen pélvico exhaustivo, con una ecografía de control tras el primer mes de la inserción. Así mismo, si aparece dolor abdominal en estas pacientes se debe realizar una ecografía para descartar la perforación uterina. Nuestra recomendación ante un DIU fuera de la cavidad uterina es la extracción por laparoscopia en todos los casos

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics, predisposing factors, complications and surgical treatment options of patients with intraabdominal, mislocated intrauterine devices (IUD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 17 cases of migrated IUD diagnosed at Virgen de las Nieves Hospital of Granada, Spain between 2002 and 2012. RESULTS: 8 cases (47,1 %) were diagnosed within the first month post-insertion and 5 of them (29,5 %) were diagnosed after more than 4 years. 35.2 % of the patients suffered abdominal pain, however 52,9 % were asymptomatic and the diagnosis was made by chance or as a result of pregnancy. A surgical extraction was performed in all cases. 15 patients were managed by laparoscopy without complications, whereas laparotomy was required in two. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the uterine perforations by an IUD are initiated during the insertion; therefore, a thorough pelvic examination with an ultrasound control after the first month should be carried out. Likewise, in carriers of IUD with abdominal pain an ultrasound should be made to rule out uterine perforation. Our recommendation when a migration of an IUD takes place is a laparoscopic extraction in all cases

Early Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Uptake of Long-acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods.

BACKGROUND: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) required most private insurance plans to cover contraceptive services without patient cost-sharing as of January 2013 for most plans. Whether the ACA's mandate has impacted long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) use is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to assess trends in LARC cost-sharing and uptake before and one year after implementation of the ACA's contraceptive mandate. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study using Truven Health MarketScan claims data from January 2010 to December 2013. SUBJECTS: Women aged 18-45 years with continuous insurance coverage with claims for oral contraceptive pills, patches, rings, injections, or LARC during 2010-2013 (N=3,794,793). MEASURES: Descriptive statistics were used to assess trends in LARC cost-sharing and uptake from 2010 through 2013. Interrupted time series models were used to assess the association of time, ACA, and time after the ACA on LARC cost-sharing and initiation rates, adjusting for patient and plan characteristics. RESULTS: The proportion of claims with $0 cost-sharing for intrauterine devices and implants, respectively, rose from 36.6% and 9.3% in 2010 to 87.6% and 80.5% in 2013. The ACA was associated with a significant increase in these proportions and in their rate of increase (level and slope change both P<0.001). LARC uptake increased over time with no significant change in level of LARC use after ACA implementation in January 2013 (P=0.44) and a slightly slower rate of growth post-ACA than previously reported (ß coefficient for trend, -0.004; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ACA has significantly decreased LARC cost-sharing, but during its first year had not yet increased LARC initiation rates.

Development of controlled release systems over the past 50years in the area of contraception.

The field of controlled release has contributed significantly to female reproductive health and in particular the prevention of unintended pregnancy. For at least 50years, there have been significant advances in controlled release dosage forms used for contraception. These advances have been driven by the need to provide women a wide array of products that address adherence problems noted with oral contraceptives. The first long-acting injectable product (Depo-Provera®) was approved in the US in 1959. Since then, there has been an emphasis on development of long-acting reversible contraceptives. These products include implants, intrauterine systems, and vaginal rings. A shorter acting contraceptive option is the transdermal patch. Despite these advances there are still a large number of unplanned pregnancies around the world. New controlled release technologies will be needed to continue providing women safe and easy to use contraceptive products.

Características socio-demográficas de las mujeres españolas con sangrado menstrual abundante. Resultados del Registro nacional de pacientes con sangrado menstrual abundante (Registro SANA) / Sociodemographic characteristics of Spanish women with heavy menstrual bleeding. Results of a national registry of patients with heavy menstrual bleeding (SANA Registry)

Objetivo. Describir las características socio-demográficas, de diagnóstico y tratamiento de las pacientes con sangrado menstrual abundante. Sujetos y métodos. Estudio observacional, transversal, multicéntrico y nacional, en mujeres en edad reproductiva (18-49 años) con sangrado menstrual abundante sin causa orgánica, en la práctica habitual de consultas de ginecología españolas. Resultados. Se incluyó a 1.039 pacientes, con una media ± desviación estándar de 37,8 ± 8,1 años. Únicamente el 52,1% acudió a la consulta por alteraciones del sangrado; el 48,0% se diagnosticó durante la consulta. Las pacientes con sangrado habitual anómalo indicaban alteraciones del sangrado relacionadas con la cantidad de forma aislada o concomitante a otras alteraciones (abundante/prolongado/irregular). Solo el 43,7% percibía cambios en el sangrado actual respecto del habitual, fundamentalmente por aumento en la cantidad. Para el tratamiento del sangrado abundante, se prescribieron anticonceptivos orales combinados (principalmente valerato de estradiol 3-2-1 mg + dienogest 3-2 μg) (63,3%), dispositivo intrauterino de levonorgestrel (14,3%) y combinaciones de tratamientos (11,9%). Conclusiones. El sangrado anómalo es prevalente, siendo una prioridad su diagnóstico mediante una evaluación adecuada (AU)

Objective. To describe the socio-demographic, diagnostic and treatment characteristics of patients with heavy menstrual bleeding. Subjects and methods. An observational, cross-sectional, multicenter, national study was conducted in women of reproductive age (18-49 years) with heavy menstrual bleeding with no organic cause attending routine gynecology consultations in Spain. Results. This study included 1,039 patients, with a mean age of 37.8 ± 8.1 years. Only 52.1% of the women attended their gynecologist due to bleeding abnormalities and 48.0% were diagnosed during the visit. Patients with longstanding abnormal bleeding reported alterations in quantity, either alone or concomitant to other abnormalities (heavy/prolonged/irregular bleeding). Only 43.7% perceived changes in current bleeding versus usual bleeding, mainly due to an increased quantity. The main drugs prescribed for the treatment of heavy bleeding were combined oral contraceptives (mainly estradiol valerate 3-2-1 mg + dienogest 3-2 μg) (63.3%), levonorgestrel intrauterine system (14.3%), and combined treatments (11.9%). Conclusions. Abnormal bleeding is prevalent. Diagnosis through appropriate assessment is a priority (AU)

The continuation rates of long-acting reversible contraceptives in UK general practice using data from The Health Improvement Network.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the continuation rates of new users of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods in the UK, using data from general practice. METHODS: We conducted an observational study using a general practitioner (GP) database, The Health Improvement Network (THIN). The methods studied were copper intrauterine devices (Cu-IUDs), levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), progestogen-only implants and progestogen-only injections. The study population comprised women in THIN aged 18-44 years during the period 2004-2009 who had been registered with their GP for at least 5 years, with a computerized prescription history of at least 1 year. Using computer algorithms, the database was searched for the Read and Multilex codes for each LARC method. New LARC users were identified and followed until there was a record indicating termination of use or the study period ended. RESULTS: The proportion of women who discontinued use during the same year of administration was 7.5% for Cu-IUDs, 10.6% for LNG-IUS, 13.2% for progestogen-only implants and 54.4% for progestogen-only injections. By the end of the study, a higher proportion of Cu-IUD and LNG-IUS users (21.1 and 18.6%, respectively) undertook consecutive use of the same method than progestogen-only implant users (10.7%). Manual review of computerized profiles demonstrated the validity of this approach. CONCLUSIONS: In the UK, the continuation rates of LARCs are high, and approximately one fifth of women chose to have a second intrauterine device fitted after expiry of the first device. A validation step demonstrated the reliability of the methodology and computer algorithms used.

Game change in Colorado: widespread use of long-acting reversible contraceptives and rapid decline in births among young, low-income women.

CONTEXT: Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods are recommended for young women, but access is limited by cost and lack of knowledge among providers and consumers. The Colorado Family Planning Initiative (CFPI) sought to address these barriers by training providers, financing LARC method provision at Title X-funded clinics and increasing patient caseload. METHODS: Beginning in 2009, 28 Title X-funded agencies in Colorado received private funding to support CFPI. Caseloads and clients' LARC use were assessed over the following two years. Fertility rates among low-income women aged 15-24 were compared with expected trends. Abortion rates and births among high-risk women were tracked, and the numbers of infants receiving services through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) were examined. RESULTS: By 2011, caseloads had increased by 23%, and LARC use among 15-24-year-olds had grown from 5% to 19%. Cumulatively, one in 15 young, low-income women had received a LARC method, up from one in 170 in 2008. Compared with expected fertility rates in 2011, observed rates were 29% lower among low-income 15-19-year-olds and 14% lower among similar 20-24-year-olds. In CFPI counties, the proportion of births that were high-risk declined by 24% between 2009 and 2011; abortion rates fell 34% and 18%, respectively, among women aged 15-19 and 20-24. Statewide, infant enrollment in WIC declined 23% between 2010 and 2013. CONCLUSIONS: Programs that increase LARC use among young, low-income women may contribute to declines in fertility rates, abortion rates and births among high-risk women.