The impact of using the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device on the incidence of acne in adolescents and young women.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) use on the incidence of acne in adolescents and young women. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and SciELO assessing the incidence of acne in adolescents and young women using LNG-IUD (13.5, or 19.5 mg, or 52 mg). Cohort, cross-sectional studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses were included, without a date limit. Studies that didn't evaluate women in the age of interest were excluded. Only articles in English were selected. RESULTS: Nine articles were included in this narrative review. Only clinical trials, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies were evaluated. Two cross-sectional studies evaluated the incidence of acne in women using any contraceptive methods, with the incidence of acne being 36% in women aged 17 to 47 using LNG-IUD in one study. In another study, acne incidence ranged from 2 to 8% in women using any contraceptive methods, with higher rates in younger women and LNG-IUD users. The incidence of acne varies and participants between 16 to 35 years were more likely to report new acne or worsening of pre-existing acne. In a prospective cohort study of women between 16 and 24 years, acne was a common adverse effect, with 44% in the first year. CONCLUSION: The data indicate variability in the incidence of acne among LNG-IUD users, with a higher prevalence observed in younger women. Further research should focus on the effects of LNG-IUD on acne in young populations, with rigorous study designs and consideration of previous contraceptive use.

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) is an important tool in the prevention of unplanned pregnancies in adolescents and young women. Acne is a possible adverse effect that could lead to discontinuation of the method.

Transgenerational effects of the levonorgestrel-based birth control pill in zebrafish offspring.

The consumption of hormone-derived medicines, such as levonorgestrel (LNG), is increasing worldwide, and its discharge into the environment reaches non-target organisms. In our previous study, we exposed the parental generation of zebrafish to environmentally relevant concentrations of LNG during the developmental phase. Subsequently, they had grown in a tank with clean water until adulthood. Now, we allowed this parental generation to reproduce to obtain F1 progeny unexposed to LGN, in order to analyze the transgenerational effects of parental LNG exposure on the survival and hatching of unexposed F1 embryos and the stress and behavior of F1 larvae. Here, we found decreased survival rates with higher LNG concentrations, providing a transgenerational effect. This highlights the environmental impact of exposure to LNG, causing damage at the individual and population level and affecting the next generation at the beginning of development, impacting qualities in the survival of the species.

Levonorgestrel intrauterine system versus dienogest effect on quality of life of women with deep endometriosis: a randomized open-label clinical trial.

Women with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) can benefit from the use of progestins. Our aim is to explore if levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) non inferior to dienogest (DNG) in improving deep endometriosis women's quality of life (QoL). This randomized open-label clinical trial included forty women with DIE assessed using clinical history and physical examination, transvaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance of the pelvis without any previous surgical treatment, with two treatments arms. The two groups underwent a 3-month washout of hormonal treatments, and then received either DNG or LNG-IUS for 6 months. QoL was assessed prior to and 6 months after the intervention, using the SF36 and the EHP30. DNG and LNG-IUS showed an increase on all domains of the SF36 (p < .001). There was no difference between treatments on the improvement observed (p > .05 for all domains). DNG and LNG-IUS, also, showed improvement on all domains of EHP30 (p < .001), except "relationship with children" and "feelings about pregnancy." However, there was no statistical difference between treatments for all sections scores (p > .05). The treatment of deep endometriosis symptoms using either DNG or LNG-IUS in women with no prior surgical treatment is associated with improvement in QoL.Trial Registration Number: This trial is registered on "The Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBECID: RBR-8fjx2jp)," that is part of Primary Registries in the WHO Registry Network, under the title: "Dienogest versus Levonorgestrel IUS on deep endometriosis patient´s QoL without surgery" on June 14, 2021; https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8fjx2jp.

The personal experience of female obstetricians and gynaecologists with contraceptive use influences the guidance and prescription of contraceptive methods: a web-survey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the personal experience of female obstetricians and gynaecologists (Obst/Gyns) who utilise contraceptive methods on the provision of these methods. METHODS: An anonymous online web-based survey was carried out with female Obst/Gyns. The instrument contained questions about their current and previous contraceptive methods use, factors that influenced the choice and satisfaction with the ongoing method, as well as the occurrence of adverse events. They were also asked whether the experience of any adverse events influenced their decision in prescribing any particular contraceptive method. RESULTS: 476/9000 (5.3%) female Obst/Gyns answered the survey. The most common contraceptive in use was the 52-mg levonorgestrel-intrauterine device (52-mg LNG-IUD) (34%), followed by non-Long-Acting Reversible Contraception hormonal methods (21.2%). More than half of the respondents (57.6%) reported having some adverse effects and 18.7% reported that the personal experience of an adverse effect with the use of a contraceptive method influenced the prescription of that method. CONCLUSION: Half of female Obst/Gyns encountered adverse events linked to contraceptive usage. Additionally, almost one-fifth believe that their own encounter with adverse effects from a contraceptive method impacts their decision to prescribe the same method.

Almost one-fifth of the female obstetrics and gynaecologists that answered the online survey reported that the personal experience of an adverse effect with the use of a contraceptive method influenced the prescription of that method.

Etonogestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant: Budget impact analysis based on the Brazilian private healthcare system.

High rates of unplanned pregnancies persist despite pharmacological developments and advancements in contraceptive methods. Here, we demonstrate that the etonogestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant (IMP-ETN) may be an appropriate and cost-effective alternative to levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUSs) for women in Brazil. For our pharmacoeconomic analysis, we reviewed the literature on IMP-ETN regarding its acceptance, eligibility criteria, choice, relations with age, adverse events and, finally, the unmet need in the fee-for-service private healthcare sector. We considered qualitative observations in combination with quantitative analysis and performed a deterministic sensitivity analysis to investigate whether this technology can be self-sustainable over a period of five years. The target population for this analysis comprised 158,696 women. Compared with the continued use of LNG-IUSs, adopting the IMP-ETN can result in a cost avoidance of $ 7.640.804,02 in the first year and $ 82,455,254.43 in five years. Disseminating information among physicians will promote this change and strengthen the potential cost avoided by private health system payers. These savings can be used to improve other healthcare programs and strategies. Moreover, the principles of care can be promoted by improving and adapting healthcare systems and expanding treatment and follow-up strategies. This would also provide support to women's reproductive rights and improve their quality of life. Our results suggest that the IMP-ETN has a favorable cost-effectiveness profile. Given all its advantages and negative incremental cost impact over a period of five years, the IMP-ETN may be a more favorable alternative to LNG-IUSs. Therefore, it should be offered to beneficiaries with a private healthcare plan. This analysis overcomes previous barriers to the use of cost-benefit models, and our results may help balance decision-making by policymakers, technical consultants, and researchers.

Gene expression associated with vaginal bleeding in women using the 52-mg levonorgestrel hormonal intrauterine device: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gene expression associated with vaginal bleeding in the 52-mg hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) users. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study involving 100 women seeking to use the 52-mg hormonal IUD for contraception. We excluded women with a history or current condition of abnormal uterine bleeding and who were unable to attend a 1-year follow up. Women who expelled the device, removed it for reasons unrelated to vaginal bleeding, or were lost to follow up were discontinued. We collected endometrial biopsies immediately before IUD placement and assessed 20 selected genes using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Users maintained a uterine bleeding diary for 12 months following IUD insertion. For statistical analysis, participants were categorized into groups with or without vaginal bleeding at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: Women with elevated CXCL9 expression had an 8.15-fold higher likelihood of experiencing vaginal bleeding at 3 months (odds ratio [OR] 8.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.24-29.61, P = 0.001). At 12 months of follow up, women with increased TIMP1 expression had a 2.74-fold higher chance of experiencing vaginal bleeding (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.08-6.95, P = 0.033). CXCL9 ≥ 1.5 and IL17A ≥ 0.68 were associated with a higher probability of vaginal bleeding at 3 months, while TIMP1 levels ≥0.943 were linked to an increased risk of bleeding at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Users of the 52-mg hormonal IUD with elevated relative CXCL9 expression face an increased risk of vaginal bleeding at 3-month follow up, whereas those with heightened TIMP1 expression are more likely to experience vaginal bleeding at 12 months.

Uptake, discontinuation, and continuation rate of long-acting contraceptive methods when offered at no cost in Campinas, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the uptake, reasons for discontinuation, continuation, and satisfaction of long-acting contraceptive methods (LARC) when offered at no cost in Campinas, Brazil. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study conducted at University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, including women aged 18 to 48 years, who adopted one of three methods. Participants underwent telephone follow-up every 3 months for up to 24 months after insertion. Satisfaction was assessed at the end of 2 years of use through the Likert scale. RESULTS: We invited 1222 women, and among the 971 women who volunteered to participate in follow-up, 414 (42.6%) chose the levonorgestrel 52-mg intrauterine device (IUD), 358 (36.9%) chose the etonogestrel (ENG) implant, and 199 (20.5%) chose the TCu380A IUD. Discontinuation due to bothersome bleeding was higher among users of the ENG implant (10/358; 2.4%) and the TCu380A IUD (32/199; 8.9%), and expulsion was higher for the TCu380A IUD (30/199; 15.1%). Women continued at 24 months were 340/414 (82.1%), 270/358 (75.4%), and 119/199 (59.8%) among users of the levonorgestrel 52-mg IUD, ENG implant, and TCu380A IUD, respectively. The users of the levonorgestrel 52-mg IUD (301/339, 88.8%), the ENG-implant (222/270, 82.2%), and the TCu380A IUD (105/119, 88.2%) were satisfied or very satisfied by 24 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The three LARC methods had great uptake, high continuation, and discontinuation due to bothersome bleeding was higher among users of the ENG implant and the TCu380A IUD, and expulsion was higher for the TCu380A IUD compared to the 52-mg levonorgestrel IUD. Most of the participants reported being very satisfied. IMPLICATIONS: When the LARC methods were offered at no cost in a Brazilian public clinic the uptake, satisfaction and continuation were high by 24 months after device placement, and high level of satisfaction was reported by most of the participants.

Clinical Assessment of 3 Intrauterine Devices in Adolescent Girls: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical performance, bleeding pattern, dysmenorrhea, and satisfaction up to 1 year after placement of 3 types of intrauterine devices (IUDs) (TCu380A, levonorgestrel 52 mg, and levonorgestrel 19.5 mg) in adolescents METHODS: The study was a randomized trial with 318 adolescents allocated to the 3 IUDs. We assessed reasons for removal, continuation, menstrual patterns, dysmenorrhea, and satisfaction. RESULTS: Participants aged (mean ± SD) 17.9 ± 1.4 years, with 80.8% being nulligravidae. After 1 year, 265 (83.3%) continued using the IUD; however, the continuation rate of TCu380A (75.4 ± 4.2) was lower than that of both the levonorgestrel 52-mg (88.6 ± 3.1) and 19.5-mg IUDs (86.8 ± 3.3), and bleeding/pain and expulsion were the main reasons for removal of the TCu380A IUD. The duration of menstruation was longer among the TCu380A IUD users (6.0 ± 2.0 days) than those using the levonorgestrel 52 mg (2.5 ± 3.9) and 19.5 mg (3.2 ± 3.2) devices, P < .001. Amenorrhea was reported by 49.5% and 37.8% users of the levonorgestrel 52-mg and 19.5-mg devices, respectively, P < .001. Dysmenorrhea was reported in 68.5% of all participants at the baseline; this was 67.9% of the TCu380A group and 33.3% and 36.0% of the levonorgestrel 52-mg and 19.5-mg IUD groups, respectively, P < .001. Satisfaction ranged from 80.7% in the TCu380A group to 97.8% in the levonorgestrel 52-mg group (P = .03). CONCLUSION: The 3 IUDs are suitable for adolescents, with high contraceptive efficacies and rates of continuation within 1 year of use and high degrees of satisfaction. Users of the hormonal IUDs reported lower expulsion rates, more favorable menstrual patterns, and less dysmenorrhea compared with the TCu380A IUD.

Eficacia y seguridad del uso extendido de anticonceptivos orales combinados / Efficacy and safety of extended use of combined oral contraceptives

Los anticonceptivos orales combinados constituyen hoy en día uno de los métodos anticonceptivos más populares a nivel mundial. Su composición consiste en una combinación de análogos de hormonas sexuales femeninas que se administran en bajas dosis diarias, manteniendo constante su concentración sanguínea y evitando de esta forma los cambios en el eje endócrino que estimulan la ovulación. Con el objetivo de recrear los procesos fisiológicos, la mayoría de las formulaciones comprenden un intervalo de 4 a 7 días libres de hormonas en el cual se genera el sangrado por deprivación.A partir de una viñeta clínica en la que una paciente sana desea posponer su hemorragia por deprivación, y tras realizar una búsqueda bibliográfica que prioriza las investigaciones más recientes y de mejor calidad, la autora revisa la evidencia sobre el uso de hormonas sin intervalo libre, especialmente su efectos sobre la eficacia y la incidencia de efectos adversos. (AU)

Nowadays, combined oral contraceptives are one of the most popular contraceptive methods worldwide. Its composition consists of a combination of similar female sex hormones administered in low daily doses, keeping their blood concentration constant and thus avoiding changes in the endocrine axis that stimulate ovulation. In order to recreate physiological processes, most formulations include an interval of 4 to 7 hormone-free days in which withdrawal bleeding occurs.Starting from a clinical vignette in which a healthy patient desires to postpone her withdrawal bleeding, and after conducting a bibliographic search that prioritizes the most recent and best-quality research, the author reviews the evidence about the use of hormones without free interval, especially their effects on efficacy and the incidence of adverse effects. (AU)

Five-year Contraceptive Use of 52-mg Levonorgestrel Releasing Intrauterine System in Young Women, Menstrual Patterns, and New Contraceptive Choice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the continuation rates of the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) during the first 5 years of use, reasons for its discontinuation, bleeding patterns, and new contraceptive choice after the 5th year, in adolescents and young women. METHODS: The present study was a 5-year prospective cohort conducted in a Family Planning Service of a tertiary hospital in Brazil. We selected 100 healthy women between 15 and 24 years old who used 52-mg LNG-IUS for contraception. The clinical follow-up of these women took place from June 2017 to December 2022. The study evaluated the continuation rates of the method, reasons for its discontinuation, bleeding patterns, and new contraceptive choice after the 5th year. Continuous data were reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and range (minimum-maximum). Categorical variables were described as percentages. RESULTS: The continuation rates of LNG-IUS were 89.1% (82/92), 82.9% (72/87), 75.3% (64/85), 70.5% (60/85), and 64.2% (54/84) in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th years of use, respectively. The main reason for discontinuation was acne (11/30). Amenorrhea rates were 50, 54.1, 39, 35.7, and 51.8% at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months, respectively. All patients who completed the study and needed contraception after the 5th year opted for long-acting contraceptive methods (LARC). CONCLUSION: The LNG-IUS showed high continuation rates in adolescents and young women in the first 5 years of use. Most patients who completed the study chose a LARC method after the 5th year.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as taxas de continuação do sistema intrauterino liberador de levonorgestrel (SIU-LNG) 52 mg durante os primeiros 5 anos de uso, razões de sua descontinuação, padrões de sangramento e nova escolha contraceptiva após o 5° ano, em adolescentes e mulheres jovens. MéTODOS: O estudo foi uma coorte prospectiva de 5 anos realizada em um Serviço de Planejamento Familiar de um hospital terciário no Brasil. Selecionamos 100 mulheres saudáveis entre 15 e 24 anos que usaram o SIU-LNG 52 mg para contracepção. O acompanhamento clínico dessas mulheres ocorreu de junho de 2017 a dezembro de 2022. O estudo avaliou as taxas de continuação do método, razões de sua descontinuação, padrões de sangramento e nova escolha contraceptiva após o 5° ano. Os dados contínuos foram relatados como média ± DP e intervalo (mínimo-máximo). As variáveis categóricas foram descritas como porcentagens. RESULTADOS: As taxas de continuação do SIU-LNG foram 89,1% (82/92), 82,9% (72/87), 75,3% (64/85), 70,5% (60/85) e 64,2% (54/84) no 1°, 2°, 3°, 4° e 5° anos de uso, respectivamente. O principal motivo de descontinuação foi a acne (11/30). As taxas de amenorreia foram de 50, 54,1, 39, 35,7 e 51,8% aos 12, 24, 36, 48 e 60 meses, respectivamente. Todas as pacientes que completaram o estudo e necessitaram de contracepção após o 5° ano optaram por métodos contraceptivos de longa duração (LARC). CONCLUSãO: O SIU-LNG apresentou altas taxas de continuação em adolescentes e mulheres jovens nos primeiros 5 anos de uso. A maioria das pacientes que completou o estudo escolheu um método LARC após o 5° ano.

Gene Expression Changes in the Ovary Mediate Non-Anovulatory Mechanisms of Contraception with Levonorgestrel.

BACKGROUND: Emergency contraception with levonorgestrel (LNG) is a viable option to prevent unintended pregnancies. Although the efficacy of LNG as an anovulatory agent decreases as treatment approaches ovulation, it still provides some contraceptive benefits. AIM: To better understand the contraceptive mechanisms of LNG in ovulatory subjects. METHODS: We conducted a study on Wistar rats that received a single dose of LNG (0.01 or 0.05 mg/kg) on the morning of proestrus before ovulation and evaluated its effects on ovarian gene expression, ovulation, and implantation. RESULTS: Our findings showed changes in the expression of genes involved in follicular development and oocyte quality. Pregnancy rates - as an indicator of ovulation - and embryo implantation were significantly lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that LNG alters regulatory factors in the ovary that are essential for the development of competent fertilizable oocytes, highlighting the non-anovulatory mechanisms by which levonorgestrel may regulate fertility and suggesting that it could be a novel observation that contributes to the understanding of emergency contraception in humans.

Expulsion and continuation rates of the 52 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system in adolescents and adult women.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the continuation rates, expulsion, and other reasons for discontinuation of the hormonal intrauterine device with 52 mg of levonorgestrel (52 mg LNG-IUD) in adolescents and adult women. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included 393 women in whom we placed a 52 mg LNG-IUD and followed up to 5 years. We created two retrospective cohorts, one with 131 adolescents (aged between 12 and 19 years) and the other with 262 women aged ≥20 years. Each adolescent was paired with two adult women who had the same parity and who had a 52 mg LNG-IUD inserted on the same day. We used the Mann-Whitney test to compare numerical variables in both groups, the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test to compare the continuation, expulsion and other reasons for IUD discontinuation of the two groups. RESULTS: Age of the adolescents and adult women were mean ± SD 18.1 (±1.1) and 31 (±6.8) years, respectively (p = 0.015). Continuation rates by the fifth year of use were 55.6/100 women-years (W-Y) and 70.3/100 W-Y among adolescents and adult women (p = 0.106); and expulsion rates were 8.4/100 and 6.0/100 W-Y, respectively (p = 0.463). Adolescents had a lower continuation rate during 3 to 5 years of follow-up (p = 0.011) and a high rate of removals due to bleeding/pain (18.5 ± 5.7/100 W-Y vs 6.4/100 ± 2.1 W-Y, p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Adolescents who used the 52 mg LNG-IUD showed a lower continuation rate 3-5 years after device placement than adult women. The expulsion rates were similar in both groups.

Adolescents who used the 52 mg LNG-IUD showed expulsion rates similar than adult women. Despite the good continuation rate, adolescents had a lower continuation rate within 3­5 years of follow-up and high rate of removals due to bleeding/pain than adult users.

Women's perspectives on impact on the post menopause of use of the 52 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine device during the menopausal transition.

OBJECTIVES: To assess perimenopausal users of 52 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (LNG-IUD) regarding the IUD impact after menopause. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a cross-sectional study with users aged 40 and 49 years old, without cognitive impairment that answered a questionnaire regarding worries and benefits after the menopause due to LNG-IUD use. RESULTS: Almost half of 221 users (52.9%) have concerns that LNG-IUD use could influence aspects after menopause, 111 (50.3%) that the post-menopause symptoms get worse and 92 (41.6%) that interfere with recognition of menopausal symptoms. CONCLUSION: Half of perimenopausal LNG-IUD users expressed concerns about how device use could affect post-menopause symptoms.

The 52 mg hormonal-IUD who were at menopausal transition reported worries that the use of the IUD can affect menopausal symptoms. It is important that health professionals can routinely guide these women.

Comparative study of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system and laparoscopic hysterectomy for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in enlarged uteri.

OBJECTIVE: The levonorgestrel intrauterine system treatment prevents 67.7% of surgeries in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding and enlarged uteri. To evaluate the effectiveness of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in the treatment of patients with heavy menstrual bleeding and an enlarged uterus and to compare satisfaction and its complications with hysterectomy. METHODS: This was a comparative cross-sectional observational study of women with heavy menstrual bleeding and an enlarged uterus. Sixty-two women were treated and followed up for four years. Insertion of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system was performed in Group 1, and laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed in Group 2. RESULTS: In Group 1 (n=31), 21 patients (67.7%) showed improvement in the bleeding pattern, and 11 patients (35.5%) had amenorrhea. Five patients (16.1%) remained with heavy bleeding and were considered to have experienced treatment failure. There were seven expulsions (22.6%); in five patients, bleeding remained heavy, but in two patients the bleeding returned to that of normal menstruation. No relationship was found between treatment failure and greater hysterometries (p=0.40) or greater uterine volumes (p=0.50), whereas expulsion was greater in uteri with smaller hysterometries (p=0.04). There were 13 (21%) complications, seven (53.8%) in the group that underwent insertion of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (all were device expulsions), and six (46.2%) in the surgical group, which were the most severe ones (p=0.76). Regarding satisfaction, 12 patients (38.7%) were dissatisfied with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system and one (3.23%) was dissatisfied with the surgical treatment (p=0.00). CONCLUSION: Treatment with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding and an enlarged uterus was effective, and when compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy, it had a lower rate of satisfaction and the same rate of complications, although less severe.

Acceptability and continuation of use of the subdermal contraceptive implant among adolescents and young women in Argentina: a retrospective cohort study.

A new public policy was instituted in Argentina for free distribution of subdermal contraceptive implants to women aged 15-24 years old in the public healthcare system. The objective of this study is to determine the extent to which this population adhered to the implant, as well as predictors of continuation. The retrospective cohort study was based on a telephone survey of a random sample of 1101 Ministry of Health-registered implant users concerning the continuation of use, satisfaction with the method and side-effects, and reasons for removal. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis were used to explore the association between adherence and having received contraceptive counselling, satisfaction, and side effects. We found high levels of adherence (87%) and satisfaction (94%). Common reported side effects were amenorrhoea or infrequent bleeding, perceived weight gain, increased menstrual bleeding and headaches. Multivariate regression analysis indicates that, among adolescents, having received contraceptive counselling increased comfort, while frequent bleeding at six months hindered trust. Participants who had a history of a prior delivery or who had themselves primarily chosen the method were less likely to request the removal of the implant. Our results support the public policy of free implant distribution in the public health sector. This is a sustainable public policy that contributes to equity and access to effective contraception. It is appropriate for adolescents and young women and will also reduce unintended pregnancies. Our results suggest that counselling patients is key prior to insertion of the implant, as it improves acceptability and continuation.

Assessment of pain and ease of intrauterine device placement according to type of device, parity, and mode of delivery.

OBJECTIVE: We compared pain and the ease of insertion of two different types of intrauterine devices (IUDs; the levonorgestrel intrauterine systems 52 mg (LNG-IUS 52 mg) and the copper-bearing IUD [TCu380A]) among nulligravidas and parous women with and without caesarean delivery. METHODS: A cross-sectional study assessed pain referred by women and ease of insertion of the two IUDs models. We applied a visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess pain, while the ease of insertion was defined by healthcare professionals. RESULTS: We assessed 1076 women, including 334 nulligravidas and 566 parous women who had had at least one caesarean delivery and 176 women with history of only vaginal delivery. Regarding pain at IUD placement, 26 (2.5%) women reported no pain, 167 (16.4%) light pain, 319 (31.3%) moderate and 506 (49.7%) intense pain. The highest scores for pain were reported by nulligravidas (67.2%, p = 0.001), while the mean pain score was higher in the LNG-IUS 52 mg group. Difficulties reported by healthcare providers were more frequent in the nulligravidas (21.2%) and women with previous caesarean delivery (16.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested differences between the two IUDs tested, with higher pain associated with the LNG-IUS 52 mg, and highlights the need for pain management, mainly among nulligravida and women with history of caesarean delivery.SHORT CONDENSATIONIntense pain at insertion was more related to nulligravida than parous women and more pain with placement of LNG-IUS 52 mg IUDs than TCu380A IUDs. Nevertheless, our results confirmed that ease of IUD placement was between 80% to 90% of all insertions, being more common in parous women without previous caesarean delivery.

Pain and ease of insertion of three different intrauterine devices in Brazilian adolescents: A participant-blinded randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare pain and ease of insertion of the copper 380 mm2, levonorgestrel 52 mg, and levonorgestrel 19.5-mg intrauterine devices (IUDs) in Brazilian adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a participant-blinded randomized trial at two clinics in Brazil. We enrolled 318 adolescents<19 years old in a 1:1:1 ratio from November 2021 to February 2022. We informed the adolescents about the IUD type inserted after they evaluated the pain associated with the IUD insertion using a Visual Analogue Scale and immediately after that the healthcare provider who placed the IUD evaluated the ease of the procedure. RESULTS: The VAS pain level was significantly higher after the levonorgestrel 52-mg IUD placement, median and [interquartile range, IQ] 8.0 [4.0] than the copper 380-mm2 IUD 7.0 [4.0], and the levonorgestrel 19.5-mg IUD 7.0 [6.0] (p = 0.001). The placement was easier after the copper 380-mm2 IUD (87/106, 82.1%) and the levonorgestrel 19.5-mg IUD (91/106, 85.8%) when compared with the levonorgestrel 52-mg IUD (75/105, 70.7%). After multiple logistic regression analyses, the higher VAS pain scores were associated with the levonorgestrel 52-mg IUD (OR = 2.90), low number of pregnancies (OR -0.48), and with a history of dysmenorrhea (OR = 2.67). CONCLUSIONS: The placement of the copper 380-mm2 IUD and the levonorgestrel 19.5-mg IUD was associated with lower pain according to the adolescent and was easier according to the provider when compared with the levonorgestrel 52-mg IUD. However, the small observed differences may not be clinically relevant. IMPLICATIONS: We found that the three types of IUDs were generally easy to place; however, mean pain scores were high during insertions. Our findings of high pain scores reinforce the need for interventions to reduce pain for adolescent IUD insertion.

Análise da dispensação de pílula do dia seguinte em uma farmácia do município no oeste do estado do Paraná / Analysis of the dispension of the pill of the following day in a pharmacy in the municipality in the west of the state of Paraná / Análisis de la dispensación de la píldora del día siguiente en una farmacia del municipio del oeste del estado de Paraná

pílula contraceptiva de emergência (CE) é chamada pelos médicos de pílula anticoncepcional pós-coito. É um método anticoncepcional de emergência e deve ser tomada até 72 horas após a relação sexual. É adequado para casos de abuso sexual, preservativos rompidos ou falha de outros métodos anticoncepcionais. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o perfil da dispensação do contraceptivo de emergência (CE) em uma farmácia comercial localizada em um distrito do município de Assis Chateaubriand no oeste do estado do Paraná. Para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa, foi avaliado a quantidade do medicamento dispensado com o princípio ativo levonorgestrel no período de três meses em uma farmácia de dispensação de medicamentos no distrito de Bragantina, assim como a faixa etária da paciente que utilizou, o seu estado civil e o motivo da compra da pílula. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de ética sob o número do CAAE: 60509322.3.0000.0109. Os resultados mostraram que no período do desenvolvimento da pesquisa, 10 pacientes fizeram uso da CE, sendo 5 solteiras e 5 casadas, sendo 50%. Quando relatado a idade das pacientes que fazem uso do CE, os resultados foram entre 19 até 41 anos. Quando perguntado para as pacientes se elas faziam uso de outro método contraceptivo e se presente, qual seria este método, os resultados encontrados foram: 40% das mulheres não utilizam outro método contraceptivo e 60% fazem o uso de outro contraceptivo, destes, o percentual foi de 66% que faziam o uso de preservativo e 34% faziam o uso de anticoncepcional. Em relação ao horário pós-coito, isto é, quantas horas após o coito elas procuraram a farmácia para comprar a CE, os resultados encontrados foram de 08 horas até 52 horas. Sendo assim, conclui-se que o estudo possui relevância frente à procura da PDS, no entanto, é de suma importância não esquecer de que a PDS deve ser utilizada somente em casos de emergências e não como uso rotineiro, para isso, existem outros métodos de contraceptivos que podem ser de recurso rotineiro. Neste sentido, mais estudos são necessários para avaliar se a população tem conhecimento sobre o tema, se o farmacêutico está preparado para atendê-los e o porquê da população não se programar melhor para evitar os possíveis "acidentes".

The morning after pill (PDS) is called the post-coital birth control pill by doctors. It is an emergency contraceptive method and must be taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse. It is suitable for cases of sexual abuse, broken condoms or failure of other contraceptive methods. Therefore, the objective of the present study will be to evaluate the profile of the dispensation of emergency contraceptives (EC) in a pharmacy in the western municipality of the state of Paraná. For the development of the research, the amount of medication dispensed in a period of three months in a drug dispensing pharmacy was evaluated, as well as the age group of the patient who will use it, her marital status and the reason for purchasing the pill. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee under CAAE number: 60509322.3.0000.0109. The results showed that during the research development period, 10 patients used PDS, 5 of them single and 5 married, being 50%. When reporting the age of patients using the morning-after pill, the results ranged from 19 to 41 years. When asked to patients if they used another contraceptive method and, if present, which method this would be, the results found were: 40% of women do not use another contraceptive method and 60% use another contraceptive, of these, the percentage 66% used condoms and 34% used contraceptives. Regarding the post-coital time, that is, how many hours after coitus they looked for the pharmacy to buy the PDS, the results found were from 08 hours to 52 hours. Therefore, it is concluded that care with medication intake becomes more important when it comes to EC, due to its potential risks to the female body, which can have consequences, especially when used excessively and without prior knowledge. Thus, more guidance on the use and its adverse effects, as more studies on the subject are necessary, in order to minimize the damage that PDS can cause in the female organism.

La píldora del día después (PDS) es llamada por los médicos píldora anticonceptiva poscoital. Es un método anticonceptivo de emergencia y debe ser tomada dentro de las 72 horas siguientes a la relación sexual. Está indicada en casos de abuso sexual, rotura del preservativo o fracaso de otros métodos anticonceptivos. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio será evaluar el perfil de la dispensación de anticonceptivos de emergencia (AE) en una farmacia del municipio oeste del estado de Paraná. Para el desarrollo de la investigación, se evaluó la cantidad de medicación dispensada en un período de tres meses en una farmacia dispensadora de medicamentos, así como el grupo etario de la paciente que la utilizará, su estado civil y el motivo de compra de la píldora. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética con el número CAAE: 60509322.3.0000.0109. Los resultados mostraron que durante el período de desarrollo de la investigación, 10 pacientes utilizaron la PDS, 5 de ellas solteras y 5 casadas, siendo el 50%. Al informar sobre la edad de las pacientes que utilizaban la píldora del día después, los resultados oscilaron entre 19 y 41 años. Cuando se preguntó a las pacientes si utilizaban otro método anticonceptivo y, en caso afirmativo, cuál sería, los resultados encontrados fueron: 40% de las mujeres no utilizan otro método anticonceptivo y 60% utilizan otro anticonceptivo, de estas, el porcentaje 66% utilizó preservativo y 34% anticonceptivos. En cuanto al tiempo post-coital, es decir, cuántas horas después del coito buscaron la farmacia para comprar la PDS, los resultados encontrados fueron de 08 horas a 52 horas. Por lo tanto, se concluye que el cuidado con la ingesta de medicamentos se vuelve más importante cuando se trata de la AE, debido a sus riesgos potenciales para el organismo femenino, que pueden tener consecuencias, especialmente cuando se usa en exceso y sin conocimiento previo. Por lo tanto, son necesarias más orientaciones sobre el uso y sus efectos adversos, así como más estudios sobre el tema, con el fin de minimizar los daños que la PDS puede causar en el organismo femenino.