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Antiepileptic drugs and hormonal contraceptives in adolescent women with epilepsy.

Both estrogen and progesterone influence seizure activity in women with epilepsy, with estrogen generally demonstrating proconvulsant and progesterone anticonvulsant effects. Women with epilepsy exhibit a variety of endocrine disturbances, probably due to a combination of factors, including the epilepsy syndrome and the effect of interictal and ictal epileptic discharges in the brain. The direct effects of some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) further increase this risk, apparently related to a specific drug's effect on hepatic microsomal enzymes of the cytochrome P-450 system. AEDs that induce hepatic microsomal enzymes also interact with hormonal contraception to increase estrogen's metabolism and progesterone's protein binding, decreasing concentrations of both hormones and thus reducing contraceptive efficacy. Some evidence indicates that concurrent use of hormonal contraceptives and lamotrigine significantly decreases the plasma concentration of lamotrigine, suggesting that close monitoring is warranted. Nevertheless, hormonal contraception confers comparable or superior efficacy compared with such other contraceptives as the intrauterine device and barrier methods and remains an appropriate option in women with epilepsy. Importantly, concurrent use of hormonal contraception and AEDs does not adversely affect seizure control. Careful patient management, including the use of increased estrogen doses (> or =50 microg) in patients receiving enzyme-inducing AEDs, may further minimize the risk for unintended pregnancy. Special considerations in women of childbearing age include decreased compliance and disease prevention. Although adequate seizure control is the critical requirement of an AED, the potential for interactions with hormonal contraception and the increased risk for endocrine disturbances caused by drugs that alter hepatic microsomal enzymes suggest additional potential advantages for AED treatment that does not affect these enzymes. Both the constellation of physicians treating women with epilepsy and the patients themselves have a poor understanding of the spectrum of reproductive health issues involved, and increased awareness is needed to improve patient management.

Adolescent↗

Sexually transmitted diseases: magnitude, determinants and consequences.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) infections constitute a major reproductive health burden for sexually-active individuals. The short-term and long-term consequences of STD have been well documented and include genital and other cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and adverse outcomes of pregnancy including pre-term delivery and low birth weight. The burden of sexually transmitted infections falls disproportionately on the young, the poor, minorities and women. At the societal level, there is a continuing need to educate people, particularly adolescents, about their risk for STDs and their sequelae and to increase the use of barrier methods including condoms. Policy decisions that facilitate more open discussion of sexuality and STDs, and that expand the accessibility and acceptability of sexual risk assessment, STD screening and treatment services would help decrease STD rates in the United States to levels similar to those observed in other industrialized countries.

Adolescent↗

Anogenital warts contributing to the risk of squamous intraepithelial lesions among HIV-positive women of São Paulo, Brazil.

Unsafe sexual practices may expose HIV-positive women to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) and to infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) types. A cross sectional study of 141 HIV-positive women was designed to evaluate risk factors for the development of cervico-vaginal SIL and HPV-DNA detection/typing. Uni- and multivariate forward stepwise analysis was used to determine the relationship between risk variables and HPV infection and between risk behaviour, HPV and HIV infection with development of SIL. Univariate analysis showed that HPV-DNA infection was related to previous and recurrent anogenital warts, male genital warts and cytological alteration. For final multivariate analysis, both HPV type (undetermined- and high-risk, OR=29.3 and 112.0, respectively) were statistically associated (P=0.019) with high-grade cervico-vaginal SIL. The presence of anogenital warts as well as high- and undetermined-risk HPV infection may alert to cyto/histopathological alterations. These results point out the importance of the use of barrier methods and routine early genitoscopy/treatment for HIV-infected partners.

Adult↗

Introduction of a proforma in the management of under age attendees at a genitourinary clinic.

The aim of this review was evaluation of a recently developed proforma for improving assessment and management of patients under the age of 16 in the genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic. A case-note review of all under-16s attending between June 2000 and March 2001 was undertaken (109 patients). Comparison with review from 1998 prior to proforma introduction was carried out. In all, 99 proformas were completed. Fewer young patients were seen solely by junior doctors since proforma introduction (27-45%) (P=0.012), more were referred to health advisors (79% versus 66%) (P = 0.056),but follow-up remains suboptimal (72% versus 78%). Possibility of abuse was assessed in 102 patients (17 cases of non-consensual sex versus six in 1998). In all, 54% were using no contraception and only 21% were consistently using barrier methods; 41% had sexually transmitted infections diagnosed. The proforma is useful for collecting data and directing management when completed fully, and has revealed greater numbers of children involved in risky behaviour and abuse.

Adolescent↗

Feminism and regulation collide: the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the cervical cap.

In May 1988, the Prentif Cavity Rim cervical cap, a barrier method of contraception, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for contraceptive purposes in the United States. This paper describes some of the events leading to the approval of the cervical cap as a contraceptive. Of major interest is the unprecedented involvement of the feminist health movement in clinic-based research, policy making, and distribution of the cervical cap. The recall of the Vimule cervical cap, the use of lay health workers in fitting an experimental device, and the feminist providers' response to the FDA's regulation of the cervical cap are detailed.

Contraceptive Devices, Female↗

Contraceptive risk-taking in a medically-underserved, low-income population.

This study examines the phenomenon of contraceptive risk-taking, which is the non-use of contraception by women who are sexually active, fertile and not pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Based on a survey sample of low-income women in their childbearing years who had not received family planning care or advice from a doctor or clinic for at least three years, the study analyzed demographic predictors of contraceptive risk-taking, and also compared levels of contraceptive knowledge and pregnancy histories of non-contraceptors versus barrier method contraceptors. Contraceptive risk-taking was found to be higher for minority women, for parous women, for those age 30 and younger and for those whose knowledge of the fertility cycle is incorrect, but was found to be only weakly related to the women's marital status. Non-contraceptors were less knowledgeable concerning contraceptive methods and substantially more likely to have had previous unwanted pregnancies due to non-use of contraception, suggesting that current contraceptive risk-taking probably represents a relatively enduring feature of reproductive behavior for a sub-group of the medically-underserved low-income population.

Adolescent↗

Using a biological indicator to detect potential sources of cross-contamination in the dental operatory.

The authors conducted a study using surveillance monitoring methodology to identify operatory contamination and to evaluate the effectiveness of infection control procedures. Viridans streptococci were evaluated as biological indicators of oral contamination. Viridans streptococci, abundant in human saliva, were detected on operatory surfaces after dental treatments were finished and surfaces were disinfected. The findings validate current concepts of infection control as demonstrated in barrier methods.

Adult↗

Gender differed factors affecting male condom use. A population-based study of 18-year-old Swedish adolescents.

UNLABELLED: Despite preventive measures promoting the condom as a good barrier method and a good preventive measure for STIs, teenage abortions and STIs are increasing in our society. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore which male factors are associated with non-condom use and also which female factors are associated with non-condom use among their sexual partners. STUDY GROUP: A population-based study, among all 18-year old girls and boys in four cities in northern Sweden. METHOD: The participants answered a questionnaire regarding their social lifestyle, psychological-, and sexual health. The associations between the independent variables and the dependent variable (non-condom use) were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Four significant (p<0.05) male variables associated with non-condom use were identified: living with partner during the weekends, feeling depressed, being a party smoker, and girl partner taking oral contraceptives. Two significant (p<0.05) female variables were associated with non-condom: using oral contraceptives and feeling forced into sex. Having TV and movie watching as favourite free time activity was identified as a significant protective female variable associated with condom use. CONCLUSION: The study found several male and female factors associated with non-condom use, where the usage of oral contraception was the strongest indicator for non-condom use. The study showed a gender difference in the variables associated with condom use and the results have been suggested as useful in future preventive measures promoting condom usage.

Adolescent↗

Nosocomial respiratory syncytial virus infection in Canadian pediatric hospitals: a Pediatric Investigators Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine nosocomial transmission of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Canadian pediatric hospitals, outcomes associated with nosocomial disease, and infection control practices. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study in the 1992 to 1994 winter respiratory seasons. SETTING: Nine Canadian pediatric university-affiliated hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Hospitalized children with symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection (at least one of cough, wheezing, dyspnea, tachypnea, and apnea) and RSV antigen identified in a nasopharyngeal aspirate. RESULTS: Of 1516 children, 91 (6%) had nosocomial RSV (NRSV), defined as symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection and RSV antigen beginning >72 hours after admission. The nosocomial ratio (NRSV/[com-munity-acquired RSV {CARSV})] + NRSV) varied by site from 2.8% to 13%. The median length of stay attributable to RSV for community-acquired illness was 5 days, but 10 days for nosocomial illness. Four children with NRSV (4. 4%) died within 2 weeks of infection, compared with 6 (0.42%) with CARSV (relative risk = 10.4, 95% confidence interval: 3.0, 36.4). All sites isolated RSV-positive patients in single rooms or cohorted them. In a multivariate model, no particular isolation policy was associated with decreased nosocomial ratio, but gowning to enter the room was associated with increased risk of RSV transmission (incidence rate ratio 2.81; confidence interval: 1.65, 4.77). CONCLUSIONS: RSV transmission risk in Canadian pediatric hospitals is generally low. Although use of barrier methods varies, all sites cohort or isolate RSV-positive patients in single rooms. Children with risk factors for severe disease who acquire infection nosocomially have prolonged stays and excess mortality.

Canada↗

Coitus-related cervical cancer risk factors: trends and differentials in racial and religious groups.

Data from nationally representative surveys conducted in 1965 and 1976 are presented which describe differences between women of different religious and racial groups with respect to the prevalence of primary marriage and use of barrier methods of contraception. These practices were significantly less likely among Black women and significantly more likely among Jewish women than among comparison groups, which is consistent with the hypothesis that cervical cancer risk is related to coital behaviors.

Adolescent↗

The female condom: tool for women's empowerment.

International and US experience with the female condom has shown that the device empowers diverse populations of women, helping them negotiate protection with their partners, promoting healthy behaviors, and increasing self-efficacy and sexual confidence and autonomy. This commentary reflects on some approaches that have been taken to study empowerment and makes several observations on the political and scientific initiatives needed to capitalize on this empowerment potential. Women's interest in the female condom indicates a need for more women's barrier methods to be made available. For some women, cultural proscriptions against touching the genitals may create initial hesitancy in trying these methods. But the disposition of regulatory agencies and the attitudes of health care providers has unfortunately exaggerated this reticence, thereby effectively reducing access to these methods. Also, lack of important detail in clinical studies restricts our capacity to introduce the female condom, or similar methods, under optimal conditions. Future trials should prioritize community-based designs and address a range of other critical health and social issues for women. Women's need for HIV/AIDS prevention technologies remains an urgent priority. Both political and scientific efforts are needed to realize the public health potential embodied in the female condom.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Interactions between oral contraceptives and antifungals/antibacterials. Is contraceptive failure the result?

The effectiveness of oral contraceptives may be impaired by concomitant treatment with antimicrobials. This may occur because of reductions in plasma concentrations of ethinylestradiol by the induction of hepatic metabolism, as for rifampicin (rifampin) and possibly griseofulvin, or in a small percentage of women because of interference with enterohepatic recirculation. There are no scientific data to support the anecdotal evidence that the concomitant use of combined oral contraceptives and antimicrobials reduces contraceptive efficacy in the majority of women. It has been postulated that there is a subset of women in whom the enterohepatic recirculation of ethinylestradiol plays an important role. In these women the action of an antimicrobial may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives by interfering with this mechanism. Studies that have quantitatively examined these effects may have failed to include women from this subset because of the small numbers involved in the studies. On the other hand, there are no good prospective studies comparing contraceptive failure rates between compliant women who use combined oral contraceptives with and without antimicrobials. All women using combined oral contraceptives should be informed of the very low level of risk of interactions with antimicrobials (probably about 1%) and that it is not possible to identify who may be at risk. Women concerned about this low level of risk should be given information about the use of barrier methods or avoidance of intercourse during the first 7 days of concomitant antimicrobial therapy and for 7 subsequent days. Women who have had previous contraceptive failures or developed breakthrough bleeding during concomitant antimicrobial use should be strongly advised to follow these precautions, as they may be part of the subset of women at higher risk of contraceptive failure.

Animals↗

Gonadal steroids in athletic women contraception, complications and performance.

Gonadal steroids are altered by the reproductive system's adaptation to conditioning exercise. Contraceptive options for the athletic woman include all measures appropriate for the sedentary woman. Barrier methods (always with spermicidal jelly) are the preferred choice. The cardiovascular risks, decreased aerobic performance, and shorter time to muscular exhaustion related to oral contraceptives make this a less desirable option. Potential complications from the steroid changes of intense exercise include: low oestrogen and progesterone with risk of loss of trabecular bone and early osteoporosis, and absent progesterone with low normal oestrogen levels associated with risk of endometrial or breast cancer. Therapeutic options for the amenorrhoeic or young athlete include supplemental oral calcium, cyclic oral progesterone, or possibly cyclic physiological oestrogen and progesterone. The anovulatory (usually older) athlete with regular menses needs cyclic progesterone. Medroxyprogesterone 10mg on days 16 to 25 of the cycle or for 10 days monthly can potentially prevent endometrial and breast cancer, give predictable cycles, improve trabecular bone balance and stimulate the return of ovulatory cycles. A practical approach to anovulatory infertility in the athlete includes a 10% reduction in exercise intensity and/or an increase in percentage body fat to 18 to 20%. Cyclic vaginal progesterone (25mg bid) can then treat short luteal phase cycles. With improved understanding of the hormonal adaptations to conditioning exercise, we will be better able to outline contraceptive and therapeutic options in the future.

Contraceptives, Oral↗

Hormonal contraception in adolescents: special considerations.

With the rates of unintended pregnancies in teenagers remaining high, it is crucial to present adolescents with all of the contraceptive options available to them. While barrier methods, for example, male condoms, are easily accessible and do not have adverse effects, their use must be consistent and correct with each act of intercourse. Hormonal contraception affords much better efficacy in preventing pregnancy when used with full compliance. Oral contraceptives are a popular method of contraception among adolescents and offer many non-contraceptive benefits along with the prevention of pregnancy. They have very few significant adverse effects, which are outweighed by the significant morbidity associated with teenage pregnancies, and can be used by most adolescent females. However, their minor bothersome effects do contribute to the high discontinuation rates seen. In addition, many girls find it difficult to remember to take a pill every day, leading to higher failure rates in teenagers than in adult women. The advent of long-acting, progestogen (progestin)-only methods, such as injectables and implantables, has been generally accepted by adolescents and these methods have proven to be more efficacious by avoiding the need for daily compliance. However, progestogen-only methods cause irregular bleeding and amenorrhea, which is not acceptable to many teenagers. In addition, the most widely used implant was taken off the market a few years ago and newer forms are not yet widely accessible. Other novel methods are currently available, including the transdermal patch and the vaginal ring. Both are combinations of estrogen and progestogen and have similar efficacy and adverse effect profiles to oral contraceptives. Their use may be associated with greater compliance by adolescents because they also do not require adherence to a daily regimen. However, there may be some drawbacks with these newer methods, for example, visibility of the patch and difficulty with insertion of the vaginal ring. When regular contraceptive modalities fail, emergency contraception is available. Choices include combination oral contraceptives, progestogen-only pills, mifepristone, or placement of a copper-releasing intrauterine device. These methods can be very useful for preventing pregnancy in adolescents as long as adolescents are aware of their existence and have easy access to them.

Adolescent↗

Preconception counseling and contraception after gestational diabetes.

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed in the period 1978-1984 were followed for on average 6 yr after the index pregnancy. Thirty percent had diabetes mellitus at the follow-up examination, and preliminary results indicate that at least another third will develop diabetes during a subsequent pregnancy. Therefore, family planning and contraceptive guidance should follow the lines for women with pregestational diabetes. When low-dose hormonal contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel were given to women with previous GDM, glucose tolerance and lipoprotein levels remained unchanged during a 6-mo treatment. However, insulin response to oral glucose increased significantly after hormonal intake for 6 mo. A triphasic preparation resulted in a significantly lower insulin response than a low-dose monophasic preparation. However, the results indicate that low-dose oral-contraceptive compounds appear to be safe for women with previous GDM when administered for limited periods. At the follow-up examination, we found no increased risk of developing diabetes in women with previous GDM who used oral contraception. We consider the intrauterine contraceptives (IUD) a safe and effective alternative for women with previous GDM. Of 154 women with GDM, 33% chose IUD, 22% a combination-type oral contraceptive, and 16% barrier methods as their first choice of contraception 2 mo postpartum. We conclude that family planning and qualified contraceptive advice are important in women with previous GDM.

Contraception↗

Clinical guidelines on contraception and diabetes.

Diabetic women present an interesting challenge to the reproductive health-care physician and gynecologist. Good preconceptual counselling reduces the risk of adverse consequences of the pregnancy to the mother and the fetus and should be encouraged. Poor metabolic control has been linked with an increased risk of congenital malformations. The low-dose combined pill (COC) does not appear to increase the risk of diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Young healthy diabetic women under 25 years old may be prescribed the low-dose COC with careful metabolic monitoring. The copper intrauterine contraceptive device is a useful choice in diabetic women with vascular disease, proliferative retinopathy and nephropathy. The progestogen-only pill and barrier methods may sometimes have unacceptable failure rates in diabetic women who may require to avoid a pregnancy at any cost. When a couple's family is complete, sterilization and vasectomy should be encouraged.

Contraception↗

The challenge of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.

At the end of 1998, an estimated 67% of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world were in Sub-Saharan Africa--some 22.5 million people. The challenges posed by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in this resource--poor region are enormous. The most important is to reduce the number of new infections: simple interventions such as barrier methods of contraception and better treatment of sexually transmitted diseases must be implemented now whilst waiting for an effective vaccine. There is also a need to understand more comprehensively the clinical spectrum and natural history of the disease in the region. However, with an ever-growing demand for care caused by HIV/AIDS, probably the most compelling yet insoluble challenge is how to provide wider access to very costly specialist services, including antiretroviral therapy.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

The Role of Barrier Contraceptives in Prevention of Pregnancy and Disease in Adolescents.

The advent of HIV infection and a greater understanding of the effects of other viral sexually transmitted diseases have brought condoms back to the forefront in discussions of contraception in both the general press and the medical literature. Development of several newer barrier methods and improved understanding of use of the older methods by adolescents have occurred during the past few years.

Journal Article↗