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Fertility and contraception in the Marshall Islands.

Data on fertility and contraception in Micronesian women in the Marshall Islands were collected during a women's health survey in 1985. High total fertility rates were found. The reproductive pattern of many Marshallese women is one that has been associated with adverse health consequences: pregnancies in teenagers and in women over 39 years, high parities of four or more births, and short birth intervals. The practice of breastfeeding is declining in younger women. The prevalence of contraceptive use is low, and the availability of reversible methods is limited. Most contraceptive nonusers would like to practice contraception, but are inhibited by the lack of information about family planning. It is suggested that more attention needs to be given to family planning services in the Marshall Islands, in particular to improving the availability of reversible methods of contraception and of information about family planning. Further research is also needed on how family planning services might best be organized to maximize participation by women and their partners who wish to use such services.

Adolescent↗

Contraceptive steroids increase hepatic uptake of chylomicron remnants in healthy young women.

In an investigation of alterations in cholesterol metabolism during contraceptive steroid use, we studied plasma clearance of chylomicron remnants. Six healthy women were studied on and off contraceptive steroid therapy. Remnant clearance was measured from the disappearance of retinyl palmitate administered intravenously in plasma endogenously labeled with retinyl palmitate. We also measured cholesterol in HDL and its subfractions and postheparin lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triglyceride lipase activities. Plasma decay of retinyl palmitate was biexponential. The rapid component, reflecting chylomicron remnant removal, accounted for about 90% of the total clearance in all studies. During contraceptive steroid intake, both rapid and slow decay constants and the calculated plasma clearance rates were significantly increased (mean values: rapid decay constant, control 0.048 versus treated 0.101 min-1, P less than 0.05; slow decay constant, 0.004 versus 0.014 min-1, P less than 0.01; plasma clearance 74 versus 115 ml/min, P less than 0.025) indicating enhanced hepatic uptake of chylomicron remnants and probably an increased hepatic uptake of higher density lipoproteins (d greater than 1.006 g/ml). Total postheparin lipolytic activity and lipoprotein lipase activity were depressed in all six women (P less than 0.05) and hepatic triglyceride lipase activity was increased in four of five subjects. Contraceptive steroids also caused a decrease in the HDL2/HDL3 cholesterol ratio (P less than 0.05), implying impaired peripheral lipoprotein triglyceride hydrolysis and/or increased HDL2 clearance by hepatic triglyceride lipase. In conclusion, during intake of contraceptive steroids, the plasma clearance of chylomicron remnants and higher density lipoproteins was increased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Oral contraceptives and lipoprotein metabolism.

The extensive literature on the effects of oral contraceptives on plasma lipoproteins is reviewed. The interpretation of various studies has been confounded by the diversity of contraceptive formulations and by the fact that estrogen and progestogen components in a given preparation may neutralize or potentiate each other's effects. Recent studies on contraceptive estrogens and progestogens administered alone have helped to reveal some of the mechanisms behind oral-contraceptive-induced changes in plasma lipoproteins. The introduction of modern low-dose oral contraceptives has resulted in a reduction in adverse effects on plasma lipoproteins and has decreased concern about the risk of arterial disease.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

Masking effect of hormonal contraceptives on discriminating quantitative features of visually normal intermediate cells in positive and negative cervical smears.

In quantitative studies of visually normal intermediate cells in smears from patients with cervical neoplasia, the contraceptive status of the patients has not previously been taken into account. In this study cervical smears from 151 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) III or invasive carcinoma and from 360 normal controls were grouped according to week of menstrual or pill cycle and mode of hormonal contraception. The nuclear-cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio of visually normal intermediate cells in smears from patients with neoplasia was significantly different from that of the normal controls (P less than .001). Based on nuclear area and N/C ratio, the percentages of intermediate cells correctly classified as having come from positive or negative smears were significantly better in women with ovulatory cycles (non-users) than in women using hormonal contraceptives (P less than .025). It is concluded that hormonal contraceptives can mask the salient quantitative features of visually normal intermediate cells from patients with CIN and the contraceptive status thus has to be taken into account in such studies.

Carcinoma↗

Contraceptive use and fertility in Guatemala.

In 1983, one-quarter of married Guatemalan women aged 15-44 years were using contraception, and female sterilization was the most prevalent method. Fertility rates for the population were at correspondingly high levels, with an overall total fertility rate of about six births per woman. Contraceptive prevalence varied by residence and ethnic group; less than 5 percent of currently married Indian women and about 50 percent of married women in the capital city area were using contraception. From 1978 to 1983, prevalence increased overall by six percentage points, with surgical contraception accounting for most of the increase. Findings of the study suggest that different strategies need to be employed among Ladino and Indian women in order to increase contraceptive prevalence in these subgroups.

Adolescent↗

Cystic disease, family history of breast cancer, and use of oral contraceptives.

Epidemiologic studies show a lower frequency of fibrocystic breast disease among users of oral contraceptives than among women who have never used them. Family history of breast cancer appears to be more common among benign breast disease patients than among their controls. To determine the use of oral contraceptives and the presence of family history of breast cancer, information was obtained from 211 cystic cases and their matched controls from the metropolitan Toronto area. Cystic cases compared to controls had a higher proportion of women with a family history of breast cancer (21% vs 15%). For both a positive and negative family history of breast cancer, as well as for all women combined, the mean duration of oral contraceptive use was lower for cystic cases than for controls. The odds ratio for oral contraceptive use according to family history of breast cancer for cystic cases and controls was 0.42 and 0.81 respectively. The possibility that a woman is more protected against benign breast disease by using oral contraceptives if she has a family history of breast cancer deserves more attention in future investigations on the long-term effects of birth control pills.

Breast Diseases↗

Female adolescent contraception.

Numerous clinical challenges confront care providers in caring for adolescents regarding contraception and sexual health issues. Strong communication skills are an integral factor in dealing with the sexually active teen. The most common contraceptive options for adolescents include Norplant, Depo-Provera, oral contraception, and condoms. Providing contraceptive care for adolescents requires knowledge of these methods, including the new FDA guidelines that standardize instructions for oral contraceptive use. Nursing responsibilities include counseling the adolescent regarding the risks of sexual activity with multiple partners, exposure to HIV, STDS, and the correct use of condoms. Educational efforts should focus on improving adolescent communication skills and encouraging discussion by sexual partners about the issue of condom use.

Adolescent↗

Cervical cytology associated with levonorgestrel contraception.

Cytologic monitoring of cervical smears was carried out in 686 women receiving two modes of levonorgestrel contraception, one in the form of a subdermal implant and the other as an intrauterine device. The period of contraception with both delivery systems ranged from six months to five years. No case of malignant neoplasia was seen in any of the 44 subjects even after five years of continued levonorgestrel contraception. Preinsertion cytology revealed eight dysplastic smears (seven mild and one moderate); the lesions reverted to normal six months later and remained normal after one to four years of hormone use. A total of 19 dysplastic smears (18 mild and 1 moderate) were detected in the postinsertion smears collected after one to five years of contraception, giving an incidence of 2.8%, which was nonsignificant when compared with the control figure of 1.3%. Regression of the lesion to normal was observed in all 19 dysplasias on follow-up and in none did the dysplasia progress to a higher grade or frank malignancy. The incidence of dysplasia was more than twice as high with the intrauterine device as with the implant (4.9% vs. 2.1%). Hence, the implant appeared to be safe during five years of contraceptive use in terms of cervical pathology. However, longer follow-up of a large number of women is needed to reach a definitive conclusion.

Adult↗

Carbohydrate metabolism of Indian women taking steroid contraceptives.

Three parameters, serum glucose, insulin, and growth hormone levels, were used to measure carbohydrate metabolism in 25 women not using steroid contraceptives, 48 women using combination oral contraceptives, and 27 women using low-dose progestogen oral contraceptives. Women in the combination contraceptives group had significant modifications in the responses of all three parameters studied. A bias toward modification was also seen in the normal tests of the combination group. The low-dose progestogen, megestrol acetate, did not cause similar changes in glucose, insulin, and growth hormone values.

Adult↗

The phasic approach to oral contraception: the triphasic concept and its clinical application.

The phasic approach to oral contraception is described with a historical review of the evolution of new administration regimens aimed at lowering total steroid content from monophasic to biphasic to the new triphasic approach. The phasic regimen designs which support the intended mechanism of action of each of the phasic approaches are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the discussion of the rationale for the new triphasic oral contraceptive and the clinical demonstration of the triphasic's inhibition of ovulation and maintenance of functional integrity of the pituitary-ovarian axis. A new theoretical formula and practical concept are presented that incorporate a progestogen potency factor, and consequently provide a common denominator enabling a comparison of the magnitude of the effects of various oral contraceptive products on pituitary responsiveness. Widespread clinical studies are described which reinforce the suggestion that the triphasic is the state of the art and represents an important contribution to contraceptive technology.

Contraceptives, Oral↗

[Central and peripheral actions of an oral contraceptive with reduced oestrogen content (author's transl)].

The action spectrum of an oral contraceptive which contained a reduced amount of the oestrogen component (0.04 mg ethinyl-oestradiol and 2.0 mg lynoestrenol) was investigated in 4 volunteer subjects. Serum levels of LH, 17 beta-oestradiol and progesterone were determined by radioimmunoassay and, in addition, the karyopyknotic index and cervical function were studied daily from the 8th day of the cycle. These parameters were determined in a control cycle, in the cycle during administration of the oral contraceptive and in the subsequent treatment-free cycle. Furthermore, the bleeding patterns were studied in 284 treatment cycles of 26 patients. Results of these studies indicate complete contraceptive protection by inhibition of ovulation and by an efficient cervical barrier action already during the first treatment cycle. Withdrawal bleeding was observed 3 to 4 days after ingestion of the last tablet. Spotting was recorded in 11 subjects during the first treatment cycle but was rarely observed during further treatment. Blood loss and bleeding control is comparable to that of other combined oral contraceptives with reduced oestrogen content.

Adolescent↗

Oral contraception in the former Czech and Slovak Federal Republic: attitudes and use.

This paper presents and discusses data on oral contraception from a national representative survey (n = 1072) on knowledge, attitudes and practice with regard to contraceptive use in the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic (CSFR). Only 7% of the women at risk of unplanned pregnancy used the pill. The low rate of use seems to be due to the general negative image of oral contraception, reinforced by the experiences of past users and opinions expressed by relative, friends, doctors, and the media. In particular, perceived psychological disadvantages have an important bearing on the decision not to use the method, whereas perceived advantages have hardly any impact. It is likely that this negative image is closely linked with the types of oral contraceptives that have been available in the country and also with the limited choice. Second- and third-generation oral contraceptives have only very recently become available. It is recommended that balanced information on the advantages and disadvantages of oral contraception be made available to doctors and to the general public on a large scale and through a variety of channels.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of the effect of contraceptive prices on demand in eight Western European countries.

Wide differences exist among European countries as regards national reimbursement schemes and the resulting individual expenditure on contraception. In this current research project annual expenditure and costs in the first year of use were calculated, taking into account existing reimbursement levels, for oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, condoms, and sterilization in eight Western European countries: Italy, France, United Kingdom, Spain, West Germany, Austria, Sweden and Denmark. The costs were expressed in Swiss francs. For users of oral contraceptives it emerged that the annual expenditure on contraception ranged from nil in the United Kingdom to 172.32 Swiss francs in Austria. In the case of condoms, the cost to users was lowest in the United Kingdom (57.44 Swiss francs) and highest in Spain (105.95 Swiss francs). Expenditure on the use of an intrauterine device in the first year ranged from nil in the United Kingdom and Sweden to 449.87 Swiss francs in Austria, while sterilization was carried out free of charge in France, West Germany and Denmark, as compared with a cost of 677.57 Swiss francs in Italy. The variation in expenditure was largely explained by the extent to which contraception costs are reimbursed in the respective countries. Correlation of the calculated expenditure on a method and its use did not show any statistically significant trend. This suggests that the wide differences in the choice of contraceptive methods between countries are not related to differences in national reimbursement schemes and resulting costs to users, and that other factors must be involved.

Adolescent↗

Contraception and sexuality in an area-specific group of Swedish women 15-34 years of age.

In a community-based study in a Swedish suburban/rural area, all women aged 15-34 years (n = 671) were invited to the local health centre to be examined for chlamydia infection and for an interview. The attenders were asked about contraceptive history, age at first intercourse, number of life-time sexual partners and socioeconomic background. The net attendance was 69%, and contraceptive information on an additional 20% could be gathered through medical records. The average age at first intercourse was around 16 years, and the average number of sexual partners in the age-groups 20-24, 25-30 and 31-34 years was 4.0, 5.6 and 6.1, respectively. Of all women, around 75% had used contraception at first intercourse, and there was no tendency to a changing pattern during the past 20 years studies through the interviews. Combined estrogen-progestagen pills were by far the most used contraceptive method, presently being used by 42% of the contracepting women, followed by condom (23%), IUD (19%) and other hormonal methods (10%). It is concluded that sexual life in Sweden starts earlier than it did 30 years ago, that the number of sexual partners is higher, that most women in the studied group were efficient contraceptors, and that hormonal contraception was by far the most common method.

Adolescent↗

Choices and changes in contraceptive behaviour; the role of information sources.

One of the factors contributing to the fact that contraceptive behaviour in The Netherlands is more effective then in most other countries seems to be that Dutch women are very well informed about all aspects of contraception as a result of formal and informal education at school, in the families and by the media. In a population based survey more than 4500 women were followed during 5 consecutive years by means of a yearly questionnaire about contraceptive behaviour, choices and trends. With regards to information sources it is concluded that the general practitioner, who plays a central role as provider of contraceptive services, is viewed as the most important and reliable source of information. On the other hand Dutch women in general view their contraceptive choices as their own, they do not feel that they are very much influenced by the opinions of their physicians, who in general do not have a normative, patronizing and/or moralizing attitude regarding sexuality and contraception.

Adolescent↗

Concerns about contraceptive side effects among young Latinas: a focus-group approach.

To identify perceptions and attitudes about contraceptive side effects in young, low-income Latina adolescents through focus-group conversations. We conducted seven focus-group discussions with Latino females in an outpatient clinic and community setting. Qualitative methodology was used to analyze data. Participants were recruited from the outpatient gynecology clinic at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and from the Easter Seals Day Care Center. Women were recruited if they were Latino and between the ages of 18 and 26 years (N = 40). Participants cited both perceptions of side effects as well as personal experience with side effects as reasons for not using or discontinuing the use of contraception. Women also demonstrated incorrect knowledge about contraception, and tended to value anecdotal information over information from health professionals. These factors led to reliance on less-effective methods of contraception, placing participants at risk for unintended pregnancy. Concern about side effects, fear of health consequences and misinformation were identified as barriers to effective contraceptive use in young, low-income Latinas. Providers caring for this population should address potential concerns about side effects of contraception as well as assess patients' understanding in light of cultural and language barriers.

Adolescent↗

Contraceptive usage, knowledge and correlates of usage among female emergency department patients.

OBJECTIVES: For female emergency department (ED) patients, we sought to assess the prevalence of contraceptive usage as well as the extent of contraceptive knowledge and to determine if demographic and sexual health history factors, comprehension of contraceptive methods and moral/religious opinions on contraception were associated with current usage of birth control pills (BCPs), prior usage of emergency contraception (EC) and frequency of condom usage. METHODS: English-speaking female ED patients aged between 18 and 55 years at a northeastern United States urban ED were surveyed on their usage, comprehension and opinions regarding BCPs, EC and condoms. RESULTS: Of the 539 respondents (64.6% were aged </=35 years), most were White (63.1%), single (42.5%), Catholic (48.4%) and privately insured (55.3%). Among the 223 women at pregnancy risk [not currently pregnant, not using any form of nonsurgical birth control (except condoms) and with no prior tubal ligation or hysterectomy], about 25% were using BCPs, fewer than 10% had used EC and almost 40% never used condoms. Most women displayed good knowledge about BCPs and condoms but poor understanding about EC. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, current BCP usage among women at risk of pregnancy was associated with younger age [odds ratio (OR)=0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.37-0.79], private insurance (OR=2.52; 95% CI=1.30-4.86) and recent intercourse (OR=1.61; 95% CI=1.19-2.18). Among women at risk of pregnancy, those who had an abortion (OR=2.56; 95% CI=1.17-5.61) and those who displayed greater EC knowledge (OR=3.23; 95% CI=1.50-6.95) had greater odds of having used EC. Among all women, more frequent condom usage was associated with being younger (OR=0.57; 95% CI=0.46-0.70), having never been married (OR=0.44; 95% CI=0.28-0.68) and not having intercourse recently (OR=0.79; 95% CI=0.64-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of female ED patients (41.4%) were at risk of pregnancy. Demographic and sexual history factors can help identify women who might benefit from receiving referrals or education on contraceptive measures.

Adolescent↗

The determinants and circumstances of use of emergency contraceptive pills in France in the context of direct pharmacy access.

BACKGROUND: In France, the 1999 introduction of a dedicated emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) available without a prescription has resulted in a 72% increase in its use over the past 5 years, especially among younger women. METHODS: We used a population-based health survey conducted in 1999 and in 2004 to examine the changes in the determinants of lifetime ECP use among women aged between 15 and 24 years. We also explored the determinants and circumstances of recent use of ECPs in 2004 among women aged between 15 and 44 years who are at risk for unplanned pregnancy. RESULTS: In 1999, 14.6% of women aged between 15 and 24 years had ever used ECPs; this proportion rose to 31.7% in 2004. Results show consistent patterns of lifetime ECP use in 1999 and in 2004, with greater use among higher-educated women and women living in large cities. In 2004, 22% of women were using no contraceptive at the time they used ECPs and 84% resumed use of a regular contraceptive after ECP use. However, 5.5% had unprotected intercourse after taking ECPs in the same menstrual cycle and in the next. CONCLUSION: Despite direct pharmacy access, differences in ECP use remain by social and residential status. Emergency contraceptive pills were used as a backup method in case of contraceptive failure and did not impede the use of subsequent regular contraception.

Adolescent↗