Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Reproductive Health”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,783 records · Page 99Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Choriocarcinoma--postdisease ultrasonographic findings.

This is a case report of consequences that malignant gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) can cause on reproductive health protruding into uterine wall and damaging uterine tissue. Transvaginal Doppler ultrasound examination can be of great value in detecting molar tissue, protrusion of malignant trophoblast in uterine wall, and neovasularization in malignant tissue. It is expected to measure a low resistance index in a field of neovascularization, because neovascularization in malignancy is not rare and those vessels do not have muscular stratum. This case is an example of possible irreversible serious and large damages that can be seen after successful treatment of GTD. They are warning on possible high degree of malignancy in GTD as well as on possible serious impact on reproductive health.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Inhibin B as a serum marker of spermatogenesis: correlation to differences in sperm concentration and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. A study of 349 Danish men.

Recent studies have focused on reproductive health of men in the general population. However, semen samples are difficult to obtain within sampling frames that allow comparisons. Blood samples are easier to obtain than ejaculates. Therefore, serum biomarkers of spermatogenesis are of major interest for population studies. FSH has previously been used as a marker of spermatogenesis, although it is also influenced by the hypothalamus. Serum inhibin B was recently suggested as a possible, more direct serum marker of spermatogenesis in men with testicular disorders. In a Danish nationwide collaborative study, we found an unexpected difference in semen concentration between two groups of men recruited from two different centres. We, therefore, analyzed reproductive hormones in blood, including inhibin B, to test whether the observed difference in semen concentration was reflected in the reproductive hormones. From 1992 to 1995, a total of 430 men, 20-35 yr old, who lived with a partner and who had not previously attempted to achieve a pregnancy, were recruited. The couples were enrolled into the study in one of two centres (centre A, n = 231; and centre B, n = 199) when they discontinued birth control. At enrollment, they provided a semen sample (n = 419), and a blood sample was drawn (n = 349). The semen analysis was performed in accordance with the WHO 1992 guidelines, and interlaboratory differences were tested. Inhibin B was measured in an enzyme immunometric assay, which has previously been described. All blood samples were analyzed in the same laboratory. Median sperm concentration and the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were significantly higher among men from centre A (56.0 mill/mL and 42.5%), compared with men from centre B (44.8 mill/mL and 39%). Men from centre B had a significantly higher median FSH (3.42 IU/L) and a lower inhibin B (186 pg/mL) than men from centre A (3.21 IU/L and 209 pg/mL). The differences persisted after control for potentially confounding variables. A significant correlation was found between the cubic root-transformed serum FSH and inhibin B levels (r = -0.61, P < 0.001), between the cubic root-transformed serum FSH and sperm concentration (r = -0.40, P < 0.001), and between the cubic root-transformed inhibin B and sperm concentration (r = 0.38, P < 0.001). The predictive power of detecting sperm counts below 20 mill/mL among men who's inhibin B and FSH both were below 80 pg/mL and above 10 IU/L, respectively, was 100%. The unexpected significant difference in semen concentration between two groups of normal Danish men was probably caused by differences in sampling procedures in the two centres where the men were recruited, rather than geographical differences. However, similar differences in serum levels of inhibin B and FSH between centres were found. These findings suggest that a real difference in spermatogenic potential between the two groups of men existed. We suggest that serum inhibin B, in future population studies on male reproductive health, may serve as a new marker of spermatogenesis, in addition to sperm concentration and serum FSH.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Reproductive disturbances in patients with epilepsy.

In persons with epilepsy, both seizures and antiepileptic drugs can disturb reproductive health. For example, seizures can alter the release of hypothalamic and pituitary hormones, while some antiepileptic drugs alter concentrations of sex steroid hormones. Women with epilepsy are at increased risk for polycystic ovary syndrome and disorders of the menstrual cycle. Studies have found reduced fertility rates among men and women with epilepsy. The reasons for this reduction in fertility are likely to be both psychosocial and physiologic, and again, both epilepsy itself and antiepileptic drugs are implicated. Sexual dysfunction is common among patients with epilepsy and can have a somatic, psychological, or social basis. To provide the best care for patients with epilepsy, particularly women of reproductive age, clinicians must consider both the gender-based biology of epilepsy and the effects of antiepileptic drugs on reproductive health.

Anticonvulsants↗
PubMed1976

Lactational response of dairy cows to oral administration of a synthetic glucocorticoid.

Effects of oral administration of 0, 5, 10, or 20 mug of 6 alpha, 9 alpha-difluoro-16alpha-methyl-prednisolone (Flumethasone) daily on milk and milk component yields, udder health reproductive performance, and body weight change were measured. With 24 Holstein cows in a randomized block design, daily Flumethasone administration was initiated 4 days postpartum and continued until milk secretion ceased or the completion of 305 days on treatment. Mature equivalent yields (adjusted for days open) of milk, solids-not-fat, and milk fat were higher for cows receiving 5 or 10 mug Flumethasone than for cows receiving 0 or 20 mug Flumethasone daily. Lactations for cows receiving 20 mug Flumethasone were 37 to 48 days shorter than lactations for cows in other treatment groups. There were no differences between treatment groups for measures of udder health, reproductive efficiency, and body weight changes. A second experiment of 45 Holstein cows in their second or third lactations included treatments 0, 5, or 10 mug Flumethasone daily for 25 days followed by a 5 day withdrawal. Treatments were begun between day 210 and day 270 of lactation. During the 30 days, Flumethasone failed to alter milk production. These experiments indicate that Flumethasone given continuously increased milk components and milk yield but had no significant effect on milk yield when given only during the latter stage of lactation.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Patterns of HIV risk behavior and condom use among youth in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon.

This study describes the levels of sexual risk behavior and condom use among Cameroonian urban youth in order to evaluate the need for reproductive health programs targeting youth and to inform the design of such programs. We use data from a survey conducted in July-August 2000 among a representative sample of 1,956 unmarried youth aged 15-24 years. The data show that in urban Cameroon, first intercourse often occurs at an early age. Despite the HIV epidemic, a substantial fraction of youth, particularly males, continue to have high rates of partner change. A substantial fraction of youth consistently use condoms with casual partners. However, consistent condom use in regular relationships remains low, even though many youth have multiple regular partners. These findings illustrate the need for youth-targeted reproductive health programs in urban Cameroon. To ensure that youth are reached before they adopt risky behaviors, there is a need for programs that target very young teenagers and emphasize consistent condom use.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2005

Scoring men: vasectomies and the totemic illusion of male sexuality in Oaxaca.

This paper discusses research on men's reproductive health and sexuality in Oaxaca, Mexico, and specifically why some men there choose to be sterilized. Men who opt for vasectomies do so after considering numerous cultural, historical, physiological, commercial, and other concerns. Men and women in Oaxaca negotiate certain cultural folk beliefs about supposed male sexual desires and practices before arriving at the decision to get the operation. Vasectomy as a method of birth control is chosen despite folk beliefs that take the form of a totemic illusion which treats male sexuality as naturalized, something fixed, and as entirely distinct from female sexuality. Among its many consequences, this totemic illusion serves to conceal inequalities in the sphere of reproductive health and sexuality in relation to contraception.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Misoprostol use in obstetrics and gynecology in Brazil, Jamaica, and the United States.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate current clinical use of misoprostol for the treatment of a range of reproductive health indications by providers in Brazil, Jamaica, and the United States. METHODS: Using a 'snowball' sampling technique, we surveyed 228 gynecologists and obstetricians in Brazil (n=123), Jamaica (n=52), and the United States (n=53). RESULTS: Providers use misoprostol for labor induction (46%), postpartum hemorrhage (8%), intra-uterine fetal death (61%), cervical priming (21%), missed abortion (57%), and incomplete abortion (16%) as well as first and second trimester abortion induction (27% and 13%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There is considerable variation in the regimens used; moreover, the regimens commonly used in clinical practice often differ from those recommended in the medical literature. While misoprostol is an appealing alternative for many reproductive health indications in developing countries, the varied regimens and lack of registration raise critical medical and policy questions.

Brazil↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Future of emergency contraception lies in pharmacists' hands.

OBJECTIVE: To increase community pharmacists' awareness about issues related to the provision of emergency contraception (EC) to women by describing pharmacist outreach and training programs and discussing pharmacy access and stocking issues, California's EC Pharmacy Program, methods for raising pharmacists' awareness, and professional development opportunities. SUMMARY: EC is both safe and effective in reducing the risk of unintended pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, yet awareness of and demand for the medication has not been high, and it often is not stocked in pharmacies. Various advocacy organizations have engaged in educating the public and physicians about EC, but relatively little attention and few resources have been targeted to ensure that the pharmacy community is aware of and educated about EC. Increased visibility and access to EC in the several states that allow pharmacists to provide EC directly to women have resulted from the active participation and leadership of pharmacists. In these states, women are showing interest in and receptivity to reproductive health services provided by pharmacists. In California, some 3000 pharmacists statewide have completed training, and in 2004 they provided EC directly to approximately 175,000 women. Pharmacists who provide EC overwhelmingly (91%) report that they do so because they see it as an important community service, and many (57%) recognize the opportunity for professional development. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to improve access to EC, and leadership within the pharmacy community can facilitate efforts to improve access. Increased education and training of pharmacists about EC--such as continuing education programs available online at www.pharmacyaccess. learnsomething.com--are critical to ensure not only that EC is available in pharmacies but also that pharmacists are engaged in meeting the reproductive health needs of women. Increased access to EC can expand pharmacists' role in health care provision. State-specific information about EC pharmacy access initiatives is available on the Web at www.GO2EC.org.

California↗
PubMed2001

Adolescent girls, illegal abortions and "sugar-daddies" in Dar es Salaam: vulnerable victims and active social agents.

Adolescent girls' early sexual activity, early pregnancy, induced abortions and the increase in HIV infections have become major concerns in Sub-Saharan Africa. Efforts, though, to understand their sexual behaviour and to prevent reproductive health problems are almost non-existent. Adolescent girls are normally seen as victims and easy preys of (often older and married) men's sexual exploitation. This article, which is based on a qualitative study of 51 adolescent girls who had just had an illegal abortion in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, reveals that these girls are not only victims but also willing preys and active social agents engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour. In order to get material benefits they expose themselves to serious health risks, including induced abortion - without realising their own vulnerability. In our study, one out of four girls had more than one partner at the time they became pregnant, and many counted on an illegally induced abortion if they got pregnant. Even if adolescents are now allowed free access to family planning information, education and services, our study shows that this remains in the realm of theory rather than practice. Moreover, most adolescent girls are not aware about their right to such services. The paper concludes that the vulnerability of adolescent girls increases without the recognition that sexuality education and contraceptive services do not constitute a licence to practice illicit sex - but rather a means to create more mature and responsible attitudes and to increase sexual and reproductive health.

Abortion, Illegal↗
PubMed2002

Female genital cutting in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: changing attitudes?

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence, type, social correlates and attitudes towards female genital cutting (FGC) among urban women in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; and to examine the association between FGC and gynaecological problems, reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and HIV. METHODS: In 1999, 379 women attending reproductive health care clinics were interviewed and underwent pelvic examination. Specimens for RTI/HIV diagnosis were taken. RESULTS: Seventeen per cent had undergone FGC, mostly clitoridectomy (97%). Female genital cutting prevalence was significantly lower among educated, Christian and Chagga women. Women aged >or=35 were twice as likely to be cut as those < 25 years. Seventy-six per cent of those who had undergone FGC intend not to perform the procedure on their daughters. Age < 25 years (P < 0.0001) and low parity (P < 0.01) were predictors of that intention. There was no association between RTIs, HIV or hepatitis B and FGC. CONCLUSION: FGC is still fairly common but there is evidence of a change of attitude towards the practice, especially among young women. The opportunity to educate women who attend reproductive health care facilities on FGC should be taken.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence and correlates of pelvic examinations in sexually active female adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The pelvic examination is an important component of reproductive health services for adolescent girls and is recommended for those who become sexually active. The aims of this study were to describe self-reported rates of pelvic examinations in sexually active adolescent girls and to determine factors associated with having obtained an examination. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from a national self-administered survey of nurses' adolescent daughters were used. Subjects were those girls (N = 635) who reported ever having had sexual intercourse. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify demographic and psychological variables, preventive health behaviors, and risk behaviors associated with having ever obtained a pelvic examination. RESULTS: Median subject age was 16.0 years (range 12-19 years), and 46% of subjects reported having had a pelvic examination. Variables associated with having obtained an examination were older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.53), cigarette smoking (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02-2.24), higher number of sexual partners (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.14-1.47), and no condom use during last sexual intercourse (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.19-2.70). CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than half of these sexually active adolescents had ever obtained a pelvic examination. Younger subjects who did not smoke regularly, had fewer partners, and used condoms were less likely to have obtained an examination; these adolescents may not be seeking reproductive health care services or be recognized by parents or providers as being in need of services.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Breastfeeding in family planning programs: a help or a hindrance?

Breastfeeding is a major contributor to child spacing and reproductive health, and as such, is a vital women's issue. Further, if breastfeeding levels were to decline, the increase in family planning services that would be required to replace the lost fertility impact would be prohibitive, both in terms of cost and difficulty. This concern places breastfeeding centrally as a family planning policy issues as well. This paper discusses how breastfeeding contributes to child spacing and reduced fertility; the appropriate and timely introduction of complementary family planning methods during breastfeeding; issues and controversies in the support of breastfeeding as a family planning issue in the context of women's concerns, including the concept of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, the encouragement and support to maintain breastfeeding after 6 months, and the use of the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) and other family planning methods in the early postpartum period; and the role of family planning programs in supporting women's informed reproductive health choices.

Amenorrhea↗
PubMed1993

Norplant contraceptive maker accused of profiteering on drug.

Family planning groups and a lawmaker accused a US drug company yesterday of profiteering on Norplant, the implantable, 5-year contraceptive. The company said its $365 product is cheaper than birth-control pills. But Rep. Ron Wyden said Norplant was developed with extensive government support and sells for $23 in some Third World countries. He said its cost to Wyeth-Ayerst laboratories may be as little as $16. About 875,000 US women have had 6 match-sized hormone-dispensing rubber capsules implanted in their upper arms since 1990. Dr. Amy Pollack of the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals said 56% of the 6 million pregnancies in the US each year are unwanted. She said 1.7 million pregnancies occur among women using contraceptives. The failure rate is less than 4 per 10,000 with Norplant compared with 3 per 100 women on the pill, she said. Dr. Marc W. Deitch, Wyeth's medical director, said the company made a risky decision to bring Norplant to market in collaboration with the nonprofit Population Council. The implant costs women 20 cents a day over its 5-year life, said Dr. Deitch. The $365 cost is significantly less than the $1481 they would pay over 5 years for birth-control pills, $762 for a diaphragm and $590 for shots of Depo Provera, he said. Male condoms cost $312 and an IUD $176. Family planning advocates challenged Dr. Deitch's math. Judith DeSarno, president of the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, said federally funded clinics pay only $60 for a 5-year supply of oral contraceptives. Women also must pay doctor fees--usually from $150 to $200--for inserting Norplant and eventually removing it from their upper arms.

Americas↗
PubMed2000

Sexual behaviour and contraception among unmarried adolescents and young adults in Greater Accra and Eastern regions of Ghana.

A fertility survey of unmarried adolescents and young adults (953 males and 829 females) in Greater Accra and Eastern regions of Ghana revealed that a substantial proportion of the respondents were sexually experienced. Overall, 66.8% of the males and 78.4% of the females were sexually experienced. The mean ages (+/- SD) of the males and females were 15.5 +/- 2.5 and 16.2 +/- 2.0 years, respectively. Most respondents claimed to have received adequate information on reproductive health and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including AIDS. However, 20% and 30% of the respondents in peri-urban and rural areas, respectively, did not know that a girl could get pregnant the first time she has sexual intercourse. The incidence of pregnancy among the unmarried female respondents was relatively high (37%), and was higher in urban than in rural areas. Approximately 47% of those who had ever been pregnant reported that they had had an abortion. Levels of contraceptive awareness were high (98.2% among males and 95.5% among females) but many still engaged in unprotected sexual relations. The most commonly used methods were the condom and the pill. The main reasons given for non-use were that they did not think about contraception, were concerned about the safety of contraceptives, and partner objection. These findings point to the need for targeting of unmarried adolescents and young adults with information on reproductive health and family planning to increase their awareness of the risks of pregnancy, STDs and HIV infection.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1998

Contraceptive use in a rural general practice.

All women aged 20-49 in a general practice were sent a questionnaire about their reproductive health, and 72% responded. 78% of respondents were using a method of fertility control. More than a quarter of women were obtaining their contraceptive supplies (condoms especially) from non-medical outlets. Knowledge of the existence of emergency contraception was high (83%). The general practitioner (GP) was the most popular source of contraceptive supplies for those aged under 40 years and more than four-fifths of women said that they would rather turn to their GP than to other sources for future contraceptive advice.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Knowledge, attitude, and behavior of secondary (high) school students concerning HIV/AIDS in Enugu, Nigeria, in the year 2000.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of secondary (high) school students concerning HIV/AIDS as a way of assessing the need for inclusion of reproductive health education in the school curriculum. DESIGN: A questionnaire was constructed to expose depth of knowledge and attitude of respondents concerning HIV/AIDS. SETTING: This was a workshop venue, a civic center, outside a school compound. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred and sixty students were randomly selected from 5 secondary (high) schools in Enugu, Nigeria. INTERVENTION: The questionnaire was administered just before the commencement of a workshop. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: All the students responded to the questionnaire but none responded to all the questions. RESULTS: The students had a defective knowledge of the disease. They were aware and afraid of the disease as being deadly but not sure of the cause, nature, or modes of transmission and prevention, except that illicit sexual activity should be avoided. Their attitude and behavior were consequently defective. Their main source of information was the media. CONCLUSION: There is need to provide students with correct, detailed, and broad-based information on reproductive health as part of the school curriculum to help them acquire adequate knowledge and develop appropriate attitude and behavior towards HIV/AIDS and other STDs.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2005

Bacterial vaginosis: many questions--any answers?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bacterial vaginosis, a common disorder among young women, is associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes. This review summarizes our current understanding of bacterial vaginosis and where future research should be focused. Recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in both nonpregnant and pregnant populations are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Little progress has been made in understanding the causal factors. The results of several large prospective studies have shown that racial differences persist for rates of bacterial vaginosis even when other known risk factors are controlled for. Studies of the gene-environment interaction that examine the genetic aspects of immune response may explain racial differences and why some but not all women with bacterial vaginosis experience complications. Trials to prevent preterm birth by the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy are disappointing. Resistance to clindamycin by bacterial vaginosis-associated anaerobic organisms has also been documented. New technology to provide rapid point-of-care diagnostic testing for bacterial vaginosis has emerged. SUMMARY: To understand the vaginal ecosystem and its role in reproductive health and disease, we will need to study not only the microflora but also the host-immune response. Currently recommended treatment options for bacterial vaginosis are associated with high rates of recurrence. A new concern is the development of macrolide resistance to vaginal anaerobic flora when clindamycin is used as treatment. Further studies are still needed to determine whether prevention or control of bacterial vaginosis, particularly approaches that rely not on antibiotic treatment but on the maintenance of a healthy vaginal ecosystem, can reduce adverse health outcomes.

Adolescent↗