Search

Background: We examined whether experiencing more types of lifetime intimate partner violence (IPV) was independently associated with the effectiveness level of the contraceptive method women chose following an abortion. Materials and Methods: Using data on 245 women who were attending an urban hospital abortion clinic, we assessed whether women had ever experienced emotional, physical, or sexual IPV. Effectiveness of women's post-abortion contraceptive method selection was categorized into high (intrauterine device [IUD] and implant), moderate (pill, patch, ring, and shot), and low (condoms, emergency contraception, and none) effectiveness. Using multinomial logistic regression, we examined the relationship between number of types of IPV experienced and post-abortion contraceptive method effectiveness, adjusting for sociodemographics, prior abortion, having children, abortion trimester, importance of avoiding pregnancy in the next year, pre-abortion psychological distress, and effectiveness level of the contraceptive method women were planning to use before contraceptive counseling. Results: Twenty-seven percent (27%) of women experienced two or three types of IPV, 35% experienced one IPV type, and 38% experienced no IPV. Compared to women with no histories of IPV, women who experienced two or more types of IPV during their lifetimes were more likely to choose contraceptive methods with moderate effectiveness (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-24.23, p = 0.035) and high effectiveness (AOR = 5.01, 95% CI: 1.12-22.39, p = 0.035) than those with low effectiveness. Conclusion: Women who experienced two or more types of lifetime IPV selected more effective contraceptive methods post-abortion. Access to contraceptives that are not partner dependent, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), may be particularly important for women who have experienced multiple types of IPV.

In the last decade-plus, there has been growing enthusiasm for long-acting reversible contraceptive methods as the solution to unintended pregnancy in the United States. Contraceptive access efforts have primarily focused on addressing provider and policy barriers to long-acting reversible contraception and have promoted long-acting reversible contraception as first-line methods through marketing and tiered-effectiveness counseling. A next generation of contraceptive access efforts has the opportunity to move beyond this siloed focus on long-acting reversible contraception toward a focus on equity and person-centeredness. Here we define a new framework for increasing equitable access to high-quality, person-centered contraceptive care that includes programmatic elements necessary to provide information and services to address the barriers to accessing quality care, organized into a four-part continuum. The continuum is contextualized within structural, systematic, and social factors that influence experience of contraceptive care. We aim to provide a practical framework for researchers, program implementers, and policy makers to develop and evaluate efforts to improve equitable access to and quality of contraceptive care. Initiatives can intentionally be cognizant of broader structural and social factors that will influence their success and the likelihood of negative unintended consequences for marginalized groups and thus deliberately work to design programs that meet all people's contraceptive needs and support reproductive autonomy.

BACKGROUND:The recent focus on increasing access to long-acting reversible contraceptive methods has often overlooked the diverse reasons why women may choose less effective methods even when significant access barriers have been removed. While the copper intrauterine device (IUD) is considered an acceptable alternative to emergency contraception pills (ECPs), it is unclear to what extent low rates of provision and use are due to patient preferences versus structural access barriers. This study explores factors that influence patients' choice between ECPs and the copper IUD as EC, including prior experiences with contraception and attitudes toward EC methods, in settings where both options are available at no cost. METHODS:We telephone-interviewed 17 patients seeking EC from three San Francisco Bay Area youth-serving clinics that offered the IUD as EC and ECPs as standard practice, regarding their experiences choosing an EC method. We thematically coded all interview transcripts, then summarized the themes related to reasons for choosing ECPs or the IUD as EC. RESULTS:Ten participants left their EC visit with ECPs and seven with the IUD as EC option. Women chose ECPs because they were familiar and easily accessible. Reasons for not adopting the copper IUD included having had prior negative experiences with the IUD, concerns about its side effects and the placement procedure, and lack of awareness about the copper IUD. Women who chose the IUD as EC did so primarily because of its long-term efficacy, invisibility, lack of hormones, longer window of post-coital utility, and a desire to not rely on ECPs. Women who chose the IUD as EC had not had prior negative experiences with the IUD, had already been interested in the IUD, and were ready and able to have it placed that day. CONCLUSIONS:This study highlights that women have varied and well-considered reasons for choosing each EC method. Both ECPs and the copper IUD are important and acceptable EC options, each with their own features offering benefits to patients. Efforts to destigmatize repeated use of ECPs and validate women's choice of either EC method are needed to support women in their EC method decision-making.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the impact of an antenatal group healthy relationship education program on the postpartum use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Materials and Methods: This is a planned subgroup analysis of a larger randomized controlled trial. Pregnant and newly parenting women were randomized to either group healthy relationship education, ?MotherWise,? or no additional services. An evidence-based healthy relationship education program and individual case management sessions were provided. The program did not include any prenatal care or contraception counseling. This subgroup analysis included those participants with a nonanomalous gestation randomized at

Abstract Background Postpartum intrauterine contraceptives device (PPIUCD) offers an effective means of providing contraceptive services to women in countries with high rates of unmet needs for family planning services. However, scientific literature estimating the long-term retention rates is scarce. We estimate the factors affecting acceptance and retention of PPIUCD and explore the risk factors against PPIUCD Discontinuation at six months”. Material and method : This prospective observational study was conducted between 2018 and 20 at a tertiary care institute in North India. PPIUCD was inserted following a detailed counseling session and consent. The women were followed up for six months. Bivariate analysis was done to depict the association between socio-demographic characteristics and acceptance. Logistic regression, cox regression, and Kaplan Meier analysis were applied to explore factors affecting acceptance and retention of PPIUCD. Results Of the 300 women counseled for PPIUCD, 60% accepted them. The majority of these women were between 25 and 30 years (40.6%), primigravida (61.7%), educated (86.1%), and from urban areas (61.7%). Retention rates at six months were about 65.6%, while 13.9% and 5.6% were either removed or expelled. Women declined PPIUCD due to refusal by spouses, partial knowledge, inclination towards other methods, non-willingness, religious beliefs, and fear of pain and heavy bleeding. Adjusted logistic regression depicted that higher education, housewife status, lower-middle and richest SES, Hinduism, and counseling in early pregnancy promoted acceptance of PPIUCD. The most common reasons for removal were AUB, infection, and family pressure (23.1%). Adjusted hazard ratio depicted religion other than Hinduism, counseling in late stages of pregnancy, and normal vaginal delivery were significant predictors for early removal or expulsion. While education, higher socio-economic status favoured retention. Conclusion PPIUCD is a safe, highly effective, low-cost, long-acting, and feasible method of contraception. Skill enhancement of healthcare personnel for insertion techniques, adequate antenatal counseling, and advocacy of PPIUCD can help increase the acceptance of PPIUCD.

Background: The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with restricted access to reproductive care including delayed abortion and female sterilization procedures, in addition to altered maternity care experiences. Given high rates of unintended and short-interval pregnancies in the United States in general and negative obstetric outcomes specifically associated with COVID-19, access to all effective pregnancy prevention methods during the pandemic was crucial. Objectives: To investigate changes in contraception utilization rates prior to delivery discharge, at outpatient postpartum visits, and at 10 weeks' postpartum, at the largest healthcare system in Central Massachusetts, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (15 March to 15 May 2020), compared to the same period in 2019. Design: Retrospective cohort review. Methods: Compared perinatal individuals (n = 495) who received prenatal care and delivered at UMass Memorial Medical Center from mid-March to mid-May in both 2019 (non-pandemic) and 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic). Receipt of contraception prior to delivery discharge and at outpatient postpartum visit was estimated and compared between the two time periods using the Chi-square test for categorical variables (or Fisher's exact test when cell counts were < 5) and Student's t -test for continuous variables. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounders. Results: The proportion of individuals who used long-acting reversible contraception before delivery discharge was 4% in 2019 and 13% in 2020 (p = 0.01). Modes of outpatient postpartum visit contraception did not vary from 2019 to 2020, (p = 0.06). Overall, there were no differences in contraception utilization rates at 10 weeks' postpartum from 2019 to 2020, (p = 0.50). Conclusion: Compared to a year prior, immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception use increased during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, while overall contraception use at 10 weeks' postpartum remained unchanged. The evaluation of contraceptive use during the most restrictive time of COVID-19 pandemic can help identify opportunities to increase access to effective contraception, such as the immediate postpartum period prior to hospital discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents use long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods less than adults. Practices that specialize in adolescent medicine, including Adolescent Medicine (AM) and Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PAG), may be well positioned to help improve adolescent access to these methods. We describe administrative and system-level barriers encountered when implementing LARCs for adolescents and strategies that practices have successfully used to address these barriers. We conducted a qualitative study with physicians and staff at AM and PAG practices that provide LARCs to adolescents. Semi-structured telephone interviews Interview guides were based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), an implementation science methodology designed to understand the following aspects of settings adopting new practices: innovation characteristics, external environment, institutional and practice settings, the stakeholders involved, and the implementation process. Seventeen interviews were performed. When examining administrative and system-level challenges encountered by interviewees, the four CFIR constructs identified most frequently were cost, readiness for implementation–available resources, planning, and engaging. Interviewees shared strategies used to overcome these common barriers, including for billing and working with insurance companies, space and equipment needed to introduce LARCs, scheduling and use of telemedicine, and staff training and engagement. Sites used many strategies to address these common challenges to implementation. Examples could help with implementation of LARC provision in practices serving adolescent populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of access to and uptake of postpartum contraception is a key contributor to an estimated 121 million unintended pregnancies worldwide. Research on counselling and women's preferences for postpartum contraception is scarce in Australia. We therefore aimed to explore Australian women's experiences of, and preferences for, accessing postpartum contraceptive counselling. Method: In this qualitative study, English-speaking women of reproductive age (18–40 years) with at least one child under the age of 5 years were recruited via social media to participate in a semi-structured telephone interview. Interviews focussed on women's experiences of, and preferences for, postpartum contraception. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded and thematically analysed. Results: Twenty women participated. Most did not receive in-depth contraceptive counselling antenatally or postnatally, though had brief discussions with their GPs or obstetricians at the 6-week postnatal check. Participants felt some counselling throughout their antenatal and postnatal care would have been useful, particularly those who experienced medical complications perinatally. Most participants expressed a general preference for their GP or a midwife to provide such counselling, rather than an obstetrician or nurse, and they noted characteristics such as compassion, trust and care as being particularly important. Conclusion: The provision of postpartum contraceptive counselling could be enhanced in Australia. Contraceptive uptake in the postpartum period may be promoted by ensuring consistent and routine provision of contraceptive counselling for women antenatally and postnatally by their maternity carers. Access to postpartum contraception can reduce unintended pregnancies and enhance interconception health. Findings from our study suggest there is no consistent provision of postpartum contraception counselling to women; however, women are interested in receiving this both antenatally and postnatally from GPs and midwives. Contraceptive uptake in the postpartum period may be promoted by ensuring consistent and routine provision of contraceptive counselling for women antenatally and postnatally by their maternity carers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although pediatricians are primary care providers for most adolescents, pediatric residents receive limited training on long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods. This study aimed to characterize pediatric resident comfort with placing contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs) and assess pediatric resident interest in obtaining this training. Pediatric residents in the United States were invited to participate in a survey assessing comfort with LARC methods and interest in LARC training during pediatric residency. Bivariate comparisons used Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank sum testing. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess associations between primary outcomes and covariates including geographic region, training level, and career plans. Six hundred twenty seven pediatric residents across the United States completed the survey. Participants were predominantly female (68.4%, n = 429), self-identified their race as White (66.1%, n = 412), and anticipated a career in a subspecialty other than Adolescent Medicine (53.0%, n = 326). Most residents were confident counseling patients on the risks and benefits, side effects, and effective use of contraceptive implants (55.6%, n = 344) and both hormonal and nonhormonal IUDs (53.0%, n = 324). Few residents reported comfort with inserting contraceptive implants (13.6%, n = 84) or IUDs (6.3%, n = 39), with most of these respondents having learned these skills as a medical student. Most participants believed that residents should receive training on insertion of contraceptive implants (72.3%, n = 447) and IUDs (62.5%, n = 374). Although most pediatric residents believe LARC training should be a component of pediatric residency training, few pediatric residents are comfortable with provision of this care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male and female sterilisation are important forms of contraception worldwide despite declining popularity in developed countries and limited access during the Covid-19 global pandemic. Vasectomy is the only highly reliable form of male contraception. Appropriate counselling about permanent methods of contraception in both sexes is vital and should include information about irreversibility, failure rates and complications. The alternatives to sterilisation, particularly long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), should be discussed in detail as they are at least as effective and have the advantage of reversibility. Hysteroscopic techniques for female sterilisation are no longer available. In males the no-scalpel technique vasectomy requires minimal operating time and results in less post-operative discomfort than the incisional method. Regret after sterilisation and requests for reversal are more common in patients under 30 years and in men with no children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contraceptive providers play an essential role in shaping contraceptive decision-making and care, with the potential to constrain patients' agency. This is a particular concern given the rising hegemony of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) and growing evidence of negative patient experiences of LARC promotion and provision. Despite this evidence, little research has considered health providers' perspectives. Drawing on interviews with 22 contraceptive health providers in Aotearoa New Zealand, this paper explored their professional identity construction, focusing on meaning-making in instances of conflict between providers' and patients' priorities and agendas. Guided by feminist poststructuralist theory, the discursive analysis highlights common rhetorical strategies used by participants to (1) justify the use of coercive practices to encourage LARC uptake, and (2) in turn, negotiate positive identities. Findings show how participants grapple with the reproductive politics structuring contraceptive care, including established understandings of the purpose of (long-acting) contraception and contraceptive providers' roles vis-à-vis provision and promotion. The findings point to limitations on contraceptive agency, despite the unanimous endorsement of rights-based voluntary care. Extending the critical literature on LARC and contributing to the under-researched area of contraceptive coercion and agency, the findings of this study have important implications for the delivery of contraceptive care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The authors aimed to identify factors associated with long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) usage. Methods: The current cross‐sectional study used data from the National Survey of Family Growth from 2011 to 2019. Respondents aged 15 to 44 years were included. Those with previous sterilization, infertility, or pregnant were excluded. The outcome evaluated was use of a LARC. Results: Of 61 543 814 women, 44 287 911 (72.0%) met inclusion criteria. The rate of LARC use was 13.4%. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of LARC usage were married/living with a partner (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.18 [95% CI, 1.02–1.37]), perceived good health (aRR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.13–1.84]), year of survey 2017 to 2019 (aRR, 1.53, [95% CI, 1.28–1.83]), one or two past pregnancies (aRR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.24–2.12]) or three or more past pregnancies (aRR, 1.67 [95% CI, 1.22–2.28]), age at first live birth <20 years (aRR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.20–2.08]) or 20 to 24 years (aRR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.13–1.87]), age at onset of sexual activity 13–19 years (aRR, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.26–1.78]), and a 0‐ to 5‐month period of nonintercourse in the past year (aRR, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.40–1.90]). Factors associated with decreased LARC usage were age ≥ 35 years (aRR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.65–0.85]), being non‐Hispanic Black (aRR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.62–0.89]) or non‐Hispanic other (aRR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.59–0.88]), intending to have children (aRR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.57–0.74]), and never being sexually active (aRR, 0.10 [95% CI, 0.06–0.16]). Conclusions: Using a nationally representative sample of women in the United States, the authors identified modifiable factors associated with LARC use. Results may be used to plan interventional trials to increase LARC usage. Synopsis: Several modifiable factors are associated with the use of long‐acting reversible contraception, used in only about 1 in 10 individuals as a contraceptive method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents information on demographic processes in Russia and the relevance of highly effective contraception for the prevention of artificial abortion. We present data on the etonogestrel implant (68 mg), an innovative single-stranded subcutaneous implant, a long-acting reversible contraceptive option with high efficacy (Pearl index 0.05) with optimal and typical use of the product. We analyzed the results of the studies that showed a favorable safety profile of the etonogestrel implant with no significant effect on the risks of thrombotic events, metabolic processes, depression incidence, bone mineral density, and characteristics of reproductive function after discontinuation of the drug. The article presents data on possible side effects in the form of changes in the characteristics of menstrual bleeding and a slight increase in body weight, which is comparable with the natural gain in an adult with age. The importance of qualified counseling of patients before and during the use of etonogestrel implants is emphasized.

Abstract Objective: Most Australian women access contraception through general practitioners (GPs) but choose oral methods rather than long‐acting reversible contraceptives (LARCS). The Australian Contraceptive ChOice pRoject (ACCORd) successfully tested a complex intervention for LARC uptake. We aimed to explore the critical elements of this intervention to increase LARC uptake. Design: ACCORd was a cluster randomised control trial conducted in 57 GP clinics in Melbourne, Australia. To explore intervention impact, fidelity checks (n=21 GPs) and interviews with 37 GPs and 40 patients were undertaken 12 months after initial consultations. Data were inductively coded, thematically analysed and mapped to Normalization Process Theory constructs. Results: Doctors understood the importance of effectiveness‐based contraceptive counselling (EBCC). GPs demonstrated cognitive engagement in the promotion of LARC and some appreciated the rapid referral pathways. GPs and women valued the effectiveness approach. GPs held varying views about having a rapid referral pathway, with many already having established pathways in place. Some GPs viewed intrauterine device insertion costs or insertion training as barriers to ongoing practice. Most GPs and women saw the ACCORD model as effective and sustainable. Conclusions: GP training in EBCC and the use of rapid referral pathways were critical features of an effective sustainable model for successful uptake of LARCs in primary care. Implications for public health: Improving Australian women's access to and use of LARCs is sustainable with EBCC training and support for general practitioners.

Jen Sothornwit,1 Pisake Lumbiganon,1 Kesinee Saranrittichai,2 Ussanee Sangkomkamhang,3 Thanyarat Singhdaeng,4 Nampet Jampathong5 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; 2Department of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Khon Kaen Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand; 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nam Phong Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand; 5Cochrane Thailand, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, ThailandCorrespondence: Jen Sothornwit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, Email jensoth@kku.ac.thObjective: This study sought to identify the factors that act as barriers and facilitators to developing and implementing Immediate postpartum (IPP) insertion of contraceptive implants service according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to explore IPP contraceptive implantation programs implemented in community, regional, and university hospitals in Thailand. The CFIR was used to guide the data collection and analyses.Results: All CFIR domains were found to have an impact on planning and implementation. Out of 38 constructs, nine were identified as either barriers or facilitators, and four were determined to be both. Barriers included an insufficient training budget, lack of policy to support non-teenagers, disconnect among organizations, and lack of knowledge on the part of the clients. Facilitators included the relative advantage of implants over other contraceptive methods, reimbursement policy, laws that promote teenage autonomy, setting IPP implants as a key performance indicator (KPI), identifying project champions, and educating clients through antenatal counseling or multimedia intervention.Conclusion: Barriers and facilitators to the successful implementation of an IPP contraceptive implant program were identified. In order to successfully implement this service, modifiable barriers should be overcome and facilitators should be strengthened. Strategies tailored to the local context should be developed to ensure the sustainability of the program. Educating clients is crucial and need both hospital- and community interventions.Keywords: contraceptive implants, implementation science, influencing factors, long-acting reversible contraception, postpartum contraception

Background: Implanon and copper intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) available in public primary health care (PHC) South Africa. These methods are the most effective forms of contraception. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, beliefs and practices on provision of LARC. Setting: Primary health care facilities within the Khayelitsha Eastern Substructure, Cape Town. Methods: A descriptive survey of all permanent nurses who provided contraception. Data were collected from 72/90 (80% response rate) via a validated questionnaire and evaluated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Knowledge of eligibility for LARC was tested. The mean knowledge scores for Implanon were 8.56/11 (s.d. 1.42) for the trained and 7.16/11 (s.d. 2.83) for the untrained (p = 0.007). The mean knowledge scores for IUCD were 10.42/12 (s.d. 1.80) for the trained and 8.03/12 (s.d. 3.70) for the untrained (p = 0.019). Participants believed that inaccessibility to training courses (29%), no skilled person available (24%) and staff shortages (35%) were barriers. Less than 50% of women were routinely counselled for LARC. Forty-one percent of nurses were trained and performed IUCD insertion, and 64% were trained and performed Implanon insertion, while 61% and 45% required further training. Confidence was low, with 32% trained and confident in IUCD and 56% trained and confident in Implanon insertion. Conclusion: Lack of training, poor confidence and deficient counselling skills were barriers to effective LARC provision. The identified system-specific barriers must be addressed to improve uptake. Contribution: The first study to evaluate knowledge, beliefs and practices on LARC in providers in the Western Cape.

Objective: This study sought to identify the impact of implementing the new postpartum care (individualized rescheduling postpartum visit) with telemedicine on postpartum services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study design: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at Srinagarind Hospital, a tertiary hospital in northeast Thailand, to compare patient data before and after implementation. Delivery and postpartum data from May 2019 to December 2020 were retrieved from the hospital database. Intervention was implemented in March 2020. Data were analyzed to evaluate postpartum contact, contraceptive use, and breastfeeding using Wilcoxon rank sum and Chi-squared tests. Results: There was a significant increase in postpartum contact from 48.0% (95% CI. 45.8 to 50.3) before the implementation of telemedicine to 64.6% (95% CI. 61.9 25 to 67.2) after (adjusted OR 1.5, 95% CI. 1.2 to 1.8). In the post-intervention group, contraception use also increased significantly (84.7% vs 49.7%; p

Existing research has found that women who use opioids (WWUO) experience challenges to hormonal and long-acting reversible contraception (HC-LARC) access and use. Facilitators of such use are unclear. We conducted a scoping review to comprehensively map the literature on barriers to and facilitators of HC-LARC access and use in the United States among reproductive-aged WWUO. In accordance with the JBI Manual of Evidence Synthesis, we conducted literature searches for empirical articles published from 1990 to 2021. Independent reviewers screened references, first by titles and abstracts, then by full-text, and charted data of eligible articles. We coded and organized HC-LARC barriers and facilitators according to a four-level social-ecological model (SEM) and categorized findings within each SEM level into domains. We screened 4,617 records, of which 28 articles focusing on HC-LARC (n = 18), LARC only (n = 6), or testing an intervention to increase HC-LARC uptake (n = 4) met inclusion criteria. We identified 13 domains of barriers and 11 domains of facilitators across four SEM levels (individual, relationship, community, societal). The most frequently cited barriers and facilitators were methods characteristics, partner and provider relations, transportation, healthcare availability and accessibility, cost, insurance, and stigma. Future studies would benefit from recruiting participants and collecting data in community settings, targeting more diverse populations, and identifying neighborhood, social, and policy barriers and facilitators. Reducing barriers and improving equity in HC-LARC access and use among WWUO is a complex, multifaceted issue that will require targeting factors simultaneously at multiple levels of the social-ecological hierarchy to effect change.

Objectives: To understand the relationship between informed choice and long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) use among women aged 15–49 years in Uganda after adjusting for potential confounding. Methods: This cross‐sectional study uses data from the 2016 Uganda Standard Demographic and Health Survey. Thomas‐Rao corrections to a χ2 test were used for the bivariable analysis. A design‐adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between informed choice and LARC use. Propensity score matching was conducted as a sensitivity analysis. Results: In all, 3646 women were included in the analysis and 975 reported using a LARC. In the design‐adjusted multivariable analysis, the odds of reporting LARC usage were 1.98 (95% confidence interval 1.61–2.43) times higher among women who reported informed choice compared with those who did not. The subsequent propensity score analysis reported similar findings. Conclusion: Providing informed choice can help to increase the number of women who use LARC in Uganda. As such, the Ugandan Ministry of Health should further expand access to family planning counseling as it could contribute to the reduction of unplanned pregnancies across Uganda with the use of LARC. Synopsis: Ugandan women who reported informed choice were approximately twice as likely to report using a LARC compared with those who used another modern contraceptive method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent females with developmental delays (DDs) experience unique physical and emotional challenges related to menstruation. Providers often recommend hormonal medication for menstrual management. The objective of our study was to describe the utilization and safety of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in adolescents with DDs. We utilized the Pediatric Health Information System to identify females aged 10-25 with DDs who underwent an LNG-IUS insertion between 2011 and 2020. Using a gynecologic procedure and diagnosis codes, we assessed indications for and complications of LNG-IUS use. We also evaluated early LNG-IUS removal. One thousand five hundred and sixty female patients with DDs underwent LNG-IUS insertion. LNG-IUS insertion under anesthesia was most commonly performed in patients with autism and Down syndrome, and unspecified menstrual issues were documented for 40% of the cohort. Perforation was observed in 11 patients (1%), and mechanical complications (malpositioned IUS or lost threads) were observed in 23 patients (1%). This is the largest analysis of LNG-IUS use in patients with DDs to our knowledge and shows the utilization of LNG-IUS in patients with DDs. We provide descriptive information that providers can use to accurately advise their patients with DDs on the risks and benefits of LNG-IUS use for menstrual management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate continuance rates, bleeding patterns, and patient satisfaction with 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) use in adolescents and young adult women during the first 3 years of use We conducted an observational prospective study. Family Planning Service of a tertiary hospital in Brazil One hundred adolescents and young women aged 16-24 years. Insertion of 52-mg LNG-IUS for the main purpose of contraception. Follow-up visits were conducted at 12, 24, and 36 months after insertion. Continuance rates, reasons for discontinuation of the method, and women's satisfaction and bleeding patterns Among those who were not lost to follow-up, LNG-IUS continuance rates were 89.1% (82/92), 82.9% (72/87), and 75.3% (64/85) in the first, second, and third years of use, respectively. The main reason for discontinuation was acne, followed by expulsion of/malpositioned LNG-IUS. Other reasons for discontinuation were irregular uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and abdominal pain. The amenorrhea rates were 50%, 54.1%, and 39% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Spotting rates increased during the first 3 years of use (20.8%, 16.7%, and 26.6%, respectively). Adolescents and young women using the LNG-IUS showed high rates of satisfaction, with 93.9%, 100%, and 96.8% of women being very satisfied/satisfied in the first 3 years of use. Only 2 participants who continued using the LNG-IUS reported being very dissatisfied/dissatisfied in the third year of follow-up. The LNG-IUS showed high rates of continuation and satisfaction in the first 3 years of use in Brazilian adolescents and young adults. Most women reported a favorable bleeding pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe adolescent and young adult (AYA) long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) follow-up care via telemedicine in the year following the COVID-19 pandemic onset Longitudinal cohort study Three academic adolescent medicine clinics in the United States AYAs using LARC None The main outcome measures were patient characteristics, visit information (frequency, timing, and modality), patient-reported symptoms, and outcomes for those presenting for LARC follow-up care between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample. χ2 tests and t tests were used to compare groups. Adjusted logistic regression models using general estimating equations were applied to assess factors associated with telemedicine visits and to examine visit outcomes. Of the 319 AYAs (ages 13.6-25.7 years), 40.1% attended at least one LARC telemedicine visit. Patients attending any telemedicine encounter vs only in-person visits had similar demographic and clinical characteristics. Of the 426 follow-up visits, 270 (63.4%) were conducted in person and 156 (36.6%) were performed via telemedicine. Most visits (62.7%) occurred within 12 months of device insertion. Reports of bothersome uterine bleeding beyond patient expectations (OR = 1.26; 95% CI, 0.80-1.96), any symptom (OR = 1.40; 95% CI, 0.94-2.10), or 2 or more symptoms (OR = 1.22; 95% CI, 0.67-2.22) at follow-up was not associated, positively or negatively, with mode of follow-up. Management of bleeding (OR = 1.27; 95% CI, 0.56-2.89), management of acne (P =.46), and need for rapid follow-up (P =.33) were similar between follow-up modalities. Patient demographic/clinical characteristics and visit outcomes were similar between telemedicine and in-person LARC follow-up. Telemedicine could play an important role in AYA LARC care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the user profiles of copper intrauterine devices (Cu‐IUD) and levonorgestrel intrauterine systems (LNG‐IUS) in France in 2019 and the rates of continuation 1 year later. Methods: A population‐based study was conducted of all French women aged 13–49 years for whom an IUD was dispensed in 2019. Information was collected from the French National Health Data System about their characteristics at the time of dispensation and indicators of continued use 1 year later. Associations between these characteristics and the type of IUD were analyzed using multivariate regressions. Results: A total of 477 705 Cu‐IUDs and 355 242 LNG‐IUSs (mean age 32.5 ± 7.3 and 36.4 ± 7.7 years, respectively) were dispensed in 2019. After adjustment, having a LNG‐IUS rather than a Cu‐IUD was associated with being aged 35–44 years compared to 25–35 years (odds ratio [OR35–44] 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.01–2.05), having a prescription by a gynecologist rather than a general practitioner (OR35–44 1.09, 95% CI 1.08–1.11), and having a gynecological history (OR35–44 2.28, 95% CI 2.20–2.36). The continuation rates 1 year after dispensation were 86.4% for Cu‐IUD versus 85.7% for LNG‐IUS. A Cu‐IUD dispensation rather than a LNG‐IUS one was associated with a higher chance of continued use 1 year later. Conclusion: Two different patterns of use of Cu‐IUDs and LNG‐IUSs in France are highlighted. Synopsis: Users of copper and hormonal intrauterine devices in France in 2019 have different profiles and need to be studied separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate bleeding profile satisfaction and pain and ease of placement with levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD in routine clinical practice. Women who independently chose levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD during routine counselling were invited to participate in this prospective, multinational, observational study. Patient-reported pain and clinician-reported ease of placement were assessed. Bleeding profile satisfaction was evaluated at 12 months/premature end of observation. Most participants (77.8%, n = 878/1129) rated levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD placement pain as 'none' or 'mild' and most clinicians (91.1%, n = 1029/1129) rated placement as 'easy'. Pain was more often rated higher in nulliparous compared with parous (p <.0001) and younger (<26 years) compared with older participants (p <.0001), although 67.7% and 69.0% of nulliparous and younger participants respectively reported 'none' or 'mild' pain. Bleeding profile satisfaction at 12 months/end of observation was similar in parous (72.9%, n = 318/436) and nulliparous (69.6%, n = 314/451) participants. Most participants irrespective of age reported bleeding profile satisfaction, ranging from 67.8% (n = 206/304) for 18–25 years to 76.5% (n = 218/285) for >35 years. We observed high bleeding profile satisfaction regardless of age or parity with levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD and confirmed that device placement is easy and associated with no more than mild pain in most cases in routine clinical practice. Real-world evidence from the Kyleena® Satisfaction Study in routine clinical practice shows high bleeding profile satisfaction with levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD regardless of age or parity. IUD placement was easy and associated with little to no pain for most women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gynäkologische Endokrinologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: In 2016 the Port Moresby General Hospital in Papua New Guinea introduced a midwife led postpartum contraception service to educate patients and provide contraceptive implants. This study examines the factors that were associated with immediate postpartum uptake of the implants.Study Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients on the hospital postnatal ward who gave birth between March 2017 and January 2018. Patients aged 16-45 who had a vaginal birth with a singleton, live baby not requiring admission to the special care nursery were eligible for inclusion and invited to complete a survey prior to discharge.Results: Of 2082 patients approached, all consented to participate in the survey. Of those completing the survey, 531 (25.5%) chose to have the contraceptive implant provided immediately postpartum. Excluding patients who chose tubal ligation (n = 330), in multivariable analysis, higher odds of implant uptake was associated with no prior contraception use compared to prior use (aOR 1.38; 95% CI 1.07 -1.77), unplanned pregnancy compared to planned (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.07-1.79), and having received antenatal education about the implant compared to no information (AOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.23-2.10).Conclusions: Antenatal education about the contraceptive implant impacted on likelihood of immediate postpartum method uptake. Patients who had no prior use of contraception and those with unplanned pregnancies were also more likely to request the implants, suggesting that the midwife-led postpartum service is successfully reaching patients with a previous unmet need for contraception.Implications: This study demonstrates successful delivery of a postpartum implant program in a setting where community access to contraception is limited. Antenatal information and education can support implant uptake and that the program provides the opportunity for birth spacing and limiting in patients with a previous unmet need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is encouraged as a strategy to address racial disparities in birth outcomes. Black woman-led organizations and stakeholders recommend a thoughtful integration of Reproductive Justice for any LARC programs. This paper will describe how one state-funded maternal and child health program reconceptualized an evidence-based strategy (EBS) focused on increasing access to LARC, to a broader strategy that incorporated principles of Reproductive Justice to improve birth outcomes. Description: In 2016, North Carolina established the Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health (ICO4MCH) program. As part of this program, five county health departments were awarded funding to "increase access to LARC". Noting community partners' concerns with this strategy, ICO4MCH leadership revised the strategy to focus on using the Reproductive Justice framework to improve utilization of reproductive life planning and access to LARC. Leaders modified the strategy by changing performance measures and scope of work/deliverables required by grantees. Assessment: Using quarterly reports and focus group data from ICO4MCH grantees, we identified key steps communities have taken to prioritize Reproductive Justice. Key findings include that sites hosted Reproductive Justice trainings for team members and changed language describing family planning services. These activities were tailored to fit community context and existing perceptions about reproductive health services. Conclusion: The ICO4MCH program was able to modify a LARC EBS to better emphasize Reproductive Justice. Local agencies desiring to shift their LARC programs should include and value feedback from those with lived experience and partner with organizations committed to Reproductive Justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Implanon and copper intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) available in public primary health care (PHC) South Africa. These methods are the most effective forms of contraception. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, beliefs and practices on provision of LARC. Setting: Primary health care facilities within the Khayelitsha Eastern Substructure, Cape Town. Methods: A descriptive survey of all permanent nurses who provided contraception. Data were collected from 72/90 (80% response rate) via a validated questionnaire and evaluated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Knowledge of eligibility for LARC was tested. The mean knowledge scores for Implanon were 8.56/11 (s.d. 1.42) for the trained and 7.16/11 (s.d. 2.83) for the untrained (p = 0.007). The mean knowledge scores for IUCD were 10.42/12 (s.d. 1.80) for the trained and 8.03/12 (s.d. 3.70) for the untrained (p = 0.019). Participants believed that inaccessibility to training courses (29%), no skilled person available (24%) and staff shortages (35%) were barriers. Less than 50% of women were routinely counselled for LARC. Forty-one percent of nurses were trained and performed IUCD insertion, and 64% were trained and performed Implanon insertion, while 61% and 45% required further training. Confidence was low, with 32% trained and confident in IUCD and 56% trained and confident in Implanon insertion. Conclusion: Lack of training, poor confidence and deficient counselling skills were barriers to effective LARC provision. The identified system-specific barriers must be addressed to improve uptake. Contribution: The first study to evaluate knowledge, beliefs and practices on LARC in providers in the Western Cape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This qualitative study examined how patient-related factors influence providers' contraceptive counseling for persons with substance use disorders (SUDs). Specifically, we explored individual behavior and social factors that contribute to providers modifying their contraceptive counseling approaches and described how providers alter their counseling recommendations and communication strategies in the presence of such factors. Methods: In 2019, we purposively recruited a national sample of contraceptive providers (N = 24) and conducted semistructured phone interviews to inquire about their contraceptive counseling practices for women with SUDs. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis with inductive codes. Results: Participants included 10 medical doctors, 8 nurse practitioners, and 6 certified nurse-midwives. We found that providers modify their contraceptive counseling provision when their patients are actively using substances or have unstable living conditions, such as intimate partner violence or homelessness. With patients experiencing these instabilities, providers reported postponing contraceptive discussions until patients are stabilized in treatment, recommending long-active reversible contraceptive methods, and varying communication styles according to their own perceptions of patients' communication needs. Providers perceived that individuals in long-term recovery have increased stability and fewer barriers to contraceptive access and adherence and therefore reported increased willingness to provide greater autonomy during contraceptive decision making and shift the counseling focus to short-acting contraceptive methods. Conclusions: This study highlights that substance use and social "stability" of patients contributes to how providers approach their contraceptive counseling and make methods recommendations for their patients with SUDs. More research is needed to understand strategies that individuals with SUDs use to overcome barriers to contraceptive access and adherence in the context of active substance use and social instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To estimate inequalities in demand for family planning satisfied with modern methods among women in Latin America and the Caribbean, with an emphasis on Brazil and Mexico, and to calculate the scenario for recovery of modern contraceptive coverage by expanding access to long-acting contraceptives (LARC) after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. National health surveys from 2006 to 2018 were used to estimate the demand for family planning satisfied with modern methods and how it was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The scenario included three variables: coverage, health outcomes, and costs. Considering coverage, United Nations Population Fund data were used to estimate the impact of COVID-19 on access to contraception in Latin America and the Caribbean. Health outcomes were assessed with the Impact 2 tool. Direct investment was used to evaluate cost-effectiveness. Results. Substantial inequalities were found in the use of modern contraceptive methods before the pandemic. We showed the potential cost-effectiveness of avoiding maternal deaths by introducing LARCs. Conclusions. In the scenario predicted for Brazil and Mexico, the costs of modern family planning and averted disability-adjusted life years are modest. Governments in Latin America and the Caribbean should consider promoting LARCs as a highly efficient and cost-effective intervention.

Abstract Background Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) have superior contraceptive efficacy compared to short-acting reversible contraceptives (SARCs) and choosing LARCs over SARC methods reduces the need for abortion care. However, little is known how initiating these methods associates with the subsequent overall need of reproductive health services including family planning services, and visits for gynecological reasons in primary and specialized care. Methods We followed altogether 5839 non-sterilized women aged 15–44 years initiating free-of-charge LARC methods (n = 1689), initiating or switching SARC methods (n = 1524), or continuing with the same SARC method (n = 2626) at primary care family planning clinics in the City of Vantaa, Finland, 2013–2014 for 2 years using Finnish national health registers. We assessed the use of reproductive health services, namely attending public primary or specialized health care for gynecological reasons or attending the family planning clinics by applying unadjusted and adjusted negative binomial regression models on visit counts. Results A total of 11,290 visits accumulated during the two-year follow-up: 7260 (64.3%) at family planning clinics, 3385 (30.0%) for gynecological reasons in primary, and 645 (5.7%) in specialized health care. Altogether 3804 (52.4%) visits at the family planning clinics were for routine checkup, and 3456 (47.6%) for other reasons. Women initiating LARC methods used reproductive health services for reasons other than routine checkups similarly as women initiating or switching SARC methods (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.93, 95% CI 0.82–1.05), while women continuing with SARC methods used the services less frequently (0.65, 0.59–0.72). Women initiating free-of-charge LARC and those continuing with the same SARC method used services less for abortion care than women initiating or switching SARC (adjusted incidence rate ratios 0.05, 95% CI 0.03–0.08 and 0.16, 95% CI 0.11–0.24, respectively). Conclusions While women initiating LARC methods have lower need for abortion care compared to women initiating SARC methods, women initiating both LARC and SARC methods have similar overall need for reproductive health services. In contrast, women continuing with their SARC method need reproductive health services less than women initiating LARC or a new SARC method. These service needs should be acknowledged when planning and organizing family planning services, and when promoting long-acting reversible contraception.

Plain Language summary Chronic disease is increasing among young women and unintended pregnancies among these women are associated with poor outcomes for both the mother and baby. To optimise outcomes, it is important for these women to plan pregnancies and use effective contraception until such time. However, there is a lack of understanding of how these women use or don’t use contraception, particularly with respect to highly effective contraception. This study examined patterns of contraceptive use among an Australian cohort of young women (born 1989–1995) and investigated the influence of chronic disease on contraceptive use over time. We found differences in contraceptive use over time for women with cardiac disease and those with autoinflammatory diseases. Importantly, compared to women without chronic disease using the pill alone, women with cardiac disease had double the odds of using low efficacy contraception. While women with autoinflammatory disease were 69% more likely to use long-acting methods combined with condoms, these women were also 70% more likely to use low efficacy contraception, compared to women without chronic disease who used the pill only. Contraceptive patterns did not differ for women with asthma or diabetes from women without chronic disease. The findings identified a need for effective contraceptive counselling as part of routine chronic disease care and improved communication between health care providers and women with chronic disease to improve young women’s contraceptive knowledge and contraceptive decision-making, particularly for those with cardiac or autoinflammatory conditions. This may be the key to reducing high-risk unintended pregnancies among this vulnerable population.

Objective: To study urban, predominantly Black women’s expressed opinions and beliefs related to the use of contraceptives to better inform implementation strategies designed to increase the use of highly effective contraceptives among minoritized and low-income women. Design: Focus group interviews with women, in conjunction with a community-based organization providing programs for underserved women with a mission of improved women and infant health. Setting: Focus groups were conducted, and women were recruited from clinical sites in predominantly African American urban neighborhoods in a southeastern US city. Patient(s): Self-identified 18–35-year-old women recruited from clinical sites in the urban core of the city with an 80% African American population. Intervention(s): No interventions tested. Main Outcome Measure(s): Black women’s opinions and concerns about contraception. Results: Key insights from the focus group results for healthcare providers include the following: the importance of framing discussions with patients within the context of the patients’ goals; need to acknowledge and respect the support systems that women rely on for child birthing and childcare; recognition of the clinician’s role as a trusted and respected source of information; and need to understand and be prepared to address much of the inaccurate and misleading information that can interfere with the patients’ optimal choices for contraception. Conclusions: A critical component for applying the implementation science theory to increase the use of evidence-based practices, such as implementation of highly effective contraceptives, requires understanding women’s perspectives of the factors influencing their decisions to use highly effective contraceptives. This study provides important insights into the following: the potential barriers inherent in minoritized women’s concerns about contraceptives and how these insights can inform implementation strategies such as patient-centered counseling and education to overcome those barriers.

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is recognized as a highly effective and convenient method for preventing unwanted pregnancy. However, in real clinical practice, the level of implementation of LARC remains relatively low, which, presumably, may be related to misconceptions about their contraceptive efficacy and side effects among health professionals and patients. One method of long-acting reversible contraception is the intrauterine device. Hormone-containing intrauterine systems are recognized as one of the most affordable contraceptive methods, characterized by a very low failure rate (less than 1%), which does not depend on the patient’s compliance. A review of the literature focuses on the efficacy and safety of a low-dose levonorgestrelcontaining intrauterine system containing 19.5 mg of levonorgestrel (LNG-IUD 12). We present data on the advantages of this intrauterine system in comparison with its counterparts. Analysis of the literature has shown that adherence to low-dose contraception is observed among women of reproductive age. The smaller diameter of the guide tube is associated with a more successful and less painful insertion of the device into the uterine cavity. This may be an obvious advantage for young, nulliparous women. In addition, the LNG-IUD has a predominantly local progestogenic effect on the endometrium, so there is a relatively low development of systemic effects. Despite its lower levonorgestrel content, the LNG IUD 12 (Kyleena LNG 19.5 mg, levonorge strel-releasing intrauterine system with an average LNG release of 12 µg/24 h in vivo over the first year of use) has a high level of contraceptive efficacy. Thus, LNG-IUD 12 is associated with a favorable efficacy and safety profile regardless of a woman’s age or parity, which has been confirmed by the results of clinical trials.

International guidelines recommend placement of intrauterine devices immediately after second-trimester medical abortion, but evidence concerning the optimal time for intrauterine device placement is lacking from clinical trials. This study aimed to investigate effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of intrauterine device placement within 48 hours, compared with placement at 2 to 4 weeks after second-trimester medical abortion. We hypothesized that intrauterine device placement within 48 hours would be superior compared with placement at 2 to 4 weeks after the abortion, in terms of the proportion of intrauterine device use after 6 months, with maintained safety and acceptability. In this open-label, randomized, controlled, superiority trial, we recruited participants at 8 abortion clinics in Sweden. Eligible participants were aged ≥18 years, requesting medical abortion with gestation ≥85 days, and opting for use of a postabortion intrauterine device. Participants were randomized (1:1) to intrauterine device placement either within 48 hours of complete abortion (intervention) or after 2 to 4 weeks (control). Our primary outcome was self-reported use of an intrauterine device after 6 months. Secondary outcomes included expulsion rates, pain at placement, adverse events and complications, acceptability, and subsequent pregnancies and abortions. Differences in nonnormal continuous variables were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney U test, and differences in dichotomous variables with the chi-square or Fisher exact tests. A P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Group differences are presented by modified intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. Between January 2019 and June 2022, we enrolled 179 participants, of whom 90 were assigned to the intervention and 89 to the control arm. Enrollment was prematurely stopped after an interim analysis exceeded a predefined intrauterine device expulsion rate of 20%. According to modified intention-to-treat analysis, use of intrauterine device after 6 months was 50.7% (34/67) in the intervention group vs 71.6% (48/67) in the control group (proportion difference, 20.9%; 95% confidence interval, 4.4%–35.9%; P =.02). The intrauterine device expulsion rate was 30.1% (22/73) in the intervention group vs 2.9% (2/70; P <.001) in the control group. Other adverse events were rare and patient acceptability was high in both groups. Intrauterine device placement within 48 hours after second-trimester medical abortion was nonsuperior in terms of the proportion of intrauterine device use after 6 months when compared with placement after 2 to 4 weeks. Placement within 48 hours after second-trimester abortion can be used in selected individuals after counseling on expulsion risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear of pain associated with intrauterine device (IUD) placement has been identified as a significant barrier to the adoption of long-acting reversible contraception, contributing to lower utilization of the most effective reversible contraceptive methods. To assess whether instillation of intrauterine mepivacaine before IUD placement alleviates pain more effectively than a placebo. We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving nulliparous women undergoing IUD placement. An intrauterine instillation of 10 mL of 20 mg/mL mepivacaine or 0.9 mg/mL sodium chloride was administrated through a hydrosonography catheter 2 minutes prior to IUD placement. Pain scores were assessed using a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) at prespecified time points. Primary outcome measured the difference in VAS pain scores between the intervention group and the placebo group during IUD placement. Secondary outcomes included VAS pain scores at instillation and 10 minutes after placement, tolerability of the placement pain, as well as acceptability of the analgesia method. We enrolled 151 participants, with 76 assigned to the mepivacaine group and 75 to the placebo group. The mean VAS pain score during IUD placement showed a difference of 13.3 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.75–20.87; P <.001): the mepivacaine group had a mean of 53.9 mm (standard deviation [SD] 22.8), while the placebo group had a mean of 67.2 mm (SD 22.4). After adjusting for each individual provider's impact, the difference in mean pain scores remained statistically significant (12.2 mm 95% CI 4.85–19.62; P <.001). A greater proportion of women in the intervention group reported tolerable pain during placement with 70/75 participants (93.3%) compared to 53/66 participants (80.3%) in the placebo group (P =.021). The intrauterine instillation of mepivacaine results in statistically significant reduction in pain score among nulliparous women during IUD placement. Although the precise clinical impact of this pain reduction method remains uncertain, the observed reduction in pain score result in a higher proportion of women reporting tolerable pain. This finding and the high acceptance as a pain reduction method thereby suggests clinical relevance. Intrauterine instillation of mepivacaine is a possible strategy to increase IUD utilization, particularly among nulliparous women who are at high risk of unintended pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (IPP LARC) insertion rates during delivery hospitalizations at the state level and by payor type. This is a cross-sectional study of 26 states and District of Columbia using 2020 State Inpatient Database. In 2020, IPP LARC insertion rates varied widely by states, ranging from 2.55 to 637.25 per 10,000 deliveries. Rates were higher for deliveries with Medicaid as primary expected payor than with private insurance in all states but District of Columbia. Rates of IPP LARC insertion varied in 2020 by state and were higher for deliveries with Medicaid as primary expected payor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a systemic inflammatory response that activates coagulation in symptomatic patients. In addition, a rare form of thrombosis has been reported in people who received the COVID-19 vaccine, most of whom were women younger than 50 years of age. Considering that hormonal contraceptive methods widely used by women of childbearing age increase the risk of thrombosis, the development of guidelines for the use of hormonal contraceptives in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic is necessary. In this context, the Korean Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health provides guidelines for issues regarding contraception and reproductive health during the pandemic.

Abstract Unintended pregnancy is a global issue with serious ramifications for women, their families, and society, including abortion, infertility, and maternal death. Although existing contraceptive strategies have been widely used in people's lives, there have not been satisfactory feedbacks due to low contraceptive efficacy and related side effects (e.g., decreased sexuality, menstrual cycle disorder, and even lifelong infertility). In recent years, biomaterials-based long-acting reversible contraception has received increasing attention from the viewpoint of fundamental research and practical applications mainly owing to improved delivery routes and controlled drug delivery. This review summarizes recent progress in advanced biomaterials for long-acting reversible contraception via various delivery routes, including subcutaneous implant, transdermal patch, oral administration, vaginal ring, intrauterine device, fallopian tube occlusion, vas deferens contraception, and Intravenous administration. In addition, biomaterials, especially nanomaterials, still need to be improved and prospects for the future in contraception are mentioned. Graphical Abstract

Plain language summary Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is the most effective and reliable family planning method for female sex workers (FSWs) who desire future fertility. LARC is very reliable since it requires only periodic users' involvement at the time of application or re-application. However, only a few studies on the uptake of LARC among FSWs are available in Uganda. To fill the above knowledge gap, we examined the factors associated with the uptake of LARC among the FSWs in post-conflict Northern Uganda. We collected cross-sectional quantitative data among 280 non-pregnant FSWs of reproductive age (18–49 years) who were not on a permanent family planning method. We analyzed the data using Poisson regression to investigate possible associations between uptake of LARC and the various independent factors. The results showed that uptake of LARC was more common among participants who had been sex workers for a longer period, had more children, experienced unintended pregnancies during sex work, and was doing sex work from brothels or lodges. The findings revealed a gap in the uptake of LARC among FSWs in post-conflict Northern Uganda. Therefore, to increase LARC uptake among FSWs, future family planning interventions should target the newly recruited FSWs, FSWs with few children, and FSWs who do not work in brothels or lodges.

IntroductionWhile young women in South Africa may navigate both HIV infection and pregnancy risks, intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) use is low. Though IUCs have low failure rates, concerns exist about whether the IUC is an appropriate method choice for women living with HIV (WLHIV). In this qualitative study, we explore WLHIVs' experiences of using IUC and reasons for discontinuation.MethodsThis qualitative study included in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 17 WLHIV who electively discontinued their allocated IUC while participating in a randomized controlled trial comparing the safety of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the copper intrauterine device (C-IUD) in Cape Town, South Africa. The transcripts were coded and emergent themes were grouped to examine women's experiences with IUC use and reasons for discontinuation, highlighting experiential differences between the two methods.ResultsWomen's experience with the allocated IUC related most commonly to bleeding and/or abdominal pain just after insertion. Most C-IUD discontinuers, but only one LNG-IUS discontinuer, complained of pain and/or increased bleeding as the main reason for removal. Three women (two LNG-IUS, one C-IUD) requested removal because they desired pregnancy, while two others discontinued due to fears the IUC was exacerbating non-gynecologic conditions (hypertension, diabetes). Generally, women acknowledged advantages of IUC use and many expressed their desire to continue use if not for the side effects.ConclusionsIn the South African context, IUC use for WLHIV should be promoted with specific counseling considerations. Both providers and potential users should receive specific information about potential menstrual-related side effects and countering common misperceptions to enable informed contraceptive decision-making.

IntroductionEvidence shows that an expanded range of contraceptive methods, client-centered comprehensive counseling, and voluntary informed choice are key components of successful family planning programs. This study assessed the effect of the Momentum project on contraceptive choice among first-time mothers (FTMs) age 15–24 who were six-months pregnant at baseline in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and socioeconomic determinants of the use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).MethodsThe study employed a quasi-experimental design, with three intervention health zones and three comparison health zones. Trained nursing students followed FTMs for 16 months and conducted monthly group education sessions and home visits consisting of counseling and provision of a range of contraceptive methods and referrals. Data were collected in 2018 and 2020 through interviewer-administered questionnaires. The effect of the project on contraceptive choice was estimated using intention-to-treat and dose-response analyses, with inverse probability weighting among 761 modern contraceptive users. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine predictors of LARC use.ResultsProject effect was detected on receipt of family planning counseling, obtaining the current contraceptive method from a community-based health worker, informed choice, and current use of implants vs. other modern methods. There were significant dose-response associations of the level of exposure to Momentum interventions and the number of home visits with four of five outcomes. Positive predictors of LARC use included exposure to Momentum interventions, receipt of prenatal counseling on both birth spacing and family planning (age 15–19), and knowledge of LARCs (age 20–24). The FTM's perceived ability to ask her husband/male partner to use a condom was a negative predictor of LARC use.DiscussionGiven limited resources, expanding community-based contraceptive counseling and distribution through trained nursing students may expand family planning access and informed choice among first-time mothers.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate if women desire talking to a counselor or physician about contraception when seeking first-trimester medical or surgical abortion. STUDY DESIGN:We conducted a cross-sectional study by distributing self-administered anonymous surveys to women at three clinics in Sacramento, California; Chicago, Illinois; and Cleveland, Ohio, from October 2014 to February 2015. Participants completed surveys after registration and before any in-office counseling. We asked whether women want to discuss contraception, specific topics they want to discuss, reasons why they may not want to talk about contraception and whether they want to receive contraception services as part of their abortion care. We conducted regression analyses to assess associations between patient characteristics and the desire for counseling. RESULTS:Among 3041 eligible women, 1959 (64.4%) completed surveys. Overall, 1208 (61.7%) did not want to discuss contraception prior to having an abortion, primarily citing that they already know which method they want. We found no association between the desire to discuss contraception and age, race, planned abortion method, clinic site and number of unplanned pregnancies. Among those who desired to talk about contraception, subjects preferred to discuss which contraceptive methods are easier to use and more effective as compared to previously used methods. Regardless of their desire for a discussion about contraception, 1386 (70.8%) of subjects wanted to leave the clinic with a specific method, including a long-acting reversible method [intrauterine device or implant (190, 13.7%)] or other hormonal method [pills, patch, ring or injectable (680, 49.1%)]. CONCLUSIONS:The majority of women seeking first-trimester abortion do not come to the clinic wanting to discuss contraception, most commonly because they have a preferred method in mind. IMPLICATIONS:Providers should ask women presenting for abortion if they want to discuss contraception and not assume that they need or desire such information. Focused discussions, starting with the preferred method if known, may better satisfy women's preferences. Providers should account for such desires when allocating resources for contraception services during abortion care.

Unprotected intercourse is common, especially among teens and young women. Access to intrauterine device (IUD) as emergency contraception (EC) can help interested patients more effectively prevent unintended pregnancy and can also offer ongoing contraception. This study evaluated young women's awareness of IUD as EC and interest in case of need. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from young women aged 18-25 years, not desiring pregnancy within 12 months, and receiving contraceptive counseling within a cluster-randomized trial in 40 US Planned Parenthood health centers in 2011-2013 (n=1500). Heath centers were randomized to receive enhanced training on contraceptive counseling and IUD placement, or to provide standard care. The intervention did not focus specifically on IUD as EC. We assessed awareness of IUD as EC, desire to learn more about EC and most trusted source of information of EC among women in both intervention and control groups completing baseline and 3- or 6-month follow-up questionnaires (n=1138). At follow-up, very few young women overall (7.5%) visiting health centers had heard of IUD as EC. However, if they needed EC, most (68%) reported that they would want to learn about IUDs in addition to EC pills, especially those who would be very unhappy to become pregnant (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.6, p

BackgroundUS unintended pregnancy rates remain high, and contraceptive providers are not universally trained to offer intrauterine devices and implants to women who wish to use these methods.ObjectiveWe sought to measure the impact of a provider training intervention on integration of intrauterine devices and implants into contraceptive care.Study designWe measured the impact of a continuing medical education-accredited provider training intervention on provider attitudes, knowledge, and practices in a cluster randomized trial in 40 US health centers from 2011 through 2013. Twenty clinics were randomly assigned to the intervention arm; 20 offered routine care. Clinic staff participated in baseline and 1-year surveys assessing intrauterine device and implant knowledge, attitudes, and practices. We used a difference-in-differences approach to compare changes that occurred in the intervention sites to changes in the control sites 1 year later. Prespecified outcome measures included: knowledge of patient eligibility for intrauterine devices and implants; attitudes about method safety; and counseling practices. We used multivariable regression with generalized estimating equations to account for clustering by clinic to examine intervention effects on provider outcomes 1 year later.ResultsOverall, we surveyed 576 clinic staff (314 intervention, 262 control) at baseline and/or 1-year follow-up. The change in proportion of providers who believed that the intrauterine device was safe was greater in intervention (60% at baseline to 76% at follow-up) than control sites (66% at both times) (adjusted odds ratio, 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-5.4). Likewise, for the implant, the proportion increased from 57-77% in intervention, compared to 61-65% in control sites (adjusted odds ratio, 2.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-4.59). The proportion of providers who believed they were experienced to counsel on intrauterine devices also increased in intervention (53-67%) and remained the same in control sites (60%) (adjusted odds ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-3.44), and for the implant increased more in intervention (41-62%) compared to control sites (48-50%) (adjusted odds ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-4.12). Knowledge scores of patient eligibility for intrauterine devices increased at intervention sites (from 0.77-0.86) 6% more over time compared to control sites (from 0.78-0.80) (adjusted coefficient, 0.058; 95% confidence interval, 0.003-0.113). Knowledge scores of eligibility for intrauterine device and implant use with common medical conditions increased 15% more in intervention (0.65-0.79) compared to control sites (0.67-0.66) (adjusted coefficient, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.21). Routine discussion of intrauterine devices and implants by providers in intervention sites increased significantly, 71-87%, compared to in control sites, 76-82% (adjusted odds ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.80).ConclusionProfessional guidelines encourage intrauterine device and implant competency for all contraceptive care providers. Integrating these methods into routine care is important for access. This replicable training intervention translating evidence into care had a sustained impact on provider attitudes, knowledge, and counseling practices, demonstrating significant changes in clinical care a full year after the training intervention.

BackgroundUnderstanding how contraceptive choices and access differ for women having medication abortions compared to aspiration procedures can help to identify priorities for improved patient-centered postabortion contraceptive care.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the differences in contraceptive counseling, method choices, and use between medication and aspiration abortion patients.Study designThis subanalysis examines data from 643 abortion patients from 17 reproductive health centers in a cluster, randomized trial across the United States. We recruited participants aged 18-25 years who did not desire pregnancy and followed them for 1 year. We measured the effect of a full-staff contraceptive training and abortion type on contraceptive counseling, choice, and use with multivariable regression models, using generalized estimating equations for clustering. We used survival analysis with shared frailty to model actual intrauterine device and subdermal implant initiation over 1 year.ResultsOverall, 26% of participants (n = 166) had a medication abortion and 74% (n = 477) had an aspiration abortion at the enrollment visit. Women obtaining medication abortions were as likely as those having aspiration abortions to receive counseling on intrauterine devices or the implant (55%) and on a short-acting hormonal method (79%). The proportions of women choosing to use these methods (29% intrauterine device or implant, 58% short-acting hormonal) were also similar by abortion type. The proportions of women who actually used short-acting hormonal methods (71% medication vs 57% aspiration) and condoms or no method (20% vs 22%) within 3 months were not significantly different by abortion type. However, intrauterine device initiation over a year was significantly lower after the medication than the aspiration abortion (11 per 100 person-years vs 20 per 100 person-years, adjusted hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.89). Implant initiation rates were low and similar by abortion type (5 per 100 person-years vs 4 per 100 person-years, adjusted hazard ratio, 2.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-6.59). In contrast to women choosing short-acting methods, relatively few of those choosing a long-acting method at enrollment, 34% of medication abortion patients and 53% of aspiration abortion patients, had one placed within 3 months. Neither differences in health insurance nor pelvic examination preferences by abortion type accounted for lower intrauterine device use among medication abortion patients.ConclusionDespite similar contraceptive choices, fewer patients receiving medication abortion than aspiration abortion initiated intrauterine devices over 1 year of follow-up. Interventions to help patients receiving medication abortion to successfully return for intrauterine device placement are warranted. New protocols for same-day implant placement may also help patients receiving medication abortion and desiring a long-acting method to receive one.

Objective: To evaluate an intervention that aimed at strengthening voluntary access to long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) within postabortion care (PAC) in hospitals in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Methods: From 2016 to 2018, we conducted PAC quality improvement interventions, emphasizing family planning (FP) counseling and voluntary access to LARC. Researchers conducted an interrupted time‐series analysis of service statistics compiled from 2014 to 2020 using segmented linear mixed effects regression models to assess the interventions' effect on postabortion contraceptive uptake. Results: The intervention in mainland Tanzania was associated with an immediate 38% increase in postabortion LARC uptake, a trend that declined from late 2016 to mid‐2020 to 34%. In Zanzibar, the intervention was associated with a gradual increase in LARC uptake that peaked in late 2018 at 23% and stabilized at approximately 15% by mid‐2020. Whereas the interventions in mainland facilities did not generate significant changes in postabortion FP uptake overall, the launch of interventions in Zanzibar in mid‐2016 was associated with a precipitous rise in that outcome over time, which plateaued at approximately 54% by 2019. Conclusion: Increased voluntary uptake of postabortion contraception was associated with the introduction of training in PAC, including FP, and quality improvement interventions and gains were sustained over time. Synopsis: EngenderHealth implemented an intervention to improve integration of treatment for postabortion complications and family planning, which achieved immediate effects that were sustained over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a long history of regarding marginalised groups as unfit to parent and of eugenic policies targeting those with 'undesirable' bodily conditions or behaviours. This is part of a broader pattern of stratified reproduction – structural conditions that enable or discourage certain groups from reproducing – that often brings about and exacerbates injustices. This paper critically assesses the US and UK social and medical literature on applying pressure to marginalised groups, or those who have behaved 'irresponsibly', to use long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Targeting young people for LARC fails to recognise that social inequality is the context for teenage pregnancy, not the result of it. Provider pressure on women of colour to use LARC is linked to institutional racism, whilst policy for those with physical and intellectual disabilities is shaped by disability discrimination. Other groups to be targeted include so-called 'welfare mothers', substance users, those who have had children put into care and offenders. Particularly controversial are cases in which LARC has been ordered by courts. LARC policy incorporating these kind of discriminatory practices needs to stop; future policy should focus on person-centred care that bolsters reproductive justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives are recommended first-line contraception; however, intrauterine device (IUD) uptake remains low in Australia.Objectives: To describe the outcomes of an independent evaluation of the General Practitioner IUD Insertion Network (GPIIN), a project designed to address access barriers through formalized referral pathways between general practitioners (GPs) inserting IUDs and noninserters.Methods: An independent qualitative pragmatic inductive evaluation, involving 14 in-depth interviews with GPIIN members, was conducted 18 months post-GPIIN implementation in 2 Australian jurisdictions to identify and explore critical success factors and limitations of the model.Results: Local GP-to-GP IUD referral networks were considered a useful model to assist affordable and timely IUD access, improve noninserters' IUD knowledge and inserters' reflection on best practice. However, pathway simplification is needed to determine optimal integration of the concept into pragmatic GP-to-GP referral arrangements.Conclusions: GPIIN provides an opportunity to improve IUD access in Primary Health Care. Further consideration of organizations best positioned and resourced to facilitate sustainable delivery and coordination is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]