Hormonal contraception and the risks of STI acquisition: results of a feasibility study to plan a future randomized trial

The relationship between the use of combined hormonal contraception with a predominance of gestagens and the selected types of female body in young women from the region of Lower Silesia

Oral contraceptive agents are currently the most popular and one of the most effective methods for preventing pregnancy. The data shows that over 300 million women in the world use contraceptive drugs containing synthetic hormones to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Their effects may affect other systems, leading to the occurrence of various problems associated with the use of the drug. The aim of the study is to estimate the frequency of prevalence of subjective effects associated with the use of combined hormonal contraception with a predominance of gestagens by young women Surveys were conducted among female students of Wrocław universities from December 2010 to January 2011. They covered 257 women aged statistically 23.58 (SD=2.95). They were divided into three age classes: 19-22, 23-24, 25- 28. The individual age of menarche and the hormonal type of body were determined. Only persons with a gestagenic or estrogenic type of body were qualified for the study. Results: 64.6% of all respondents declared the use of hormonal contraception. Combined agents with a predominance of gestagens constituted 87% in this group. Their use brings both positive (90%) and negative (65%) aspects. The most common positive effects include high contraceptive effectiveness, regulation of menstruation and minimisation of skin problems. The most frequent negative effects include: weight gain, spotting, breast swelling and decreased libido. Surprisingly, the study did not show any correlation between the hormonal type and the occurrence of side effects. There was no significant statistical relationship between the type of hormonal contraception used and the hormonal type.

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections among women in sub-Saharan Africa: A structured review

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae constitute major public health problems among women, but the burden of infection in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly documented. We conducted a structured review of the prevalence and incidence of genital, oral and anal C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection in women in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science over a 10-year period for studies on epidemiology of genital, oral and anal chlamydial infection and gonorrhoea in women in all countries of sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed geographic and demographic differences in prevalence and incidence of infection; weighted mean prevalence estimates were calculated with a random-effect model. A total of 102 study results were included, with data available for 24/49 of sub-Saharan countries. The weighted prevalence of chlamydial infection was lower among women in community-based studies (3.9%; 95% CI: 2.9-5.1%) than for women recruited at primary healthcare facilities (6.0%; 95% CI: 4.2-8.4%, p < 0.001); the same was observed for gonorrhoea (2.2%; 95% CI: 1.2-4.0% vs. 4.2%; 95% CI: 3.2-5.6%, p < 0.001). Prevalence of Chlamydia among sex workers was 5.5% (95% CI: 4.2-7.3%) and gonorrhoea 7.6% (95% CI: 5.4-11%). Seven studies reported on incidence which varied between 0.75-28 and 2.8-17 per 100 person-years-at-risk for chlamydial infection and gonorrhoea, respectively. Only two studies reported on anal infections and one on oral infection. This overview underscores the considerable incidence and prevalence of genital C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in women in different settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Better control strategies are warranted to reduce the burden of infection and to prevent long-term complications of these infections.

High-risk sexual behaviors while on depot medroxyprogesterone acetate as compared to oral contraception

Background

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) contraceptive use is associated with an increased risk for Chlamydia infection. However, prior studies inadequately account for potential differences in sexual behavior between users of DMPA and users of other contraceptive methods. In this study we compare sexual risk-taking behavior in women using DMPA to women using oral contraceptive pills (OCP) to assess risk of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study of 630 reproductive-aged women seeking routine gynecologic care (449 OCP and 181 DMPA users) sexual risk-taking was evaluated by use of the Safe Sex Behavior Questionnaire, a validated measure of sexual behaviors and attitudes. All women were screened for Chlamydia. Logistic regression estimated the association of contraceptive choice, sexual behaviors, and Chlamydia infection.

Results

Oral contraceptive pill users differed from DMPA users in age, race, marital status, education level, and pregnancy history (p-values all <0.05). Oral contraceptive pill users had used their method of contraception for longer average duration (p < 0.01) and reported greater frequency of condom use (p < 0.01). Eleven (2.5%) OCP and 2 (1.1%) DMPA users had Chlamydia (p = NS).

Conclusions

Oral contraceptive pill and DMPA users differed with respect to both demographic factors and frequency of condom use. Odds of current Chlamydia infection did not differ between OCP and DMPA users when controlling for sexual risk-taking or demographic factors, though due to low Chlamydia rates in our population, this study was underpowered to detect this difference.

Ovarian steroid hormones: effects on immune responses and Chlamydia trachomatis infections of the female genital tract

Female sex hormones are known to regulate the adaptive and innate immune functions of the female reproductive tract. This review aims to update our current knowledge of the effects of the sex hormones estradiol and progesterone in the female reproductive tract on innate immunity, antigen presentation, specific immune responses, antibody secretion, genital tract infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, and vaccine-induced immunity.

Living with uncertainty: acting in the best interests of women

A recent multi-country study on hormonal contraceptives (HC) and HIV acquisition and transmission among African HIV-serodiscordant couples reported a statistically significant doubling of risk for HIV acquisition among women as well as transmission from women to men for injectable contraceptives. Together with a prior cohort study on African women seeking health services, these data are the strongest yet to appear on the HC-HIV risk. This paper will briefly review the Heffron study strengths and relevant biological and epidemiologic evidence; address the futility of further trials; and propose instead an alternative framework for next steps. The weight of the evidence calls for a discontinuation of progestin-dominant methods. We propose here five types of productive activities: (1) scaling injectable hormones down and out of the contraceptive mix; (2) strengthening and introducing public health strategies with proven potential to reduce HIV spread; (3) providing maximal choice to reduce unplanned pregnancy, starting with quality sexuality education through to safe abortion access; (4) expanding provider training, end-user counseling and access to male and female barriers, with a special renewed focus on female condom; (5) initiating a serious research agenda to determine anti-STI/HIV potential of the contraceptive cervical cap. Trusting women to make informed choices is critical to achieve real progress in dual protection.

Awareness and interest in intrauterine contraceptive device use among HIV-positive women in Cape Town, South Africa

Objective. To assess awareness of and interest in intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) use among HIV-positive women in Cape Town, South Africa. Design. Cross-sectional survey. Methods. HIV-positive women aged 18 through 45 years presenting for care at a primary health care clinic in Cape Town, South Africa participated in this study. Consented participants completed a staff-administered questionnaire in a private setting. Descriptive statistics were generated. Comparisons between demographic and reproductive health-related variables and IUCD awareness and interest were performed with multiple logistic regression. Analyses for IUCD interest excluded women with prior surgical sterilization. Results. Of 277 HIV-positive women, 37% were aware of the IUCD; awareness was independently associated with greater age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.15, 95%; confidence interval (CI): 1.10–1.20) and not switching contraceptive methods in the last year (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.03–5.83). Following an IUCD information session, 86% of women (n = 206/240) were interested in IUCD use. IUCD interest was inversely associated with age (AOR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86–0.97) and marginally positively associated with current menstrual bleeding pattern complaints (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 0.98–4.68). Conclusions. Despite low levels of method awareness, HIV-positive women in this setting are frequently interested in IUCD use, indicating need for programming to expand method access.

Progress and challenges to male and female condom use in South Africa

South Africa has responded to the sexually transmissible infection and HIV epidemic with a rapid expansion of its national-level public sector condom program. Male condoms are available widely at no cost in the public sector, with expanded access via social marketing and the private sector. The female condom program is one of the largest and best established globally. National surveys show progressive increases in rates of condom use at last sex. However, inconsistent and incorrect condom use and the likelihood that condoms are discontinued in longer-term partnerships are some of the challenges impeding the condom program's successes in the fight against sexually transmissible infections and HIV. This article reviews the current condom program, related guidelines and policies, and the existing data on male and female condom use, including distribution and uptake. We discuss the main challenges to condom use, including both user and service-related issues and finally how these challenges could be addressed.

Are dual-method messages undermining STI/HIV prevention?

Adolescent girls and young women who are at risk for unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI), including HIV, are frequently counseled to use a hormonal contraceptive to protect against the former and condoms to protect against the latter, for example, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2011. The present paper reviews the literature on multiple risk messages, compliance with this dual-use recommendation, predictors of dual use, and interventions developed to encourage dual use. Data indicate that simultaneous use of these two methods is not common, and that efforts to encourage dual use have not yielded promising results. An alternative is to recommend condom use alone, since condoms protect very well against STI and HIV, and quite well against pregnancy when used consistently and correctly. The availability of emergency contraception is relevant here. Research utilizing a randomized controlled trial is recommended.

Use of modern and traditional products to self-treat symptoms of sexually transmitted infections in South African women

The objective of the study is to investigate products used by women self-treating symptoms of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and their methods of administration. A household survey using a multi-stage cluster sample design was undertaken in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Women aged 18-60 years were interviewed (n = 867) and information was collected on demographics, reproductive health and sexual behaviours. A fifth of women reported having RTI/STI symptoms (20.5%), of whom 41.9% were treating these symptoms (mostly discharge [79.1%], ulcers [6.8%] and itching [7.7%]). Only three women were using medication prescribed by a health provider, while the remainder were self-treating using traditional medicines and modern products, including antiseptics, soaps, petroleum jelly, menthol creams and alum. Products were administered in various ways. Although RTI/STI treatment is widely available and free in public health facilities, many women are still self-treating. Potential harm of products for self-treatment requires further investigation and efforts should be made to improve STI service uptake.

Combined hormonal contraception may be protective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection

BACKGROUND

The role of hormonal contraception on acquisition of gonorrhea has not been well-characterized, as the transmission dynamics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae are poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of hormonal contraception on gonococcal infection in women exposed to males with gonococcal urethritis.

METHODS

Females aged 15 to 35 years reporting sexual contact to a male partner diagnosed with N. gonorrhoeae were enrolled. Demographic and sexual histories, physical findings, and laboratory tests were collected. Women testing positive and negative for cervical N. gonorrhoeae were compared using chi and Fisher exact tests, with multivariable logistic regression performed on those factors independently associated with gonococcal infection on univariate analysis.

RESULTS

N. gonorrhoeae infection occurred in 68 of 107 (64%) women. Women using combined hormonal contraception were significantly less likely than nonusers to test positive for N. gonorrhoeae (32% vs. 76%; prevalence ratio: 0.42; 95% confidence interval: 0.22, 0.78; P = 0.006). Gonorrhea was also less common in depomedroxyprogesterone acetate users. A new sexual partner was also associated with testing positive for gonorrhea (35% vs. 13%; prevalence ratio: 1.47; 95% confidence interval: 1.13, 1.90; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Women using combined hormonal contraceptives or depomedroxyprogesterone acetate were less likely to test positive for N. gonorrhoeae after sexual exposure compared with nonusers. Our data suggest that, in addition to contraceptive benefits, modern hormonal contraception may have a protective effect on the acquisition of N. gonorrhoeae.

[Contraception: modern trends and controversies]

Ever since ancient civilizations, the possibility of preventing unwanted pregnancies has always been the subject of interest. All available contraception methods have both advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to the doctor and the patient to make a rational choice in each individual case. Many methods for temporary prevention of unwanted pregnancy are used for the purpose of contraception, as well as sterilization, as a permanent method. A large variety of contraceptives offers opting for the most suitable method for each patient, with the highest level of efficiency and safety. With their adequate administration, the rate of unwanted pregnancies should be significantly minimized. Methods used for contraception are constantly improving and simultaneously, new and more efficient ones are being developed. The research in the field of contraceptives is not completed yet and hopefully, in the future, we shall be closer to finding available, efficient, user-friendly medicaments in the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, with minimum side effects, which is on the verge of perfection. Novelties in the field of contraception must be the theme of continuous medical education of gynaecologists, so that they could provide the right information and give advice to their patients in choosing the most adequate contraceptive.