Intrauterine Devices: Effective Contraception with Noncontraceptive Benefits for Adolescents

IUDs and pain control for adolescents and young adults

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are safe and effective for most adolescents and young adults (AYA) for both contraception and menstrual management. However, multiple barriers exist to placement, including procedure-associated pain. There has been a recent call to action for healthcare providers to optimize pain management strategies for IUD insertion.

RECENT FINDINGS

Approach to pain management for IUD insertion varies significantly among providers, and there is no standardized approach to comfort optimization. Several methods of pain control for IUD insertion, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic, have been studied, though many have variable results.

SUMMARY

Approaching IUD insertion counseling through a lens of patient autonomy and reproductive justice will likely improve the patient experience and help providers to work toward enhancing comfort during the procedure. Further research is needed to determine optimal pain control strategies for IUD insertion.

Case report: Bladder stone caused by dislocated Cu-IUD

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

The intrauterine device, usually in the form of a copper IUD or levonorgestrel intrauterine system, is a widely used contraceptive method. The risk of uterine perforation is low and ranges from 0.3 to 2.2 per 1000 insertions for Cu-IUD. The bladder, with 24 %, is, after the bowel, the second most common location among all intra-abdominal locations of the migrated IUDs, which can cause development of a bladder stone.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of a 32-year-old woman who attends with increasing dysuria. She reported using an IUD before her last pregnancy. Abdominal sonography and computed tomography revealed a lost IUD migrated into the bladder with stone formation. An open abdominal cystotomy was carried out in order to remove the IUD. Patient reported improvement of the symptoms postoperatively.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

In the case of transvesical migration of IUD, lower urinary tract symptoms can occur and vesicolithiasis can develop. If the IUD is completely inside the bladder or if it gets small stones inside it, the device and stones may need to be removed through a cystoscopic or suprapubic approach. When large stones have formed or when the IUD has partially penetrated the bladder wall, open surgery has been the method of choice for removal.

CONCLUSION

In case of migrated IUD, a vaginal and abdominal ultrasound, X-rays, and computed tomography are useful tools for detecting dislocated IUDs. For the treatment physicians can choose a cystoscopic, laparoscopic, or abdominal approach based on the symptoms, the size of the stones, the IUD's location on the bladder wall, and their experience in laparoscopy and open surgery. If patients report dysuria after inserting of IUD a migrated IUD into the bladder should be taken into account.

Contraception in Adolescents

The adolescent care provider has a unique opportunity to provide young patients with appropriate counseling about sexual health and prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. To provide high-quality sexual and reproductive health care for the adolescent, providers must be familiar with the breadth of contraceptive options and their characteristics. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent developments in contraception and to review commonly used contraceptive methods as they apply to adolescents.

Migration of Intra-Uterine Devices

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a widely used contraceptive. Possible complications from IUDs include failed insertion, pain, vasovagal reaction, infection, abnormal bleeding, and expulsion. Uterine perforation and migration of the IUD are rare complications occurring in approximately 1-2 per 1000 insertions. We executed a systematic review by reviewing all case reports and case series on IUD migration, published between December 2002 and December 2022. Our review indicates that about half of these patients present with pain and that a third are completely asymptomatic. The most common sites of migration are the intestine, bladder, and omentum. We found that the preferred method for removing the migrated IUD is laparoscopy. Generally, there are no lasting injuries after the removal of the migrated IUD, but occasionally, severe complications have been reported. Healthcare providers should be vigilant about this rare complication, especially in cases of painful insertion or the presence of other risk factors for perforation. When uterine perforation is diagnosed, it is advisable to remove the IUD to prevent severe complications.

Continuation rates of hormonal intrauterine devices in adolescents and young adults when placed for contraceptive and non-contraceptive indications

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate and compare continuation rates of hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) when placed for contraceptive or menstrual management indications in adolescents and young adults.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a secondary analysis of a prospectively collected database of all hormonal IUD insertions from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2020, with at least 1-year follow-up, across four Adolescent Medicine practices. IUD insertions without known indication were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 936 IUD insertions were attempted, 45% for contraception only, 18% for menstrual management only, and 37% for both indications. Insertion was successful in 868 (93%) attempts, and success did not differ by indication (p = 0.74). The mean age at insertion was 18.9 years (SD = 2.4 years), with no difference by indication. Of the completed insertions, 650 (75%) had at least one follow-up during the data analysis period. Excluding those without follow-up, the overall continuation rates were 77% at 1 year, 66% at 2 years, and 54% at 3 years. While continuation rates did not differ by indication at 1 year, at 3 years, continuation was highest among those who sought the device for menstrual management only (contraception = 53%, menstrual = 57%, both = 53%, p < 0.01) Malposition was rare (4.0%), as was device expulsion (2.5%), and these did not differ by indication.

CONCLUSION

IUD continuation rates were high among adolescents and young adults and did not significantly differ when placed for contraceptive or non-contraceptive indication in the first year of use.

IMPLICATIONS

Adolescents and young adults may seek the hormonal IUD for contraception and/or menstrual management. Our study found that IUD continuation rates were high at 1 year regardless of the indication for utilization.

Association between dietary trace minerals and pelvic inflammatory disease: data from the 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

OBJECTIVE

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a prevalent gynecological disorder. Dietary trace minerals play an important role in combating many chronic diseases including PID. However, it is unknown whether dietary trace minerals and PID are related. This study aimed to examine the relationship between dietary trace minerals (copper, iron, selenium, and zinc) and PID.

METHODS

Data of women participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2018 were enrolled in this cross-sectional investigation. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses of the relationship between dietary trace minerals and PID were performed, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were applied to visualize those relationships.

RESULTS

In total, 2,694 women between the ages of 20 and 59 years participated in the two NHANES cycles. In the univariate analyses, a significant negative relationship was identified between PID and dietary copper intake [odds ratio (OR) = 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24-0.67, p < 0.01] but not with iron (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.90-1.03, p = 0.25), selenium (OR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.99-1.0, p = 0.23), and zinc (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.86-1.03, p = 0.17) intake. Following the adjustment for age and race (model 1), a robust correlation was found between dietary copper intake and PID (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.09-0.61, p < 0.01), as indicated by the fully adjusted model 2 (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.09-0.90, p = 0.03). Simultaneously, a significant trend was found between copper intake and PID across the quintile subgroups (p for trends <0.05), suggesting a robust relationship. Furthermore, the RCS analysis demonstrated a linear correlation between PID and dietary copper intake (overall p < 0.01, non-linear p = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

Decreased dietary copper intakes are linked to PID. However, additional research is needed to fully investigate this relationship due to the constraints of the study design.

Five-year Contraceptive Use of 52-mg Levonorgestrel Releasing Intrauterine System in Young Women, Menstrual Patterns, and New Contraceptive Choice

OBJECTIVE

 To evaluate the continuation rates of the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) during the first 5 years of use, reasons for its discontinuation, bleeding patterns, and new contraceptive choice after the 5th year, in adolescents and young women.

METHODS

 The present study was a 5-year prospective cohort conducted in a Family Planning Service of a tertiary hospital in Brazil. We selected 100 healthy women between 15 and 24 years old who used 52-mg LNG-IUS for contraception. The clinical follow-up of these women took place from June 2017 to December 2022. The study evaluated the continuation rates of the method, reasons for its discontinuation, bleeding patterns, and new contraceptive choice after the 5th year. Continuous data were reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and range (minimum-maximum). Categorical variables were described as percentages.

RESULTS

 The continuation rates of LNG-IUS were 89.1% (82/92), 82.9% (72/87), 75.3% (64/85), 70.5% (60/85), and 64.2% (54/84) in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th years of use, respectively. The main reason for discontinuation was acne (11/30). Amenorrhea rates were 50, 54.1, 39, 35.7, and 51.8% at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months, respectively. All patients who completed the study and needed contraception after the 5th year opted for long-acting contraceptive methods (LARC).

CONCLUSION

 The LNG-IUS showed high continuation rates in adolescents and young women in the first 5 years of use. Most patients who completed the study chose a LARC method after the 5th year.

Contraceptive methods in adolescence: a narrative review of guidelines

PURPOSE

Adolescent pregnancy, while recently in decline, remains a matter in need of addressing. Education and counselling are deemed crucial and this review aims at comparing published contraceptive guidelines, thus resolving any surrounding misconceptions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Recently published contraception guidelines regarding adolescent pregnancy were retrieved. In particular, guidelines and recommendations from ACOG, RCOG, SOCG, AAP, CPS, NICE, CDC, and WHO were compared and reviewed based on each guideline's method of reporting.

RESULTS

Three categories of contraceptive methods are available for adolescents and recommendations on their initiation should be made based on their efficacy, according to all guidelines. Therefore, long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) should be highly recommended as the most effective method (typical use failure rate: 0.05%), followed by short-acting hormonal contraceptives (typical use failure rate: 3-9%). The third contraceptive option includes contraceptives used in the moment of intercourse and displays the lowest effectiveness (typical use failure rate: 12-25%), mostly due to its dependence on personal consistency, however offers protection against STI transmission.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents should be encouraged to initiate contraception, with LARCs being the primary choice followed by short-acting hormonal contraception. However, regardless of the chosen effective contraceptive method, the use of condom is necessary for STI prevention.

Reversible interventions for menstrual management in adolescents and young adults with gender incongruence

The newly released World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care, 8th Edition specify that adolescents should be offered menstrual suppression as part of their treatment plans to suppress menses and alleviate dysphoria, provide contraception, or improve irregular bleeding on testosterone therapy. This is a review of current evidence-based options for reversible interventions for menstrual suppression in adolescents with gender dysphoria or incongruence. Shared decision-making should be used by the clinician at all times, and the clinician should be intentional in prioritizing the patient's stated needs and desires when offering interventions. No method should be withheld due to the experience of gender incongruence alone. Contraceptive options offering menstrual suppression include depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate, levonorgestrel intrauterine systems, progestin-only contraceptive pills, and combined hormonal contraceptives. Non-contraceptive options include norethindrone acetate, oral medroxyprogesterone acetate, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues/agonists, and danazol. Certain patients may also benefit from non-pharmacologic interventions, such as specialty menstrual underwear.

Plain language summary

Using medicine to stop Menstrual periods in teens with gender incongruence Summary: Newly released recommendations for the care of teens and young adults with gender dysphoria or incongruence specifically recommend using medications to get rid of menstrual periods if desired or medically necessary. Patients may ask for this to help improve dysphoria, as a feature they want in birth control, or simply because they do not want to have periods. Because temporarily getting rid of periods is something that doctors can do for any patient old enough to have periods, patients with gender dysphoria should also be able to have their periods temporarily stopped using medications if requested. Doctors should ensure that they always help the patient make a decision that is right for them instead of prescribing what they think is right without considering the patient's input. Options for temporarily getting rid of periods can include birth control, such as oral contraceptive pills, patches, or rings; intrauterine devices; or shots, and it can also be done with things that are not birth control, such a progesterone pills or puberty blockers. Finally, some patients may only need improved period hygiene with period underwear to feel better in their bodies.

Intrauterine Device Outcomes in Young Women with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Comparing Patients with and without Inherited Bleeding Disorders

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) in two young women's hematology clinics and compare adverse events in adolescents with and without inherited bleeding disorders (BDs) DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter cohort study from February 2014 through February 2020 SETTING: Young women's hematology clinics at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas PARTICIPANTS: Female patients evaluated for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) who underwent IUD placement INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of IUD expulsion, malposition, and ongoing HMB requiring additional medical treatment RESULTS: We identified 43 patients with BDs and 35 patients without BDs who underwent placement of an IUD for HMB. The mean age was 14.9 years (range 11.0-21.4 years) at the time of presentation and 15.8 years (range 11.0-21.4 years) at IUD placement. Those with BDs were younger at the time of IUD insertion. Most patients (90%) had previously failed other methods to control HMB. The annual rate of IUD adverse events was 0.25 per year of use, and all adverse events occurred in the first 20 months after placement. There were no significant differences in adverse IUD events in patients with and without BDs, although those without BDs requested IUD removal more frequently.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of adolescent females, the presence of a BD was not associated with a higher IUD expulsion rate. IUD placement should be considered a first-line option for adolescents with BDs who experience HMB.

Utility of the Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System in the Treatment of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Dysmenorrhea: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

We undertook a literature review of the use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices when utilized for heavy menstrual bleeding and/or dysmenorrhea.

METHODS

A narrative review of articles in the Scopus and Medline databases was conducted.

RESULTS

A number of options exist for the management of both abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and dysmenorrhea, and evidence is accumulating that the insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) represents a useful option for their long-term treatment. The idea of using a progestogen released in utero was initially conceived to achieve long-term contraception, but it was quickly found that these systems could be utilized for a number of therapeutic applications. The first device to be made commercially available, Progestasert, was withdrawn from the market because, in the event of contraceptive failure, it caused a disproportionate percentage of extrauterine pregnancies. On the other hand, the LNG-IUS continues to be successfully utilized in its various variants, releasing 20, 13, or 8 μg/day. These devices have a respective duration of action of 7 (possibly 8), 5, and 3 years, and there exist versions of frameless systems affixed to the myometrium of the uterine fundus. In the present review, following a brief description of the major causes of AUB and dysmenorrhea, the molecular bases for the use of the LNG-IUS are summarized. This is followed by a compendium of its use in AUB and dysmenorrhea, concluding that the insertion of the system improves the quality of life, reduces menstrual blood loss better than other medical therapies, and decreases the extent of dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain. In addition, there is no evidence of a significant difference in these outcomes when the use of the LNG-IUS was compared with improvements offered by endometrial ablation or hysterectomy. Possibly, the most important mechanism of action of the system consists of its ability to induce amenorrhea, which effectively eliminates heavy bleeding and dysmenorrhea. However, no method is ideal for every woman, and, in the case of the LNG-IUS, younger age and severe dysmenorrhea seem to be associated with a higher risk of discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

The higher-dose LNG-IUS is a useful tool for HMB and dysmenorrhea in women of all ages. The low cost and ease of use make the LNG-IUS an attractive option, especially when contraception is also desired.

Effect of Mirena Intrauterine Device on Endometrial Thickness, Quality of Life Score, and Curative Effect in Patients with Perimenopausal Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Objective

To study the effect of Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) on endometrial thickness, life quality score, and curative effect in patients with perimenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding.

Methods

Eighty patients with perimenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding cured from January 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled as the object of study. According to random number table, the patients were classified into the study (n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups. The control cases were cured with medroxyprogesterone. The study cases were cured with Mirena IUD. The effective rate of clinical therapies was evaluated after 3 months of treatment. The endometrial thickness, menstrual volume score, and life quality score (WHOQOL-BREF) was measured after 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months of treatment.

Results

The effective rate of patients with Mirena IUD for 3 months was higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The endometrial thickness and menstrual volume scores of study cohort after 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months following treatment were remarkably lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05) and were considerably lower than those of control cohort (P < 0.05). The hemoglobin level of the studied cases after 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after therapy was remarkably upregulated (P < 0.05) and was greatly higher compared to the controlled cases (P < 0.05). After 3-month treatment, the WHOQOL-BREF score of the study group was higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The Mirena IUD is far more effective in the treatment of perimenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding and is helpful in reducing the thickness of the endometrium. Patients' menstrual flow can be controlled, and anemia can be corrected; thus, patients improve their quality of life and health status and can be considered for further promotion.

Post-Placental Intrauterine Device Insertion in Brazilian Adolescents: Clinical Outcomes at 12 Months

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the acceptability, expulsion and continuation rates, satisfaction, and complications associated with post-placental intrauterine device insertion (PPIUDI) in Brazilian adolescents DESIGN: Prospective cohort SETTING: A single public, tertiary teaching hospital PARTICIPANTS: Adolescents (≤ 19 years) giving birth by vaginal delivery or cesarean section INTERVENTION: PPIUDI MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were PPIUDI acceptability, expulsion, continuation, and user satisfaction. Secondary outcomes were changes in menstrual bleeding and pain, infection, uterine perforation, and repeat pregnancy up to 12 months after PPIUDI.

RESULTS

Of 1710 adolescents who delivered during the study period, 294 accepted PPIUDI (acceptability 17.2%). There were no cases of infection or uterine perforation among the 91 adolescents who completed the 12-month follow-up. Overall expulsion rate was 28.6%, and most cases (54%) occurred in the first 6 weeks after insertion. At 12 months, 85.7% of users were satisfied with the method, and continuation rate was 69.2%. At the end of 12 months, there were no repeat pregnancies among the adolescents who remained with the device in place.

CONCLUSION

PPIUDI can be an effective and safe method to reduce repeat unplanned pregnancies in adolescents who have just given birth.

Nitrous Oxide Use for Intrauterine System Placement in Adolescents

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of nitrous oxide on patient-reported pain for placement of intrauterine systems (IUSs) in adolescents STUDY DESIGN: : Prospective observational study SETTING: : IUS placement in an ambulatory clinic compared with placement with nitrous oxide in a hospital-based sedation unit PARTICIPANTS: : English-speaking adolescents aged 12 to 20 presenting to a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist with a medical indication for IUS placement MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: : Patient-reported procedural pain measured on a visual analog scale 2 minutes post IUS insertion procedure. Secondary outcome measurement of likelihood of recommending an IUS to a peer.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients agreed to participate. Forty-five patients underwent IUS placement in the clinic. Controlling for age, history of dysmenorrhea, and body mass index, a significant time (change in reported pain scores pre- vs post IUS insertion) by treatment (nitrous oxide vs standard of care) interaction was observed for patient-reported pain (b = -29.32 mm, P < 0.01). Patients receiving nitrous oxide were more likely to recommend an intrauterine placement than patients who received the current standard of care for pain management (b = 0.47, P = 0.02) after controlling for age, baseline pain score, and dysmenorrhea history.

CONCLUSION

Patient-reported pain was attenuated for patients who received nitrous oxide relative to those who received standard IUS placement. Patient-reported satisfaction was higher for patients who received nitrous oxide relative to those who received standard IUS placement.

Impact of polymer crosslinking on release mechanisms from long-acting levonorgestrel intrauterine systems

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) crosslinking density is a critical material attribute of levonorgestrel intrauterine systems (LNG-IUSs) that affects drug release and may have a significant influence on product performance and safety. Accordingly, the objective of the present work was to investigate the impact of PDMS crosslinking on the release mechanisms of LNG-IUSs and thereby achieve better product understanding. To investigate the effect of PDMS crosslinking, LNG-IUSs with varying prepolymer ratios and different mixing conditions were prepared. Accelerated and real-time in vitro release of the LNG-IUSs were conducted for up to 80 days and 7 months, respectively. Contrary to conventional understanding, formulations with higher crosslinking density showed faster drug release rates. To further understand this anomalous release behavior, the microstructure and molecular properties (using scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, polymer swelling studies, solid-state silicon NMR, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction) were investigated. Interestingly, it was revealed that high PDMS crosslinking forms a solid-state porous branched network with amorphous polymer domains facilitating fast solvent uptake (in organic solvents) and easy access to the drug particles leading to rapid mass transport of the drug molecules. Furthermore, formulations processed using planetary mixing showed higher crosslinking densities and faster drug release rates than those prepared using manual mixing. Model fitting of all LNG-IUSs were carried out using first order, two-phase (zero order plus Higuchi), and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. The first order model (which showed the best fitting for the full release profile) was used to establish correlations between the drug release rates and the PDMS crosslinking densities of LNG-IUSs. This is the first comprehensive report providing novel insights into crosslinking-induced microstructural changes and physicochemical properties that dictate drug release from LNG-IUSs.

Applicator for cervical brachytherapy for MRI or CT guided therapy

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Cervical applicator for brachytherapy with anchorage similar to intrauterine device.

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Cervical applicator that can be inserted bedside.

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Cervical applicator that can be associated with less pain compared to current applicators.

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women aged 20 to 39 years in the USA. Radiation therapy for cervical cancer in the definitive setting is delivered by combining external beam radiation and brachytherapy. The procedure of cervical brachytherapy could be associated with significant discomfort and pain to the patient. Here we describe a novel cervical applicator, that can be inserted bedside, with local anesthesia only. The device is similar to intrauterine device and vaginal ring used for contraception, albeit with channels for high dose rate brachytherapy.

The combination of medical devices and medicinal products revisited from the new European legal framework

Medical devices and medicinal products have many similarities in their nature, scope or specific medical purposes, and despite the differences in their principal means of action, they are often used in combination. Indeed, many medicinal products depend on medical devices for their administration, and it is increasingly common for medical devices to contain medicinal substances to support their action. Therefore, the combination of medicinal products and medical devices provides additional benefits for patients. However, their higher technical complexity requires a strengthening of their authorisation and certification requirements. In this regard, more comprehensive requirements and classification rules are introduced by a new European regulation on medical devices that fully applies from May 26^th 2021. On account of their therapeutic significance, this review aims at gaining insight into the borderline between medical devices and medicinal products in this new 2021 regulatory framework. For the first time, any item containing a medical device and a medicinal product will have both parts evaluated. Through exemplification of both marketed and investigational devices incorporating medicinal substances and drug-device combinations, the new European requirements and their implications are thoroughly illustrated herein.

History of IUD utilization and the risk of preterm birth: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether a history of IUD use could increase the risk of subsequent preterm birth.

METHODS

We performed a cohort study of 24,496 multipara aged 19-48 years in Dongguan City. Each subject was followed up for 1 year, and 12,508 women obtained pregnancy outcomes. They were divided into 2 groups: 2130 subjects with IUD use history (exposure group), and 10,378 subjects without IUD use history (control group). The exposure group will remove the IUD before pregnancy. The primary outcomes were preterm birth (less than 37 weeks of gestation) and early preterm birth (less than 34 weeks of gestation). We used log-binomial regression to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) of preterm birth and early preterm birth for women with a history of IUD. According to the different adjusted baseline data, three regression models were established, and the propensity matching score method was also used to verify the stability of the results.

RESULTS

The delivery rate of women with IUD history was 51.24%, and that of women without IUD was 51.03% (² = 0.063, P = 0.802). Six hundred and eighty-five women had preterm birth (5.48%, 95% CI 5.08-5.88) and 133 women had early preterm birth (1.06%, 95% CI 0.83-1.24). Compared with the control group, the incidence of preterm birth and early preterm birth in the exposure group were significantly lower. The results are stable in all four models. Subgroup analysis also supported the result. This study also found that the longer the women used IUD before pregnancy, the younger the age of first using IUD, and the shorter the time from condom removal to pregnancy, the lower the incidence of premature birth.

CONCLUSION

The women with a history of IUD use are less likely to have premature birth after the IUD is removed. More prospective studies are needed to confirm it.

Effective easing of the side effects of copper intrauterine devices using ultra-fine-grained Cu-0.4Mg alloy

Copper intrauterine device is one of the most adopted contraceptive methods with high effectiveness (over 99 %), low cost, spontaneous reversibility and long-lasting usage. However, the side effects induced from the initial burst release of copper ions (Cu²⁺) hinder the continuation of the Cu-IUD made of Coarse-Grained Copper (CG Cu). We proposed to tailor the bio-corrosion behaviors of better control of Cu²⁺ release via the addition of bioactive Mg into the Ultra-Fine Grained (UFG) Bulk Cu. Thus, UFG bulk Cu with 0.4 wt.% Mg was produced via equal-channel angular pressing. The microstructures of the UFG Cu-0.4Mg was observed using electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The in vitro long-term corrosion behaviors in simulated uterine fluid, cytotoxicity to four cell lines, in vivo biocompatibility and contraceptive efficacy were all studied on CG Cu, UFG Cu and UFG Cu-0.4Mg materials. The results demonstrate that both the ultrafine grains and the addition of bioactive Mg into Cu contribute to the suppression of the burst release of Cu²⁺ in the initial stage and the maintenance of high level Cu²⁺ in long-term release. Moreover, the UFG Cu-0.4Mg also exhibited much improved cell and tissue biocompatibility from both the in vitro and in vivo evaluations. Therefore, the contraceptive efficacy of UFG Cu-0.4Mg is still maintained as high as the CG Cu and UFG Cu while the side effects are significantly eased, suggesting the high potential of the UFG Cu-0.4Mg alloy as a new upgrading or alternative material for Cu-IUD. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The side effects from burst release of Cu²⁺ at the initial implantation stage of Cu-containing intrauterine devices (Cu-IUD) is one of the main drawbacks of these devices. In this work, an ultra-fine-grained Cu (UFG Cu) alloyed with a low amount of bioactive Mg was used for a Cu-IUD. The UFG Cu-0.4Mg alloy exhibited suppressed burst release of Cu²⁺ at initial implantation, while active Cu²⁺ release for long-term usage was maintained, comparable to coarse-grained pure Cu. Furthermore, the UFG Cu-0.4Mg alloy displayed significantly improved biocompatibility with human uterus cells and a much decreased inflammatory response within the uterus. Therefore, the side effects from Cu-IUD were eased, while high antifertility efficacy of the UFG Cu-0.4Mg alloy was maintained. The UFG Cu-0.4Mg alloy is promising for Cu-IUD.

Uterine artery Doppler indices: pulsatility index and resistance index as predictive tools for the incidence of heavy menstrual bleeding related to copper intrauterine contraceptive device

Objectives

To assess the predictive value of the initial uterine artery Doppler indices, the pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI) in the prediction of heavy menstrual bleeding before and after copper intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) insertion.

Methods

The current prospective clinical study included 100 women who intended to use a copper IUCD (Cu T-380A) and met the inclusion criteria. Uterine artery Doppler PI and RI indices were calculated before IUCD insertion and at three and six months after insertion. Based on the presence or absence of menorrhagia, all women were classified into two groups: non-bleeding (n=52) and extreme menstrual bleeding (n=48). Receiver operating curve analysis was used to determine the predictive value of uterine artery PI and RI in patients with menorrhagia relevant to IUCD.

Results

The PI and RI indices displayed a highly significant difference between the IUCD groups at three and six months after insertion (P<0.001). Uterine artery PI ≤2.02 (sensitivity of 95.8%, specificity of 100%, and area below the curve [AUC] of 0.97 at P-value<0.001) and RI ≤0.83 (sensitivity of 93.8%, specificity of 100%, and AUC of 0.949 at P-value<0.001) were correlated with significant menstrual bleeding following insertion of IUCD.

Conclusion

The presented results confirmed our assumption that the initial studies of uterine artery Doppler can predict heavy-menstrual bleeding associated with IUCD and therefore, should be conducted in women pursuing reversible long-acting contraception.

Twelve-month Continuation of the Etonogestrel Implant in Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To identify why adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) chose the etonogestrel (ENG) contraceptive implant, to determine the 12-month continuation rate, and to characterize factors related to discontinuation.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective chart review of adolescents seen at a tertiary care children's hospital between July 1, 2008, and August 30, 2019, with PCOS diagnosis confirmed per National Institutes of Health criteria and ≥12-month ENG follow-up.

INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Demographic characteristics, reasons for ENG insertion and removal, and information on other hormonal/contraceptive therapies were collected. Patients were categorized as ENG continuers (use ≥12 months) or discontinuers (removal at <12 months), and groups were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 96 patients met inclusion criteria (age 17.7 ± 2.2 years, body mass index 34.8 ± 8 kg/m²). Reasons for ENG were documented in 74% (51% contraception, 32% ease of use, 15% other, 13% estrogen avoidance). In all, 27% had never been sexually active, and 67% had had prior sexual activity. Treatments prior to ENG placement included 74% combined hormonal contraception, 20% medroxyprogesterone acetate withdrawal, and 17% depot medroxyprogesterone. A total of 77% continued ENG at 12 months. The main reasons for discontinuation were bleeding (41%), concern about weight gain (23%), and mood changes (18%). No preimplantation characteristics were independently predictive of continuation, although 100% of patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 11) continued. Patients who sought additional care, including telephone calls (41% vs 12%, P = .006) and clinic visits (64% vs 20%, P < .001) were more likely to discontinue.

CONCLUSIONS

The ENG implant was well tolerated in adolescents with PCOS and similar to published 12-month continuation rates.

Evaluation of clinical performance when intrauterine devices are inserted by different categories of healthcare professional

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated clinical performance when the TCu380A intrauterine device (IUD) and the levonorgestrel (LNG) 52-mg intrauterine system (IUS) were inserted by different categories of healthcare professionals.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted at the University of Campinas, Brazil. The medical records were reviewed of all women in whom an IUD was inserted between January 1980 and December 2018, with data for at least 1 year, and for whom information on the healthcare provider who inserted the device was available.

RESULTS

Overall, 19 132 (76.9%) IUD and 5733 (23.1%) LNG-IUS insertions were included, with residents/interns performing 13 853 (55.8%), nurses 7024 (28.2%), and physicians 3988 (16.0%). Removals for pregnancy and infection were significantly higher when physicians inserted the device, while removals for bleeding/pain and other medical reasons were more common when nurses performed the insertion. Expulsion and removals for personal reasons were similar for all three categories.

CONCLUSION

Clinical outcomes were similar regardless of whether trained nurses, residents/interns, or physicians inserted the device, and were irrespective of users' age and parity. These results could stimulate other healthcare services, particularly in regions where there is a shortage of physicians, to invest in training nurses to perform insertions of IUDs.

Dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain in Adolescents

Most adolescents will experience discomfort during menstruation. Due to normalization of dysmenorrhea, there is delay to diagnosis and treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are a first line treatment. Adolescents can safely be offered menstrual suppression with combined hormonal contraception, and progestin-only options. When the above are ineffective, gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists with add back treatment can be considered. Transabdominal ultrasound is indicated when first line treatments do not improve symptoms. Endometriosis should be considered in adolescents who experience ongoing pain despite medical treatment. If laparoscopy is performed and endometriosis visualized, it should be treated with either excision or ablation. Women with endometriosis should be counselled on menstrual suppression until fertility is desired. Management of chronic pain requires the involvement of a multi-disciplinary team.