Antifertility Research Articles

Maternal Medication Transmission through Human Milk

Maternal Medication Transmission through Human Milk

Changes in Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 and Quadriceps Muscle Size in Follicular Stage Compared to Luteal Stage in Adaptation to Resistance Training in Young Women

Background and Objectives Menstrual cycle may affect the training of strength and muscle size. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of exercise volume distribution in the 2 follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle on serum Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) and muscle mass in women. Methods in this semi experimental study’ 20 amenorrheic women with a mean age of 22±5 years, without contraceptive use and a history of eight weeks of resistance training were selected. Each subject had 8 training sessions on one leg in the first 14 days of menstruation and 2 training sessions on the second 14 days of menstruation (training in the follicular period) and the other leg had 2 training sessions on the first 14 days of menstruation and 8 training sessions on the second 14 days of menstruation (training in the luteal period). The training protocol was consist of unilateral leg extension. Results the quadriceps Muscle diameter (according to pretest size) in follicular training (FT) (0.67±0.34 (cm)) was higher than luteal training(LT) (0.46, 0.41 cm) (P=0.012). Also, insulin-like growth factor increased in both groups (13%) regardless of the type of exercise schedule (P> 0.001). Conclusion According to this study it is recommended that follicular based training may cause more muscle hypertrophy and maximum strength than luteal based training in young amenorrheic women who do not take birth control pills.

P660 Knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of contraceptive choices in women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Background Active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at conception is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Published literature suggests that almost a quarter of women with IBD do not use any form of contraception putting them at risk of unplanned pregnancy. Recent guidelines emphasise the importance of antenatal care in IBD patients, but contraception counselling and risk assessment are not addressed. Our aim was to explore the contraceptive knowledge, attitudes and preferences of women with IBD. Methods A 34-item questionnaire was prospectively administered to 245 consecutive female IBD patients aged 18–45 attending gastroenterology clinics. Disease control was measured using the validated IBD Control questionnaire, and contraceptive preferences assessed by the Contraceptive Features Survey. Results Of the 245 participants (see table 1), mean disease duration was 6.5 years, median IBD control score was 16.9 (range 0- 26), and 152 (62%) respondents had previously been pregnant. Almost three quarters of respondents (n=176) reported currently using contraception, and 41 (17%) were using highly effective contraceptives. The most commonly used contraceptives were oral birth control pills (27%) and barrier methods (18%). Participants who identified as Caucasian (74%) were more likely than those who identified as Asian (37%) to use contraception (p=0.0009). Patients who did not plan to conceive in the future were more likely to use contraception (p=0.0365). However, of the 58% (n=143) who had either no plans to conceive in the future or were unsure, 23% were not using any form of contraception, and 83% were not using a highly effective contraceptive. Current biologic therapy was significantly associated with highly effective contraceptive use (p=0.0275). Contraceptive features most important to women were effectiveness (78%), ease of use (76%), few or no side effects (68%) and not detracting from sexual enjoyment (65%). Only 25% patients (n=61) recalled discussing reproductive issues with their IBD clinician, however, 86% stated they would feel comfortable having this discussion. Women wished to receive family planning counselling from their IBD nurse (81%), General practitioner (77%), IBD doctor (68%), and gynaecologist (47%). Conclusion A quarter of patients in our cohort were not using any contraception and the majority were not using a highly effective form potentially increasing their risk of unplanned or mistimed pregnancy. Participants desired a contraceptive that was effective, easy to use and with minimal side effects. Our findings reflect the need for further studies to improve informed decision making with contraceptive counselling, to improve the overall quality of care for women with IBD.

Obesity is associated with decreased risk of microscopic colitis in women.

BACKGROUNDMicroscopic colitis is a leading cause of diarrhea in the older adults. There is limited information about risk factors. We hypothesized that obesity would be associated with microscopic colitis.AIMTo examine the association between obesity and microscopic colitis in men and women undergoing colonoscopy.METHODSWe conducted a case-control study at the University of North Carolina Hospitals. We identified and enrolled men and women referred for elective, outpatient colonoscopy for chronic diarrhea. We excluded patients with a past diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. A research pathologist reviewed biopsies on every patient and classified them as microscopic colitis cases or non-microscopic colitis controls. Patients provided information on body weight, height and exposure to medications via structured interviews or Internet based forms. The analysis included 110 patients with microscopic colitis (cases) and 252 non-microscopic colitis controls. Multivariable analyses were performed using logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.RESULTSCases were older and more likely than controls to be white race. Study subjects were well educated, but cases were better educated than controls. Cases with microscopic colitis had lower body mass index than controls and reported more weight loss after the onset of diarrhea. Compared to patients who were normal or under-weight, obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) patients were substantially less likely to have microscopic colitis after adjusting for age and education, adjusted OR (aOR) 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.66). When stratified by sex, the association was limited to obese women, aOR 0.21, 95%CI: 0.10-0.45. Patients with microscopic colitis were more likely to report weight loss after the onset of diarrhea. After stratifying by weight loss, there remained a strong inverse association between obesity and microscopic colitis, aOR 0.33, 95%CI: 0.10 – 1.11 among the patients who did not lose weight. Ever use of birth control pills was associated with lower risk of microscopic colitis after adjusting for age, education and BMI, aOR 0.38, 95%CI: 0.17-0.84.CONCLUSIONCompared to controls also seen for diarrhea, microscopic colitis cases were less likely to be obese. Mechanisms are unknown but could involve hormonal effects of obesity or the gut microbiome.

DETECTION OF CANDIDA SPP. THAT CAUSES VULVOVAGINITIS IN WOMEN THAT USE CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS

The aim: To determine the distribution of Candida spp. within different age groups and contraceptive methods in women with vulvovaginitis, as well as the susceptibility of Candida spp. to commonly used antifungals. Materials and methods: High vaginal swabs were taken from 98 women aged 18 to 50 with vulvovaginitis who used contraceptives and attended the Women and Children Hospital in Al-Diwaniyah; after diagnosis of Candida species, the sensitivity of Candida spp. to some antifungals was studied. Results: The results showed (43/98) women (43.87%) used IUD, (15/98) women (15.30%) used birth control pills, (7/98) women (7.14%) used an injection of contraceptive, (5/98) women (5.10%) used contraceptive suppositories, and (28/98) women (28.57%) did not use any contraceptives. Candida spp. was found in (48/83) specimens (57.831%) from women who used contraceptives and only (11/28) specimens (39.285%) from women who did not use contraceptives. Only (59/98) vaginal specimens tested positive for vaginal candidiasis, (28/59) isolates (47.457%) for C. albicans, then (16/59) isolates for C. glabrata (27.118%), (9/59) isolates (15.254%) for C. tropicalis and (6/59) isolates (10.169%) for C. krusei. Nystatin was the best treatment for all Candida spp. under study, and the MIC was 6.25, and the MFC was 50 for all antifungals and Candida species under study. Conclusions: C. albicans was the most prevalent cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis, while C. glabrata was the most common non-albicans species in women aged 26 to 35; using an IUD was associated with an increased infection of vulvovaginal candidiasis, and nystatin was the most effective treatment.

An Unspeakable Life

How much say should each partner get in deciding to keep, or abort, a pregnancy? Should you believe what your significant other tells you? In this work of philosophical short story fiction, Charles and Muriel are engaged to be married. Muriel surprises Charles by telling him she is pregnant. They had previously discussed, and agreed, they didn’t want to ever have children. Muriel, however, forgets to take her birth control pills and skips a few days. Charles thinks she did it on purpose. Regardless, Muriel now wants to be a mother and is determined to keep the baby. Charles leaves in a huff, but comes back a day later. They keep the baby and get married.

Understanding value change

The possibility of value change has implications for how to responsibly develop and deploy new technologies. If values can, and do, change after technologies have been developed and designed, this would seem to have major ramifications for approaches such as value-sensitive design and responsible innovation. This contribution explores descriptive as well as normative accounts of value change. It suggests three methodological principles that descriptive accounts of value change should meet. Normative accounts are relatively independent of descriptive accounts and raise the important question of whether normative or moral values themselves can also change. Through the example of the birth control pill and its (alleged) effect on sexual morality, the article illustrates what descriptive and normative accounts might look like in a concrete case. It closes with a discussion of implications for responsibly developing new technologies and draws some conclusions for more theoretical work on value change.

Frekuensi Hubungan Seksual dan KB Pil Kombinasi terhadap Terjadinya Erosi Portio pada Wanita Pasangan Usia Subur

Portio erosion is a wound or inflammation of the cervix (portio). Inflammation can be caused by hormonal changes, during pregnancy, contraceptive pill use, installation and removal of IUDs, and lack of personal hygien. This erosion can bleed easily and cause bleeding or metrorrhagia. This study aims to determine the relationship between the frequency of sexual relations and the use of the combined oral contraceptive pill to erosion of portion in reproductive women. This research is an analytic study with a cross sectional design with accidental sampling. Data collection was carried out using interviews and direct observation. Data analysis by a cross tabulation with Spearman Rank test through SPSS software. The results obtained are severe portio erosion covering more than 2/3 of the total cervical area of ​​8 women (53%) based on the frequency of sexual intercourse, and mild portio erosion covers less than 1/3 of the total cervical area of ​​10 women (67%) based on the combined oral contraceptive pill. The study concludes that the frequency of sexual intercourse affected the incidence of portio erosion. The use of the combined oral contraceptive pill has affected the incidence of portio erosion in the POSKESDES Binor Paiton Probolinggo. The results of this study are input for women of childbearing age who are sexually active and use combined pill contraceptives to be more aware of the health of their reproductive organs by routinely performing an IVA or Pap smear at least once a year.

Un eritema nodoso dalle molte cause

The authors described the case of a 16-year-old girl presenting with erythema nodosum in the lower limbs eventually attributable to the birth control pill (ethinylestradiol).

Factors Influencing Contraceptive Use Among Sexually Active U.S. Middle and High School Students, 2015 to 2019.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to see whether factors including the age of first sexual intercourse, sexual orientation, age at the time of survey administration, race/ethnicity, and sex affect condom and other types of contraceptive usage among United States middle and high school students.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveys from the years 2015 to 2019. Students were asked questions about condom and specific type of contraceptive use (e.g. birth control pills, intrauterine device/implant, shot/patch/ring, withdrawal), age of first sexual intercourse, and sexual orientation, as well as demographic questions. Using a logistic regression model, we tested the linear effects on condom and contraception investigated variables.ResultsDiffering sexual orientations had a significant relationship with both condom and contraceptive usage, with those who identified as lesbian or gay being least likely to use contraception as opposed to those who identified as straight, bisexual, or unsure. Female participants were 31.6% less likely to use contraception overall and 41.7% less likely to use condoms in comparison to male participants. With a one-year increase in the age of first sexual intercourse, contraceptive use overall increased by 23% and condom use specifically increased by 17%. With a one-year increase in a participant’s age at the time of survey administration, contraceptive use decreased by 7.4% and condom use decreased by 21%. Between the years 2015 to 2019, there was an average decrease of 5.3% in the usage of condoms.ConclusionWe found significant differences in contraceptive and/or condom usage between students of different sexual orientations, sex, age of first sexual intercourse, age at the time of survey administration, and between different years studied. These differences could be attributed to differences in sex education, cultural background, and availability of resources. Further investigations should be conducted to delineate these differences.

Bioactive compounds coated 2D scaffold from seeds of Carica papaya for bacterial and parasitic skin infections

The plant papaya as Carica papaya L. grows wild and is an economically important seasonal fruit which grows in tropical regions as well as sub-tropical regions. These papaya fruits have some carbohydrates and water, that are low in calories but rich in minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C. It also constitutes carbohydrates, proteins, proteolytic enzymes (papain and quimiopapain) and alkaloids (carpaine and pseudocarpaine). The special functions of Papaya Seeds Extract (PSE), has been identified as anti-bacterial, anti–fertility, anti-helminthic, anti-amoebic activities and anti-parasitic activities. BITC (benzyl -isothiocyanate) is a bioactive substance present in papaya seeds which has been widely studied among different areas due to its vast application. Like BITC, there are many compounds present in the papaya seeds which are useful in treating bacterial and parasitic skin infections. The present study focus on such un explored compounds namely n-hexadecanoic acid, 1,2 benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester, 9-octadecenoic acid (z) – 2, 3dihydroxypropyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid (z) – 2, 3dihydroxypropyl ester and (Z, Z)-Octadeca-5,9-dienic acid, picolinyl ester from the papaya seeds was extracted using methanol as solvent. Purification of compounds was performed for the extraction and identified through GC-MS analysis. From this study, the identified compounds having antiparasitic and antibacterial activity were incorporated into 2D scaffolds which are used for the treatment of skin infections especially psoriasis.

Gambaran Penggunaan Kontrasepsi Hormonal dan Kejadian Efek Samping Penggunaan Kontrasepsi Hormonal Pada Wanita Usia Subur

Hormonal contraceptive methods are considered one of the methods with a high level of effectiveness. Although it has high effectiveness, it doesn’t mean that hormonal contraceptives are without side effects. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of hormonal contraceptives and their side effects. This type of descriptive research was conducted in March-May 20201 at BPM Lilik Nur Hidayati, SST. A total of 80 hormonal family planning acceptors were selected by purposive sampling technique. Data collection was carried out by in-depth interview techniques using interview guidelines. Data analysis using frequency distribution table. The results of this study showed that out of 80 acceptors, almost all of them used 1-month injections (33.8%), followed by 3-month injections (25%), combined pills (12.5%), progestin pills (11 .3%), norplant type implant (10%), implanon type implant (3.7%), and jadena type implant (3.75). Meanwhile, the most frequent side effects experienced by the acceptors were weight gain (61.2%), followed by menstrual disorders (22.5%), gastrointestinal disorders (10%), the appearance of black spots (3.8%), and decreased libido (2.5%). The use of 1-month injectable contraceptives is the type of contraception that is most in demand by women of childbearing age, while the most common side effect is weight gain

Development and Validation of a Reliable LC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Hydrochlorothiazide in the Presence of Different Co-formulated Anti-hypertensive Medications in Biological Matrix

Background: Thiazide diuretics are listed as one of the first-line antihypertensive treatment agents. Hydrochlorothiazide is mainly formulated with many antihypertensive agents as combined pill therapy. Objective: In this study, a new, simple, rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS assay was developed, optimized and validated for the simultaneous quantification of commonly prescribed cardiovascular combined medications that are used for hypertension management, including Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in the presence of irbesartan (IRB), candesartan (CAN) and bisoprolol (BISO) in human plasma. Methods: RP-HPLC separation of analytes and internal standard (atorvastatin) was performed on Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 (4.6×50 mm 5-Micron) using acetonitrile: (0.05%) formic acid (80:20), as an eluting system with a run time of less than 5.0 min. Results: Validation was carried out according to FDA guidelines for bioanalytical method. The recoveries were higher than 84.30%, the accuracy was within 86.82–110.17 % and the RSD was below 10% for all the studied compounds. Conclusions: The suggested method is highly appropriate for routine assays of the studied combination therapy in view of the lower LLOQ, simple extraction process, and short run time. The method can be further investigated and used for pharmacokinetics studies of the studied different antihypertensive combinations.

Dienogest Derivatives Show Increased Selectivity to the Progesterone Receptor

Progestin, the synthetic progesterone in the combination birth control pill, functions to prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately, it also results in a wide range of side effects associated with the pill, including nausea, headaches, abdominal cramping, breakthrough bleeding, and mood changes. These side effects are due to the interactions that take place when the progestin binds not only to its desired target, the progesterone receptor, but also to other steroid receptors, namely the androgen receptor, estrogen receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, and mineralocorticoid receptor. In hopes of diminishing these side effects, in this study, one progestin, dienogest, was computationally altered to improve binding to the progesterone receptor while minimizing the binding to other receptors. The most successful derivative created involved the addition of a methyl and a methylene group, which significantly decreased binding to the five other receptors while maintaining a similar affinity for the progesterone receptor. Importantly, in an assessment of the social aspect of the birth control pill via an online survey released in the San Francisco Bay Area (n=73), the side effects of the birth control pill, which could be improved by minimizing off target interactions, are a major concern among women who consider this form of contraception.

Impact of contraceptive coverage policies on contraceptive use and risky sexual behavior among adolescent girls in the USA.

This study used representative data to examine the impact of changes in contraceptive coverage policies (contraceptive insurance mandates and pharmacy access to emergency contraception) on contraceptive use and risky sexual behavior among adolescent girls. Using 2003-17 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data on 116180 adolescent girls from 34 states, we conducted difference-in-differences models to examine changes in contraceptive use and unprotected sexual intercourse with the implementation of contraceptive coverage policies. We also tested interactions between age and pharmacy access to emergency contraception. Findings indicate that contraceptive insurance mandates and pharmacy access to emergency contraception were not associated with changes in contraceptive use or unprotected sexual intercourse among adolescent girls, although some changes were observed in specific age groups. Despite this, our results show an overall increase in reported use of birth control pills and longer-acting methods from 2003 through 2017. Using representative data, this study lends support to existing evidence that increased access to emergency contraception does not impact contraceptive method used or unprotected sexual intercourse among adolescent girls. The results underscore the need for expanding access to a wide range of contraceptive options for adolescents, with a focus on safer and more effective longer-acting methods.

Oral Contraceptive Use and Breast Cancer Risk Assessment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies, 2009-2020.

Simple SummaryBreast cancer (BrCa) is a heterogeneous disease and has important variability according to ethnicity and race with respect to incidence, clinical characteristics, and prognosis. Numerous epidemiological studies indicate that BrCa and it’s also related to environmental factors. We, therefore, undertook a systematic review of the literature regarding BrCa risk in women who used OCs based on case-control studies carried out in the years 2009–March 2020 and then performed a meta-analysis of relevant data. Increased BrCa risk was associated with early menarche, nulliparous, non-breastfeeding, older age at first parity, postmenopause, obesity, smoking, and family history of BrCa.To perform a meta-analysis of case-control studies that addressed the association between oral contraceptive pills (OC) use and breast cancer (BrCa), PubMED (MEDLINE), Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify case-control studies of OC and BrCa published between 2009 and 2020. We used the DerSimonian–Laird method to compute pooled odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs), and the Mantel–Haenszel test to assess the association between OC use and cancer. Forty-two studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria and we included a total of 110,580 women (30,778 into the BrCa group and 79,802 into the control group, of which 15,722 and 38,334 were using OC, respectively). The conducted meta-analysis showed that the use of OC was associated with a significantly increased risk of BrCa in general, OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.31, p = 0.0358. Regarding other risk factors for BrCa, we found that increased risk was associated significantly with early menarche, nulliparous, non-breastfeeding, older age at first parity, postmenopause, obesity, smoking, and family history of BrCa. Despite our conclusion that birth control pills increase the cancer risk being supported by extensive previous studies and meta-analyzes, further confirmation is required.

Can Plant Product be Substitute for Artificial Oral Contraceptive Pills

Contraceptive methods mean birth control and fertility control methods or devices which used to prevent pregnancy. There are many categories of birth control methods but some having negative influence or risks and some safest and healthiest options. In the present study, we surveyed 269 women from Ahmednagar region and we found that among the 269 women, 179 women were used artificial contraceptives and rest of the women were not used any type of contraceptives. According to the feedback of these women only some having satisfaction and remaining most of women are not satisfactory with these contraceptives, because of high risk of cervical cancer, blood clots, cycle irregularities, irregular bleeding, loss of sexual function, vaginal infection etc. Hence according to survey, we analyse that many women turn to birth control pills because they are not aware that there are safer options available.

Cervical cancer in the era of precision medicine: A perspective from developing countries

Cervical cancer (CC) constitutes about 70%–80% of squamous cell carcinoma and 10%–15% of adenocarcinoma. In about 90% of CC cases the Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection appears to be the main culprit. Other risk factors include smoking, compromised immune system, birth control pills, starting sex at a young age, and having many sexual partners. It is also important to note that CC is one among the few completely preventable cancers. It can be reverted or completely cured if detected in early stages or prevented by healthy lifestyle habits, safe sex, regular screening, and vaccination. It is worth mentioning that, with recent advances in medicine, early detection is now possible by affordable, self-sampling and simple procedures and have significantly reduced the mortality rate, however the rate of incidences has not decreased significantly, especially in older women. Commitments and initiatives by governmental and non-governmental entities through screening and vaccinations for CC are nearly reaching to total protection of girls and women. By raising the awareness on early detection and treatment of CC we can not only eliminate cervical cancer but also ensure reproductive health of the women. Hence, the present review is focused to build the awareness regarding CC by presenting an update of the latest medicinal advancements; building the basics of CC such as its causes, types of treatment modalities, advanced treatment modes, opportunities for prevention, latest technology including clinical trials and financial scenario for the treatment of this deadly disease.

Survey of Available Information on the Risks and Contraindications of Oral Hormonal Contraceptives on Higher Education Websites

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most common cardiovascular disorders after myocardial infarction and stroke. Primary manifestations include deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which are often preventable and often underdiagnosed. Patients with inherited thrombophilia or family history of VTE are at increased risk for VTE. Acquired VTE risk factors include the use of oral hormonal contraceptives, such as combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) containing estrogen and progestin. Women with a family history of VTE are advised not to take COCPs; possible alternatives include use of progestin-only contraceptive pills or non-oral contraceptive methods. Currently it is unknown if young women at college are given information regarding this potential risk when seeking oral contraceptives. Thus, higher education websites can provide a potential venue to promote awareness of this risk. In this study, we reviewed a sample of higher education websites in the US to assess availability of information on oral hormonal contraceptives and their risks for young women.Methods: US higher education institutions for this survey and categorized into 5 major types: community colleges, liberal arts institutions, private for-profit institutions, public non-profit institutions, and private non-profit institutions; 25 institutions from each category were included for analysis. The study was conducted using the Google search terms “birth control pills,” “oral contraceptive pills,” OR plus the university name. Mention of contraindications, risk factors, and blood clot warnings was noted for each website and categorized as to whether the information appeared on the institution's webpage or as a link to an external reference source. Information listed was further classified by risk factors and contraindications mentioned.Results: A total of 125 US higher education institution websites were assessed. Eighteen (14.4%) of the 125 offered information on COCP-related clotting risks. Community colleges and private, for-profit institutions had no information on birth control available either on their webpage or through an external link. Only 3 of 25 (12%) liberal arts institutions discussed clotting risk information. Five of the 25 (20%) public, nonprofit institutions surveyed provided information on their student webpages; three of these 5 offering information through their website as well as through a link to an external website. Of the private, non-profit institutions surveyed, 2 (8%) provided information through their institution's website and 4 (16%) provided information through external sources. Regarding contraindications, 2 (8%) liberal arts schools provided information on their website only, identical to the percentages seen with private and public non-profit institutions. Additionally, 4 (16%) private non-profit universities and 2 (8%) public, non-profit institutions provided information only through external sources. Two (8%) public non-profit institutions provided information both on their website and through external links. Overall, only 6 (4.8%) of the 125 institutions described family history or inherited prothrombotic blood disorder as a potential contraindication or risk factor for COCP-related clotting, all 6 of which were public or private non-profit institutions.Conclusion: The results of this study raise the question of whether higher education institutions are providing the appropriate risk and contraindication information for women considering oral contraceptives as a birth control method. This suggests that there is an opportunity for more birth control education to be provided by higher education institutions. [Display omitted] DisclosuresSarmiento: Quest Diagnostics: Current Employment. Sahud: Quest Diagnostics: Current Employment. Wong: Quest Diagnostics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company.

Sex and Birth Control in West Germany

Abstract Pius XII’s Addresses to the Catholic Union of Midwives on October 29, 1951 and the National Congress of the Family Front and the Association of Large Families on November 27, 1951 were a pivotal moment in the history of sexuality in the Catholic Church because the pope permitted the use of the rhythm method for the purposes of family planning. They occurred at a moment of transition between Pius XI’s condemnation of contraception and abortion in 1930 and Paul VI’s denunciation of the birth control pill in 1968. This essay argues that these two speeches require greater scholarly attention and that West Germany represents a compelling case study for their reception. Other scholars document well the importance of Germany to the life and papacy of Pius XII, but little light has been shed on how Central European Catholics responded to his views about sex. In a fresh reading of the papal intervention, this essay suggests that the speeches only endorsed practices that had been common since the 1930s. In the midst of changing norms about sex and increased access to birth control as well as anxiety about rapid social change, Pius XII’s attempt at conciliation was significant but ultimately failed.