Side Effects Of Hormonal Contraceptives Research Articles

(190) Digital Contraception: Effectiveness, Data Privacy, Reproductives Rights

Abstract Introduction We are experiencing a new profound societal transformation: the contraceptive crisis, attributed to the side-effects of hormonal contraception (since 2012) meets the rise of digital technologies. People seem to reject even the slightest risk of hormonal contraception, in favor of entrusting their intimitate data to online companies. But is the rejection of hormonal contraception really du to its iatrogenic risks? Hormonal contraception is 60 years old and its risks are not new and already known, and people don't hesitate to take far greater risks in all areas of their lives: sexual practices and encounters with strangers, sports activities, driving motor vehicles, tobacco, alcohol, etc... In view of this paradox, we will attempt to assess the advantages of digital contraception over medical contraception. Objective Drawing up an inventory of scientific research on digital contraception Know the real reliability of digital contraception and menstruations trackers Know the real risks for health and the other risks of these trackers Using the information obtained, be able to communicate and inform users as objectively as possible Methods Literature review on PubMed and Google Scholar for the last 12 months with the keywords: digital contraception, menstruations applications, period tracking applications, menstruations applications and data priv0acy. Results PubMed reports only six relevant studies about digital period trackers: these are concerned solely with the prospect of pregnancy or with the interest of data that might suggest a pathology such as Polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis or some other conditions. One study report that further research is needed to assess contents and its use. It is interesting to note that "data privacy" gives here no result, no result for "digital contraception" either. "Digital contraception" is still not a buzzword on Google Scholar" with only one relevant survey, and various research studies on period trackers report a lack of reliability in informations purporting to be scientific. What's most worrying is that the period trackers use external services for data storage with no guarantee of data protection. Literature reports that users are falsely reassured about their privacy by a non-human actor and are not aware that their data can be sold to mercantile companies. Little known consequences are also about ecology with the pollution of the data centers and about reproductive rights by monitoring periods of amenorrhea. Conclusions There are many blinds spots for users when it comes to menstruations trackers, and it is surprising to see people trusting commercial device, about their health, without any independent scientific guarantee. Thus, we observe a loss of trust for health care providers and we have to understand the current situation in sexual and reproductive health: May be we have to ask not why don't people use medical contraception, but why do people use medical contraception? What are the key factors of using a medical contraception? Rejection of medical authority or even gynecological violence, new gender relations, sexual satisfaction, accessibility of medical contraception must be assessed to place users at the center of the care system. Disclosure No.

Hormonal Contraceptive Side Effects and Nonhormonal Alternatives on TikTok: A Content Analysis.

The use of hormonal contraceptives is decreasing in the United States alongside a growing interest in nonhormonal contraceptive options. Social media messaging may be contributing to this trend. TikTok thus offers a novel opportunity to understand how people share information about risks and alternatives for pregnancy prevention. To describe the availability and content of information about hormonal contraceptive side effects and nonhormonal contraceptive options on TikTok, we conducted a content analysis of 100 videos using the hashtags #birthcontrolsideeffects and #nonhormonalcontraception. We found that these videos were popular and often framed hormonal contraceptives and patient-provider interactions negatively, with users frequently discussing discontinuation of hormonal contraception and no plans for uptake of another contraceptive. When uptake of a new contraceptive method is mentioned, creators typically mention a fertility awareness-based method, which requires specialized knowledge to use safely and effectively. The risks and side effects of hormonal options were often overemphasized compared with the possible risks and side effects of nonhormonal options. This framing may suggest opportunities for providers and health educators to reassess how they counsel about contraceptive options. We conclude with recommendations for future research on TikTok and consider the policy implications of these findings.

A Survey Evaluating the Relationship Between the Perceived Side Effects of Hormonal Contraception and Physical Activity Levels in Adult U.S. Women

Objective: Nearly all females use some form of contraception in their lifetimes, making hormonal contraception (HC) a prevalent hormonal landscape. The purpose of this survey was to characterize the prevalence of HC use and the associated perceived side effects in active U.S. adult females. Study Design: Six hundred seventy active adult females between ages 18 and 52 years living in the United States (age = 30.7 ± 8.1 years; body mass index = 25.4 ± 5.5 kg/m2) completed an online questionnaire based on previously validated assessments to characterize menstrual cycle, prevalence of HC use, perceived side effects, and physical activity. Physical activity was reported in minutes over 7 days and converted into metabolic equivalent-minutes per week. Data are reported as descriptive statistics and proportions; Pearson’s chi-squared analyses were used to examine the relationships between categorical variables. Results: Overall, 65.2% of females reported using HC. Combined oral contraceptives were most commonly used (48.3%), followed by intrauterine devices (40.7%). Compared with non-HC users, HC users reported a significantly lower occurrence of premenstrual syndrome (65.7% vs. 54.0%, respectively; p = .004). Compared with the prevalence of perceived negative side effects, HC users reported a higher prevalence of perceived positive side effects. Progestin-only HC users reported significantly more perceived negative side effects than combination HC users (58.2% vs. 48.5%, respectively; p = .042). The physical activity level did not appear to influence perceived side effects. Conclusions: HC use in females remains very high. HC users reported a higher number of perceived positive side effects compared with perceived negative side effects; the type of HC method may impact the perceived side effects.

Identifying what contraceptive side effects women are told about during counseling using nationally representative PMA Ethiopia 2019 cross-sectional data.

Despite widespread concerns about contraceptive side effects among contraceptive users, few studies explore the specific side effects women are told about during contraceptive counseling. It is thus unclear whether women receive appropriate and sufficient information on side effects they may experience. The objective of this study is to describe which specific side effects of hormonal contraception or copper IUD users are counseled on and identify relevant user characteristics associated with receipt of counseling, using nationally representative cross-sectional data from Ethiopia. Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of women between October and December 2019. Analyses were restricted to 2,039 current users of hormonal contraception (implant, injectable, pill, or emergency contraception) or the copper IUD. Descriptive analyses identified the types and number of side effects, across all methods and by the injectable, implant, and pill. Multinomial regression identified factors associated with receipt of counseling on bleeding changes only, non-bleeding changes only, or both, relative to no counseling on side effects, adjusting for method type, source, and socio-economic characteristics. Less than 10% of users were told of at least one bleeding and non-bleeding side effect. Relative to implant users, injectable and other method users were less likely to be told about bleeding changes only (aRRR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46-0.93 and aRRR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16-0.61, respectively) and users of other methods were less likely to be told about both a bleeding and non-bleeding change (aRRR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19-0.93). Users who received their method from a non-public source were less likely to receive counseling on any kind of side effect and nulliparous women were less likely to be told about both kinds of side effects. There is need to improve counseling on the method specific side effects on which women are counseled, particularly in the private sector.

The Reported Side Effects Of Hormonal Contraception By Women Of Reproductive Age In Selected Hospitals In Enugu: Truth Or Myth

Many unwanted pregnancies and its associated complications have resulted from refusal of some women of reproductive age to the use of contraceptives in general particularly the hormonal contraceptive in our environment. The fear of side effects, religious belief, ignorance and other myths surrounding the use of contraceptives had contributed to this. The main objective of the study was to find out if the reported side effects of hormonal contraceptives by women of reproductive age in Enugu, South Eastern Nigeria, are truth or myth. It was a combination of prospective and retrospective study with interviewer administered questionnaire to assess socio-demographic data, reasons why some women were not using hormonal contraceptives, side effects and benefits of hormonal contraceptives. From the 410 respondents, the study showed that 232 respondents (56.6%, X2=7.686) of respondents used hormonal contraceptive which was significant (p<0.05). 178respondents (43.4%) respondents did not use hormonal contraception. 76.0% of the hormonal contraceptives users had side effects while 24.0% did not. Irregular menses (44.4%) was the commonest side effect.130 respondents (73.0%) gave reasons such as religious belief, ignorance, fear of side effects etc as preventing factors to the use of contraceptives. The study showed that 69.8% of users were not discouraged by side effects and 81.1% agreed to recommend it to their friends and family relatives because of its numerous benefits. While it was true from the study that hormonal contraceptives was associated with some side effects of which some disappeared without intervention within 3-5 months of use (35.1%), and others were taken care of through medical interventions, some myths(religious belief, ignorance, husband approval, etc) were also limitations against hormonal contraceptives use.

Perspectives on the side effects of hormonal contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Kitwe district of Zambia: a qualitative explorative study

BackgroundGlobally, hormonal contraceptives have proved to be effective in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. However, despite evidence of the many benefits associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives, concerns related to their safety and side effects have been reported. We conducted a study to explore the perspectives on the side effects of hormonal contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Kitwe district of Zambia.MethodsAn explorative qualitative study was done among 32 women of reproductive age (18–45 years). Participants were selected conveniently as they accessed family planning services at a designated reproductive, maternal, and child health facility. Data collection was done through in-depth interviews (IDIs). Recruitment of participants and data collection continued until the saturation point was reached. The interviews were recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim. Data were imported into NVivo.x64 for coding and node generation after which categories and themes were developed manually.ResultsOverall, participants demonstrated a considerable amount of knowledge of family planning, recounting the economic and health benefits as well as demerits of family planning use. The main reasons for discontinuing and switching hormonal contraceptive methods were the desire to get pregnant and the fear of unpleasant side effects, including excessive bleeding or prolonged menstruation, headache, dizziness, lower abdominal/back pain, and weight gain. Most importantly, participants cited concerns about the delay in the resumption of fertility after the termination of contraception and how the side effects disrupted their daily activities at home.ConclusionThere is a need for family planning providers to offer family planning services that address the side effects of hormonal contraceptives during counselling and how women can manage them. Family planning services should adopt a patient-centred approach that takes into consideration the concerns regarding side effects and how this affects the quality of life among women. Also, there is a need to extend family planning services to include scheduled follow-ups and clinical management of contraceptive side effects among women.

Hubungan Jenis Dan Lama Penggunaan Kontrasepsi Hormonal Terhadap Gangguan Menstruasi Pada Wanita Usia Subur Di Klinik Pratama Vina Kecamatan Medan Baru Kota Medan Tahun 2023

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017 contraceptive use has increased in many parts of the world, especially in Asia and Latin America and is lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Globally, users of modern contraception have increased significantly from 35% in 1970 to 63% in 2017. The 2019 Indonesia Health Profile data shows that most active family planning participants choose injections and pills as contraceptives and are even very dominant (more than 80 %) compared to other methods; inject (63.7%), Pill (17.0%), Implant (7.4%), IUD/IUD (7.4%), Condom (1.2%), MOW (Women's Operative Method) (2 .7%), MOP (Male Operative Method) (0.5%). (RI Ministry of Health, 2020). The side effect of hormonal contraception is disruption of menstruation. The main side effects of DMPA (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) contraception and implants are menstrual disorders in the form of amenorrhea, spotting, changes in cycles, frequency, length of menstruation and amount of blood loss. The side effects of a contraceptive method are a factor that needs to be considered in determining the decision to continue using the contraceptive method (Hartanto, 2013). The type of research used in this research is analytic with a cross sectional approach. Cross sectional is a research approach that emphasizes the time of measurement/observation of independent variable data and depends only once at a time. The research sampling technique is total sampling. This research will be conducted at the Pratama Vina Clinic, Medan Baru District, Medan City in 2023. The results of the chi-squere test d. There is a significant relationship between the type of hormonal contraception and menstrual disorders in women of childbearing age at the Pratama Vina Clinic, Medan Baru District, Medan City, in 2023 (p= 0.013) and there is a significant relationship between the length of use of hormonal contraception and menstrual disorders in women of childbearing age at the Pratama Vina Clinic, Medan Baru District, Medan City in 2023 (p=0.031).

Understanding the perspective of women who use the Billings Ovulation Method®: a focus group study

BackgroundThe Billings Ovulation Method®(the Billings Method) is a fertility awareness-based method (FABM) of family planning that relies on the observation of patterns of fertility and infertility based on vulvar sensations and appearance of discharges. This allows people to choose when to have intercourse, depending on whether they want to avoid or achieve pregnancy. Few studies have documented user experiences with FABMs.MethodsWe conducted four virtual focus groups (FGs) in May and June 2021 with current adult women users of the Billings Method. We asked questions about users' reasons for selecting a FABM and the Billings Method, positive experiences and challenges learning and using the Billings Method, and suggestions for improving the user experience. We performed a content analysis of the transcribed FGs to explore key themes from the discussions. COREQ guidelines were followed.ResultsTwenty women between the ages of 23 and 43 participated in the FGs. Reasons women described choosing a FABM included to follow religious beliefs, to avoid side effects of hormonal contraception, and/or to learn more about their bodies. Reasons for selecting the Billings Method included perceiving it as more precise and easier to understand than other FABMs, having a scientific basis, and being recommended by family and friends. Experiences related to learning and using the Billings Method were mainly positive. They included finding the method easy to use and learn, successfully using it to either postpone or achieve a pregnancy and increasing their awareness of their bodies. Challenges for participants included the inherent learning curve for identifying sensations at the vulva and the required periods of abstinence. Participants provided suggestions and recommendations for improving users' experience, including raising awareness of the Billings Method among healthcare providers.ConclusionsUsers of the Billings Method expressed an overall positive experience when learning and using it for family planning and body awareness. Some challenges were identified that offer opportunities to improve how the Billings Method is taught and delivered. These findings can also enhance healthcare providers' interactions with FABM users, including those of the Billings Method.

Psychological side effects of hormonal contraception: a disconnect between patients and providers

BackgroundExisting literature about the psychological side effects of hormonal contraception (HC) is limited. The goal of this study is to better characterize patients’ subjective experiences with HC, its side effects, and contraception counseling.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional, survey-based study using a convenience sample of patients who had used HC at some point in their lives. Recruitment occurred from June 2021-February 2022.ResultsOf the 188 responses included in the analysis, 43.6% reported experiencing mood changes as a side effect of HC at some point in their lives. The most common reason participants cited for discontinuing or switching contraception methods was side effects (48.3%). Participants with a history of psychiatric illness were significantly more likely to report mood changes as a side effect of their HC (61.2%) compared to participants with no history of psychiatric illness (29.5%). Among patients with a history of psychiatric illness, 38.8% responded that their psychiatric symptoms worsened with HC while only 11.2% responded that their symptoms improved with HC. The majority (83%) of participants responded that their provider never mentioned the possibility of psychological side effects during contraception counseling. If/when they experienced side effects associated with their HC, 22.7% of participants disagreed that their provider adequately addressed their concerns.ConclusionThese findings suggest that mood changes may be among the most common perceived side effects of HC and speak to a disconnect between patients and providers when it comes to discussing the possibility of psychological side effects with HC.

The Influence of Health Education Regarding the Side Effects of Using Hormonal Contraceptives on Knowledge of Couples of Reproductive Age

The high population growth rate is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed immediately. The government's efforts that have been made to overcome this population problem include birth control through the Family Planning program. Hormonal contraception is a contraceptive device or drug that aims to prevent pregnancy which will change the production of hormones in a woman's body during conception. This study aims to determine the effect of health education on the side effects of hormonal contraception on the knowledge of couples of childbearing age in the working area of ​​Kuamang Kuning X Bungo Health Center. This research is a pre-experimental study with The One Group Pre-test and Post-test Design. The sample in this study was 101 couples of childbearing age (PUS) in the working area of ​​the Kuamang Kuning X Health Center, which was carried out in March-June 2022. Data analysis used was the Paired t-test. The results showed that before the intervention, there were 52 respondents with good knowledge, and after the intervention, there were 92 respondents with good knowledge. The mean value of knowledge before health education was 10.52; after health education, it increased to 14.13. The results of the Paired t-test were P-value 0.0001 <0.05, meaning that there was an influence of health education regarding the side effects of using hormonal contraception on the knowledge of couples of childbearing age (PUS). The conclusion of the study is that health education about the side effects of using hormonal contraception can increase knowledge of PUS. Keywords: Contraception, Couples of Reproductive Age, Knowledge, Health Education

The Relationship of the use of Injected Hormonal Contraception with the Event of White about KB Accepters in The Working Area of the Singosari Inpatient Health Center, Pematang Siantar City, In 2022

A Family Planning (KB) is an effort to regulate the birth of children, distance, and the ideal age of childbirth, regulate pregnancy, through promotion, protection, and assistance in accordance with reproductive rights to realize a quality family This research was carried out in the work area of the inpatient health center Singosari Pematang Siantar in 2022 The reason for choosing this location is because the use of contraceptives in men in this region is still lacking. The type of research used in this study is observational analytics with a cross-sectional research design . The data collection technique used in this study was to provide a list of questions (questionnaires) to the research targets related to or related to the use of injectable-type contraceptives and the incidence of vaginal discharge in respondents. . The population in this study were acceptors of injectable birth control for 1 month and 3 months who experienced vaginal discharge in the Working Area of the Singosari Pematang Siantar Inpatient Health Center in 2022'. A total of 41 people. The sampling technique used in this study is purvosive sampling or the sample that is used as the object of research is what has been determined as a sample, namely respondents who experienced vaginal discharge because they used 1 month of injectable birth control and 3 months of injectable birth control, which was 41 people. Chi-Square test results state Ho is rejected if the probability of <0.05. The results of the chi-square test analysis were obtained df = 1, and nulai p value (p = 0.005<0.05) then Ho was rejected and Ha was accepted, then there was a significant relationship between the use of injectable hormonal birth control and the incidence of vaginal discharge in the acceptor of birth control in the work area of the Singosari Pematang Siantar Inpatient Health Center in 2022. It is hoped that midwives will further improve counseling regarding the use and side effects of hormonal contraceptives, and encourage acceptors to maintain the cleanliness of reproductive devices so as to avoid the occurrence of vaginal discharge.

Perbedaan Peningkatan Berat Badan Sebagai Efek Samping Pemakaian Kontrasepsi Hormonal

Objective: Hormonal contraception can affect weight gain, but the dose of hormones contained in combination pills and injections contraceptive is so small that there is almost no influence on body weight. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in weight gain as a side effect of hormonal contraception on combination pills and injections contraceptive acceptors.Methods: The design of this study is a comparative study in which combination hormonal contraception is the independent variable and weight gain is the dependent variable. The sample in the study was taken by simple random sampling, while the population in this study were all acceptors of hormonal contraceptive pills and combination injection in Langkap village, Burneh sub-district with 151 acceptors. Data collection techniques used documentation, statistical test using chi-square and considered significant at 0,05.Results: The results showed that p <α (0,02 <0,05). This means that HO is rejected and H1 is accepted, so there is a difference in weight gain as a side effect of hormonal contraceptives for combination pill and combination injection contraceptive acceptors.Conclusion: With these results, the authors hope that people should choose contraception that is most suitable for themselves so that they can reduce complaints and side effects while using certain contraceptives.

Offered Support and Knowledge about the Menstrual Cycle in the Athletic Community: A Cross-Sectional Study of 1086 Female Athletes.

Many female athletes perceive that symptoms related to the menstrual cycle such as dysmenorrhea, premenstrual symptoms, amenorrhea or side-effects of hormonal contraceptives negatively impact their training, performance, and general well-being. Knowledge and communication about female athletes’ health is therefore important in the sport community. The aims of this study were to explore the level of knowledge and communication about menstrual cycle issues and use of hormonal contraceptives in the athletic community and to describe the kinds of medical support offered to female athletes. A total of 1086 Swedish and Norwegian athletes from 57 different sports responded to a web-based questionnaire. Of these, 58% (n = 627) practiced team sports and 42% (n = 459) individual sports. Twenty-six percent (n = 278) of the athletes perceived their knowledge about female athlete health to be poor/very poor and the knowledge was most often acquired from medical staff. Fifty-three percent (n = 572) of the athletes perceived the knowledge acquired of their coaches as poor/very poor, even though a significantly (p < 0.001) higher proportion of athletes with a female coach (30%, n = 31) rated their coach’s knowledge as very good/good, compared to athletes with a male coach (5%, n = 31). Only 11% (n = 116) of the athletes discussed female health issues with their coach. The majority (81%, n = 842) of the athletes partly to strongly agreed that female athlete health is considered a taboo topic in the athletic community. Forty-seven percent (n = 510) of the athletes had access to a physiotherapist, while only three percent (n = 29) had access to a gynecologist. Low perceived knowledge, lack of communication and support demonstrate the need for a multi-professional medical team and enhanced educational efforts focused on female athlete health in the athletic community.

Selected effects of combined oral contraceptives use

Introduction and objective:: Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are one of the most popular methods of contraception worldwide. The universality of this method leads to the constant analysis of its influence on the female body. The purpose of this study is to discuss selected side effects of COC use.&#x0D; Review methods: In July 2022, articles found in the Medline (Pubmed) and Google Scholar databases were selected by using the following keywords: oral contraceptive use; risk of cancer; depression; side effects of hormonal contraception; venous thrombosis.&#x0D; Brief description of the state of knowledge: COC use has been shown to be associated with a 2-6 fold increase in the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). The component responsible for this side effect was initially thought to be synthetic estrogen - ethinylestradiol. It is now recognized as having the greatest influence on mood disorders. An increased risk of cancer has been reported in women taking COCs in case of breast cancer and liver cancer. Inverse relationship was observed in colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.&#x0D; Summary: COC use can have side effects, but it also has many health benefits. Therefore, it is important to constantly learn about this topic and minimize the risk of adverse side effects.

Perceived impact of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives on physical exercise and performance in 1,086 athletes from 57 sports.

Female athletes train and compete under the potential influence of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle or during use of various hormonal contraceptives. Dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms are common in the general population, as well as side effects of hormonal contraceptives. More detailed knowledge concerning prevalence and perceived impact of these symptoms on training and performance in different sports is required. The aim of the study was to 1) characterize perceptions of training and performance during the menstrual cycle phases and by hormonal contraceptive use in a large population of female athletes; 2) explore whether symptoms experienced are related to perceived performance; and 3) examine potential differences in these factors between athletes at different levels of performance. The study was based on self-reported data from 1,086 athletes from 57 sports at different performance levels via a web-based questionnaire. Thirty-seven percent (n = 407) of the athletes did not use hormonal contraceptives. In this group, menstrual cycle related symptoms were common across all athlete levels, particularly dysmenorrhea (74%, n = 300) and premenstrual symptoms (78%, n = 318), which also influenced perceived performance of aerobic fitness, muscle strength, mental sharpness, balance, and sleep quality. Sixty-three percent (n = 679) of the athletes used various hormonal contraceptives and 40% (n = 272) perceived a variety of side-effects. Physical performance was experienced equally independent of time-point of the pill-chart except for the period of inactive pills, which was associated with more negative impact. Nonetheless, only 18% (n = 191) of the athletes considered menstrual cycle or hormonal contraceptive issues when planning their training or competitions. These results indicate that greater focus is needed to identify and effectively treat different menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive related symptoms on an individual level.

What happens when you stop using the combined contraceptive pill? A qualitative study protocol on consequences and supply needs for women who discontinued the combined contraceptive pill in Germany

IntroductionFor more than 60 years, contraceptive pills have been prescribed to mostly healthy biological women. An emerging body of research concerning the possible physiological and psychological side effects of hormonal...

Preliminary side effect profile, safety, and tolerability of hormonal contraception among women receiving opioid-agonist therapy

Objective(s)To characterize for the first time the side effect profile, safety, and tolerability of hormonal contraception among women receiving opioid-agonist therapy. Study DesignWe conducted a secondary analysis of data collected from participants in a three-arm randomized controlled trial (N = 138) aimed at increasing effective contraceptive use among women receiving opioid-agonist therapy. Participants in the 2 intervention conditions (n = 90) had free access to hormonal contraception at each of the 14 visits scheduled during the 6-month intervention. Contraceptive use and side effects were recorded at each visit; participants could change methods or discontinue use at any time. Verbatim side effects were classified using Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) terminology. ResultsOf 67 participants reporting hormonal contraceptive use, 29 (43%) initiated implants, 14 (21%) intrauterine devices, 13 (19%) combined pills, 11 (16%) progestin-only pills, 10 (15%) injectables, 1 (2%) ring, and 1 (2%) patch; the average (±standard deviation) duration of use was 129 ± 55, 129 ± 60, 108 ± 62, 102 ± 61, 111 ± 31, 145, and 18 days, respectively. A total of 321 side effects were reported by 55 (82%) participants. Fifty (75%) participants reported menstrual cycle changes/uterine bleeding, followed by headaches (16, 24%), weight gain (15, 22%), and abdominal pain or nausea/vomiting (11, 16%). No serious side effects were reported. Twelve participants (18%) changed methods and 13 (19%) discontinued all hormonal contraceptive use. Conclusion(s)The hormonal contraceptive side effects reported by this small group of women receiving opioid-agonist therapy appear consistent with those reported by the general population, was generally well-tolerated, and did not raise safety concerns. ImplicationsThese results provide important preliminary evidence that hormonal contraceptive use produces a familiar side effect profile and is well-tolerated by women receiving opioid-agonist therapy, although studies with larger samples followed over longer periods of time with appropriate comparison conditions are needed to fully assess tolerability and safety.

A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Explaining Non-Uptake of Hormonal Contraceptives Among Adolescent Girls in Rural Ghana: The Adolescent Girls' Perspective.

BackgroundAdolescent pregnancy remains a public health concern globally. The use of hormonal contraceptive methods are proven ways of preventing pregnancies and in turn unsafe abortions. However, research shows that use of hormonal contraceptive methods is rather low among African adolescent girls, of which Ghana is no exception.ObjectiveThis manuscript uses the socio-ecological model to guide our understanding of the factors associated with non-use of hormonal contraceptives among adolescent girls in Ghana.MethodsAn explorative study was done using qualitative data collection methods. Two focus group discussions and sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted among adolescent girls aged 15–19 years (N = 38) in the Kintampo area of Ghana to determine factors affecting uptake of hormonal contraceptives.ResultsAdolescents showed a lack of in-depth knowledge related to the different hormonal contraceptive types. Negative attitudes towards adolescent hormonal contraceptive use, fear of real and perceived side effects of hormonal contraceptives, lack of self-efficacy to use contraceptives, fear of disclosure of use and fear of societal stigma related to sexual intercourse and its related issues among adolescents may explain why adolescent girls in this context do not use hormonal contraceptive methods.ConclusionTo promote hormonal contraceptives among adolescent girls, a combination of multifaceted social-psychological, personal and community level interventions are needed.

Norwegian women's experiences and opinions on contraceptive counselling: A systematic textcondensation study.

INTRODUCTIONContraception plays a pivotal role in most women’s lives, from teenage years to the menopause. Contraception and sexual wellbeing are closely related. Ideally, women should be able to access contraception and discuss issues concerning their sexual life during a contraceptive counselling session. Previously, only doctors conducted contraceptive consultations. Increasingly, other healthcare workers are providing contraceptive care. The aim of this study is to explore women’s experiences and opinions related to contraceptive counselling.METHODSAn electronic questionnaire was distributed in 2017–2018. The texts of 308 women’s written responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using systematic text-condensation.RESULTSThe analysis resulted in four themes: 1) Women-centered care, 2) Side-effects of hormonal contraceptives, 3) Non-hormonal methods and male involvement, and 4) Counsellors’ professional background. Women wished for a consultation that would lead to the best choice of contraception for them, taking into account their medical history, personal preference and living circumstances. Side-effects of hormonal products were under-communicated, as were non-hormonal methods. Respondents had contradicting opinions about midwives as contraceptive counsellors and were unfamiliar with them in this role.CONCLUSIONSThe quality of contraceptive counselling in Norway needs to be improved. Women require individualized follow-up, sufficient information and a choice of methods to find the most suitable alternative for them. A good relationship with a health provider they trust could improve contraceptive consultation. Midwives’ knowledge and competence in this area need to be made more widely known.

Hormonal contraceptive use and women’s labour supply: Qualitative evidence from Kayonza District In Rwanda

This study examined the impact of the side effects of hormonal contraceptives on women’s health capital, which determines their ability to supply labour to sustain livelihood in subsistent agricultural communities. The findings draw upon interview data of 179 married couples in rural Rwanda. Of 138 women who experienced side effects at the time of the survey, 54 women reported that such side effects impacted their agricultural labour supply and housework from 4.96 to 2.23 hours and 3.12 to 2.19 hours, respectively. The decrease in the women’s labour supply altered the intrahousehold labour allocation. On average, their husbands engaged in farming for 5.54 hours and housework for 0.80 hours per day. When the women were unable to supply labour, their husbands tended to allocate more time to housework and less time to farming. These findings infer that side effects could lead to the loss of women’s bargaining power in their family and access to resources by reducing their labour supply and contribution to the household economy, and these outcomes need to be further investigated in the future. Additionally, this study emphasizes/highlights the imperious need for contraceptive switching and side effect counselling for couples to mitigate potential side effects.Key Words: Hormonal contraceptive, women’s labour supply, family planning, household economy