Use Of Progestin-only Contraceptives Research Articles

Former long-term use of combined hormonal contraception and glucose metabolism disorders in perimenopausal women: A prospective, population-based cohort study.

Current use of combined hormonal contraceptives worsens glucose tolerance and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus at late fertile age, but the impact of their former use on the risk of glucose metabolism disorders is still controversial. This was a prospective, longitudinal birth cohort study with long-term follow-up consisting of 5889 women. The cohort population has been followed at birth, and at ages of 1, 14, 31 and 46. In total, 3280 (55.7%) women were clinically examined and 2780 also underwent a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test at age 46. Glucose metabolism indices were analyzed in former combined hormonal contraceptive users (n = 1371) and former progestin-only contraceptive users (n = 52) and in women with no history of hormonal contraceptive use (n = 253). Compared with women with no history of hormonal contraceptive use, those who formerly used combined hormonal contraceptives for over 10 years had an increased risk of prediabetes (odds ratio [OR] 3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6-9.2) but not of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Former progestin-only contraceptive use was not associated with any glucose metabolism disorders. The results persisted after adjusting for socioeconomic status, smoking, alcohol consumption, parity, body mass index and use of cholesterol-lowering medication. Former long-term use of combined hormonal contraceptives was associated with a significantly increased risk of prediabetes in perimenopausal women, which potentially indicates a need of screening for glucose metabolism disorders in these women.

Use of systemic hormonal contraception and depression: a nested case-control study

IntroductionDepression is twice as common in women as in men, especially in the young age group. Multiple factors may contribute to this gender difference. Growing attention is being focused on the role of sex hormones, including those of hormonal contraception (HC). Some recent studies have indicated a higher risk of depression among women using HC, although the results are inconclusive.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to examine the associations between the use of hormonal contraception and the risk of depression in childbearing age women.MethodsThe original cohorts for the study included all women aged 15-49 years with at least one redeemed prescriptions for HC in Finland in 2017 (n=294,356), and a 1:1 age-matched cohort of non-users. After exclusion of prevalent cases (n=35,102), all incident cases of depression (as recorded in the Care Register of Health Care and Register of Primary Health Care Visits) in 2018-2019 were identified (n=23,480), and a 4:1 age-matched control group (n=93,920) was selected from the above cohorts. Current use of HC in the 180 days before the event was compared in cases and controls, and associations with risk of depression were tested via conditional multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsDuring the follow-up, 23,480 incident cases of depression were identified. Current use (in the 180 days before the event) of HC (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.79-0.85), in particular of estradiol- or ethinylestradiol-containing combined HC was associated with a lower risk of depression (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.76–0.89; OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.71–0.78, respectively) compared to non-use of HC. The results remained significant (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.95; and OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.73-0.81, respectively) after controlling for covariates (marital and socioeconomic status, education level, chronic diseases). Use of progestin-only contraception was not associated with altered risk of depression.ConclusionsUse of HC in childbearing age women is not associated with increased risk of depression. Rather, the use of estradiol- or ethinylestradiol-containing HC is associated with a lower risk of depression.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Systemic hormonal contraception and risk of venous thromboembolism

The increased risk of venous thromboembolism associated with the use of hormonal contraception is well recognized, but evidence regarding hormonal contraception containing natural estradiol is limited. This study aimed to assess the associations between the patterns of use of different systemic hormonal contraceptives and the risk of venous thromboembolism during 2017-2019. All fertile-aged women (15-49 years) living in Finland in 2017 and using hormonal contraception in 2017 and their 1:1 age- and residence-matched controls not using hormonal contraception in 2017 (altogether 587 559 women) were selected from the Prescription Centre. All incident venous thromboembolism cases during 2018-2019 and their 4:1 age-matched controls were further analyzed in a prospective nested case-control design to assess the associations between the use (starting, stopping, continuous vs no use) of different hormonal contraception types and venous thromboembolism. Altogether, 1334 venous thromboembolism cases occurred during the follow-up period (incidence rate 1.14 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.20), with an incidence rate ratio of hormonal contraception vs no hormonal contraception use of 1.42 (95% CI 1.27-1.58). Compared with non-use, starting the use of gestodene and ethinylestradiol (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.85; 95% CI 1.62-5.03), drospirenone and ethinylestradiol (aOR 1.55; 95% CI 0.98-2.44), desogestrel and ethinylestradiol (aOR 1.97; 95% CI 0.99-3.92), and transdermal patch releasing norelgestromin and ethinylestradiol (aOR 5.10; 95% CI 1.12-23.16), as well as continuing the use of gestodene and ethinylestradiol (aOR 2.60; 95% CI 1.61-4.21), drospirenone and ethinylestradiol (aOR 1.55; 95% CI 1.02-2.37), cyproterone-acetate and estrogen/ethinylestradiol (aOR 1.66; 95% CI 1.06-2.61), and vaginal ring releasing etonogestrel and ethinylestradiol (aOR 3.27; 95% CI 1.95-5.48) were associated with venous thromboembolism risk. Regarding the type of estrogen, the highest risk was associated with current use (vs non use in the previous 180 days) of ethinylestradiol-containing preparations (aOR 2.20; 95% CI 1.82-2.65), followed by estradiol-containing preparations (aOR 1.39; 95% CI 1.04-1.87) with no risk for progestin-only hormonal contraception. Current use of estradiol-containing preparations was not associated with venous thromboembolism risk after exclusion of cyproterone-acetate and estrogen/ethinylestradiol (aOR 1.05; 95% CI 0.66-1.66). An increased risk of venous thromboembolism is associated with ethinylestradiol-containing combined preparations. The use of estradiol-containing combined preparations confers only a slightly increased risk, possibly driven by cyproterone-containing combined oral contraceptives, whereas the use of progestin-only contraception is not associated with venous thromboembolism.

Depot-Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Use Is Associated with Decreased Risk of Ovarian Cancer: The Mounting Evidence of a Protective Role of Progestins.

Combined oral contraceptive use is associated with a decreased risk of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (ovarian cancer). There is suggestive evidence of an inverse association between progestin-only contraceptive use and ovarian cancer risk, but previous studies have been underpowered. The current study used primary data from 7,977 women with ovarian cancer and 11,820 control women in seven case-control studies from the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium to evaluate the association between use of depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), an injectable progestin-only contraceptive, and ovarian cancer risk. Logistic models were fit to determine the association between ever use of DMPA and ovarian cancer risk overall and by histotype. A systematic review of the association between DMPA use and ovarian cancer risk was conducted. Ever use of DMPA was associated with a 35% decreased risk of ovarian cancer overall (OR, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.85). There was a statistically significant trend of decreasing risk with increasing duration of use (P trend < 0.001). The systematic review yielded six studies, four of which showed an inverse association and two showed increased risk. DMPA use appears to be associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer in a duration-dependent manner based on the preponderance of evidence. Further study of the mechanism through which DMPA use is associated with ovarian cancer is warranted. The results of this study are of particular interest given the rise in popularity of progestin-releasing intrauterine devices that have a substantially lower progestin dose than that in DMPA, but may have a stronger local effect.

Association between progestin-only contraceptive use and cardiometabolic outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AimsThe association between progestin-only contraceptive (POC) use and the risk of various cardiometabolic outcomes has rarely been studied. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of POC use on cardiometabolic outcomes including venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, hypertension and diabetes.Methods and resultsNineteen observational studies (seven cohort and 12 case–control) were included in this systematic review. Of those, nine studies reported the risk of venous thromboembolism, six reported the risk of myocardial infarction, six reported the risk of stroke, three reported the risk of hypertension and two studies reported the risk of developing diabetes with POC use. The pooled adjusted relative risks (RRs) for venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction and stroke for oral POC users versus non-users based on the random effects model were 1.06 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70–1.62), 0.98 (95% CI 0.66–1.47) and 1.02 (95% CI 0.72–1.44), respectively. Stratified analysis by route of administration showed that injectable POC with a RR of 2.62 (95% CI 1.74–3.94), but not oral POCs (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.7–1.62), was associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. A decreased risk of venous thromboembolism in a subgroup of women using an intrauterine levonorgestrel device was observed with a RR of 0.53 (95% CI 0.32–0.89). No effect of POC use on blood pressure was found, but there was an indication for an increased risk of diabetes with injectable POCs, albeit non-significant.ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that oral POC use is not associated with an increased risk of developing various cardiometabolic outcomes, whereas injectable POC use might increase the risk of venous thromboembolism.

Does progestin-only contraceptive use after pregnancy affect recovery from pelvic girdle pain? A prospective population study.

ObjectiveTo estimate associations of progestin-only contraceptives with persistent pelvic girdle pain 18 months after delivery.MethodsProspective population based cohort study during the years 2003–2011. We included 20,493 women enrolled in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study who reported pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy week 30. Data were obtained by 3 self-administered questionnaires and the exposure was obtained by linkage to the Prescription Database of Norway. The outcome was pelvic girdle pain 18 months after delivery.ResultsPelvic girdle pain 18 months after delivery was reported by 9.7% (957/9830) of women with dispense of a progestin-only contraceptive and by 10.5% (1114/10,663) of women without dispense (adjusted odds ratio 0.93; 95% CI 0.84–1.02). In sub-analyses, long duration of exposure to a progestin intrauterine device or progestin-only oral contraceptives was associated with reduced odds of persistent pelvic girdle pain (Ptrend = 0.021 and Ptrend = 0.005). Conversely, long duration of exposure to progestin injections and/or a progestin implant was associated with modest increased odds of persistent pelvic girdle pain (Ptrend = 0.046). Early timing of progestin-only contraceptive dispense following delivery (≤3 months) was not significantly associated with persistent pelvic girdle pain.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a small beneficial effect of progestin intrauterine devices and progestin-only oral contraceptives on recovery from pelvic girdle pain. We cannot completely rule out an opposing adverse effect of exposure to progestin injections and/or progestin implants. However, the modest increased odds of persistent pelvic girdle pain among these users could be a result of unmeasured confounding.

Progestin-only contraceptives: effects on weight.

Progestin-only contraceptives (POCs) are appropriate for many women who cannot or should not take estrogen. POCs include injectables, intrauterine contraception, implants, and oral contraceptives. Many POCs are long-acting, cost-effective methods of preventing pregnancy. However, concern about weight gain can deter the initiation of contraceptives and cause early discontinuation among users. The primary objective was to evaluate the association between progestin-only contraceptive use and changes in body weight. Until 4 August 2016, we searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, POPLINE, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP. For the initial review, we contacted investigators to identify other trials. We considered comparative studies that examined a POC versus another contraceptive method or no contraceptive. The primary outcome was mean change in body weight or mean change in body composition. We also considered the dichotomous outcome of loss or gain of a specified amount of weight. Two authors extracted the data. Non-randomized studies (NRS) need to control for confounding factors. We used adjusted measures for the primary effects in NRS or the results of matched analysis from paired samples. If the report did not provide adjusted measures for the primary analysis, we used unadjusted outcomes. For RCTs and NRS without adjusted measures, we computed the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for continuous variables. For dichotomous outcomes, we calculated the Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI. We found 22 eligible studies that included a total of 11,450 women. With 6 NRS added to this update, the review includes 17 NRS and 5 RCTs. By contraceptive method, the review has 16 studies of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), 4 of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine contraception (LNG-IUC), 5 for implants, and 2 for progestin-only pills.Comparison groups did not differ significantly for weight change or other body composition measure in 15 studies. Five studies with moderate or low quality evidence showed differences between study arms. Two studies of a six-rod implant also indicated some differences, but the evidence was low quality.Three studies showed differences for DMPA users compared with women not using a hormonal method. In a retrospective study, weight gain (kg) was greater for DMPA versus copper (Cu) IUC in years one (MD 2.28, 95% CI 1.79 to 2.77), two (MD 2.71, 95% CI 2.12 to 3.30), and three (MD 3.17, 95% CI 2.51 to 3.83). A prospective study showed adolescents using DMPA had a greater increase in body fat (%) compared with a group not using a hormonal method (MD 11.00, 95% CI 2.64 to 19.36). The DMPA group also had a greater decrease in lean body mass (%) (MD -4.00, 95% CI -6.93 to -1.07). A more recent retrospective study reported greater mean increases with use of DMPA versus Cu IUC for weight (kg) at years 1 (1.3 vs 0.2), 4 (3.5 vs 1.9), and 10 (6.6 vs 4.9).Two studies reported a greater mean increase in body fat mass (%) for POC users versus women not using a hormonal method. The method was LNG-IUC in two studies (reported means 2.5 versus -1.3; P = 0.029); (MD 1.60, 95% CI 0.45 to 2.75). One also studied a desogestrel-containing pill (MD 3.30, 95% CI 2.08 to 4.52). Both studies showed a greater decrease in lean body mass among POC users. We considered the overall quality of evidence to be low; more than half of the studies had low quality evidence. The main reasons for downgrading were lack of randomizations (NRS) and high loss to follow-up or early discontinuation.These 22 studies showed limited evidence of change in weight or body composition with use of POCs. Mean weight gain at 6 or 12 months was less than 2 kg (4.4 lb) for most studies. Those with multiyear data showed mean weight change was approximately twice as much at two to four years than at one year, but generally the study groups did not differ significantly. Appropriate counseling about typical weight gain may help reduce discontinuation of contraceptives due to perceptions of weight gain.

Association between injectable progestin-only contraceptives and HIV acquisition and HIV target cell frequency in the female genital tract in South African women: a prospective cohort study

The use of injectable progestin-only contraceptives has been associated with increased risk of HIV acquisition in observational studies, but the biological mechanisms of this risk remain poorly understood. We aimed to assess the effects of progestins on HIV acquisition risk and the immune environment in the female genital tract. In this prospective cohort, we enrolled HIV-negative South African women aged 18-23 years who were not pregnant and were living in Umlazi, South Africa from the Females Rising through Education, Support, and Health (FRESH) study. We tested for HIV-1 twice per week to monitor incident infection. Every 3 months, we collected demographic and behavioural data in addition to blood and cervical samples. The study objective was to characterise host immune determinants of HIV acquisition risk, including those associated with injectable progestin-only contraceptive use. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards methods. Between Nov 19, 2012, and May 31, 2015, we characterised 432 HIV-uninfected South African women from the FRESH study. In this cohort, 152 women used injectable progestin-only contraceptives, 43 used other forms of contraception, and 222 women used no method of long-term contraception. Women using injectable progestin-only contraceptives were at substantially higher risk of acquiring HIV (12·06 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 6·41-20·63) than women using no long-term contraception (3·71 per 100 person-years, 1·36-8·07; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2·93, 95% CI 1·09-7·868, p=0·0326). HIV-negative injectable progestin-only contraceptive users had 3·92 times the frequency of cervical HIV target cells (CCR5+ CD4 T cells) compared with women using no long-term contraceptive (p=0·0241). Women using no long-term contraceptive in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle also had a 3·25 times higher frequency of cervical target cells compared with those in the follicular phase (p=0·0488), suggesting that a naturally high progestin state had similar immunological effects to injectable progestin-only contraceptives. Injectable progestin-only contraceptive use and high endogenous progesterone are both associated with increased frequency of activated HIV targets cells at the cervix, the site of initial HIV entry in most women, providing a possible biological mechanism underlying increased HIV acquisition in women with high progestin exposure. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Progestin-only contraception: Injectables and implants

Progestin-only contraceptive injectables and implants are highly effective, longer-acting contraceptive methods that can be used by most women in most circumstances. Globally, 6% of women using modern contraception use injectables and 1% use implants. Injectables are the predominant contraceptive method used in sub-Saharan Africa, and account for 43% of modern contraceptive methods used. A lower-dose, subcutaneous formulation of the most widely used injectable, depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate, has been developed. Implants have the highest effectiveness of any contraceptive method. Commodity cost, which historically limited implant availability in low-resource countries, was markedly lowered between 2012 and 2013. Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns are extremely common with both methods, and a main cause of discontinuation. Advice from normative bodies differs on progestin-only contraceptive use by breastfeeding women 0-6 weeks postpartum. Whether these methods are associated with HIV acquisition is a controversial issue, with important implications for sub-Saharan Africa, which has a disproportionate burden of both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and maternal mortality.

Progestin-only contraceptives: effects on weight.

Progestin-only contraceptives (POCs) are appropriate for many women who cannot or should not take estrogen. Many POCs are long-acting, cost-effective methods of preventing pregnancy. However, concern about weight gain can deter the initiation of contraceptives and cause early discontinuation among users. The primary objective was to evaluate the association between progestin-only contraceptive use and changes in body weight. Through May 2013, we searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, POPLINE, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP. The 2010 search also included EMBASE. For the initial review, we contacted investigators to identify other trials. All comparative studies were eligible that examined a POC versus another contraceptive method or no contraceptive. The primary outcome was mean change in body weight or mean change in body composition. We also considered the dichotomous outcome of loss or gain of a specified amount of weight. Two authors extracted the data. We computed the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for continuous variables. For dichotomous outcomes, the Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI was calculated. We found 16 studies; one examined progestin-only pills, one studied the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), four examined an implant, and 10 focused on depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Outcomes examined were changes in body weight only (14 studies), changes in both body weight and body composition (1 study), and changes in body composition only (1 study). We did not conduct meta-analysis due to the various contraceptive methods and weight change measures.Comparison groups did not differ significantly for weight change in 12 studies. However, three studies showed weight change differences for POC users compared to women not using a hormonal method. In one study, weight gain (kg) was greater for the DMPA group than the group using a non-hormonal IUD in years one through three [(MD 2.28; 95% CI 1.79 to 2.77), (MD 2.71, 95% CI 2.12 to 3.30), and (MD 3.17; 95% CI 2.51 to 3.83), respectively]. The differences were notable within the normal weight and overweight subgroups. Two implant studies also showed differences in weight change. The implant group (six-capsule) had greater weight gain (kg) compared to the group using a non-hormonal IUD in both studies [(MD 0.47 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.65); (MD 1.10; 95% CI 0.36 to 1.84)]. In one of those studies, the implant group also had greater weight gain than a group using a barrier method or no contraceptive (MD 0.74; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96).The two studies that assessed body composition change showed differences between POC users and women not using a hormonal method. Adolescents using DMPA had a greater increase in body fat (%) compared to a group not using a hormonal method (MD 11.00; 95% CI 2.64 to 19.36). The DMPA group also had a greater decrease in lean body mass (%) (MD -4.00; 95% CI -6.93 to -1.07). The other study reported differences between an LNG-IUS group and a non-hormonal IUD group in percent change in body fat mass (2.5% versus -1.3%, respectively; reported P value = 0.029) and percent change in lean body mass (-1.4% versus 1.0%, respectively; reported P value = 0.027). The overall quality of evidence was moderate to low, given that the studies were evenly divided across the evidence quality groups (high, moderate, low, or very low quality). We found limited evidence of weight gain when using POCs. Mean gain was less than 2 kg for most studies up to 12 months. Weight change for the POC group generally did not differ significantly from that of the comparison group using another contraceptive. Two studies that assessed body composition showed that POC users had greater increases in body fat and decreases in lean body mass compared to users of non-hormonal methods. Appropriate counseling about typical weight gain may help reduce discontinuation of contraceptives due to perceptions of weight gain.

In patients with a history of LEEP, does use of progestin-only contraception increase the risk of cervical stenosis?

In patients with a history of LEEP, does use of progestin-only contraception increase the risk of cervical stenosis?

Progestin-Only Contraceptive Use Is Independent Predictor of HPV Prevalence in Women Aged Over 35 Years

s / Annals of Epidemiology 22 (2012) 661e680 672 P50-S. Progestin-Only Contraceptive Use Is Independent Predictor of HPV Prevalence in Women Aged Over 35 Years T.R. Soong, M. Silver, K. Chang, W. Shen, R. Howard, A. Burke, P.E. Gravitt. Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD Purpose:We assessed the associations of progestin-only contraceptive (POC) use and combined oral contraceptive (COC) use with cervical HPV prevalence in preand perimenopausal women aged over 35 years. Methods: Data came from a prospective study conducted in 530 women aged between 35 and 59 years with normal cervical cytology in the U.S. Prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using generalized linear models with poisson function and robust variance. Results: Baseline prevalence of any HPV and high-risk (HR)-HPV were 16.4% and 6.4% respectively. Relative to never POC users, more than 5 years of cumulative POC use was associated with increased HPV prevalence after controlling for current and past sexual behaviors, days since last menstrual period, marital status and recent diagnoses of other sexually transmitted infections [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 2.78 (95% CI: 1.55-4.97)]. No significant association was observed between last time of use of POCs and HPV prevalence. HPV detection was not associated with the recency or duration of COC use in our study population. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that long-term use of POCs is associated with increased risk of prevalent HPV infection independent of sexual behavior in older women. POC use may have impact on the natural history of HPV infection before development of clinical cervical disease. P51-S. History of HIV Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in a Chinese Metropolitan City L. Zhang, Y. Xiao, H. Qian, Y. Ruan, S.H. Vermund. Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN Purpose: HIV testing is the getaway of prevention and care. However, the HIV testing rate is still low in men who have sex with men (MSM) in urban Chinese cities. We explored HIV testing behaviors and the associated factors among Chinese MSM. Methods: Atotalof492MSMwererecruitedusingrespondentdrivensampling approach in Chongqing City in 2010. Demographic and behavioral data were collected by a computer-assisted self-interview approach. Blood specimens were tested for HIV and syphilis. Univariate andmultivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors for past experience of HIV testing. Results: The adjusted HIV prevalence was 11.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.6%-11.6%) and syphilis prevalence was 4.7% (95% CI: 2.6%-7.3%). Fiftyeight percent of participants had ever taken a HIV test prior to the study, of whom 73% had taken within the last 12 months. MSM who had a college degree [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2-2.6; P < 0.05] or those who preferred an insertive role over a receptive one in anal sex (AOR: 0.6; 95%CI: 0.36-0.93; P < 0.05) were more likely to take HIV tests. Fear of knowing a positive result, being afraid of discrimination if tested positive, and unwillingness of going to a clinic were the top 3 perceived barriers for taking a test; a low perceived risk of HIV infection, not knowing where to take testing and concern about being found out positivewere the top 3 actual reasons for not taking a HIV test. Conclusion: Mental and psychological supports along with education are urgently needed to improve HIV testing among Chinese MSM.

Assessing the risk of venous thromboembolic events in women taking progestin-only contraception: a meta-analysis

Objectives To evaluate the risk of venous thromboembolic events associated with the use of progestin-only contraception and whether that risk differs with the mode of drug delivery (oral, intrauterine, or...

Progestin-only contraceptives: effects on weight.

Progestin-only contraceptives (POCs) are appropriate for many women who cannot or should not take estrogen. Many POCs are long-acting, cost-effective methods of preventing pregnancy. However, concern about weight gain can deter the initiation of contraceptives and cause early discontinuation among users. The primary objective was to evaluate the association between progestin-only contraceptive use and changes in body weight. We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, POPLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP, and contacted investigators to identify other trials. All comparative studies were eligible that examined a POC versus another method or no contraceptive. The primary outcome was mean change in body weight or body composition. Two authors extracted the data. We computed the mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) for continuous variables and odds ratio with 95% CI for dichotomous variables. We did not conduct meta-analysis due to the various contraceptive methods and weight change measures. Fifteen studies examined progestin-only pills (N=1), Norplant (N=4), and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (N=10). Comparison groups were similar for weight change in 11 studies. Four studies showed differences in weight or body composition change for POCs compared to no hormonal method. Adolescents using DMPA had a greater increase in body fat (%) versus a group using no hormonal method (mean difference 11.00; 95% CI 2.64 to 19.36). The DMPA group also had a greater decrease in lean body mass (%) (mean difference -4.00; 95% CI -6.93 to -1.07). In another study, weight gain (kg) was greater for the DMPA group than an IUD group (mean difference 2.28, 2.71, 3.17, respectively). The differences were notable within the normal weight and overweight subgroups. One study showed the Norplant (six-capsule) group had greater weight gain (kg) than a non-hormonal IUD group (mean difference 0.47 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.65) and a group using non-hormonal or no method (mean difference 0.74; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). Another study also showed a Norplant group also had greater weight gain (kg) than an IUD group (mean difference 1.10; 95% CI 0.36 to 1.84). We found little evidence of weight gain when using POCs. Mean gain was less than 2 kg for most studies up to 12 months, and usually similar for the comparison group using another contraceptive. Appropriate counseling about typical weight gain may help reduce discontinuation of contraceptives due to perceptions of weight gain.

The association of hormonal contraceptive use and HPV prevalence

Women diagnosed with cervical cancer report longer duration and more recent use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs). It is unclear whether COC use is associated with upstream events of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection prior to development of clinical disease. The objective of our study was to assess the association of contraceptive use on the risk for prevalent HPV infection in a cohort of long-term hormonal contraceptive (HC) users. One thousand and seventy (n = 1,070) HIV-negative women aged 20-37 from Thailand enrolled in a prospective study of the natural history of HPV. Baseline HPV genotype information, recency and duration of HC use, sexual behavior, other sexually transmitted infection (STI) information and cervical cytology and histology were assessed. At enrollment, 19.8% and 11.5% of women were infected with any HPV or any high-risk (HR)-HPV, respectively. After adjustment for age, current and past sexual risk behaviors, STI history and cytology, the use of COCs for >6 years was found to be associated with an increased risk of infection with any HPV [prevalence ratio (PR): 1.88 (1.21, 2.90)] and any HR-HPV [PR: 2.68 (1.47, 4.88)] as compared to never users. Recent, long-term COC use was associated with an increased risk for prevalent HPV infection independent of sexual behavior and cervical abnormalities. No similar association was observed for recent or long duration use of progestin-only contraceptives (i.e., depomedroxyprogesterone acetate). These data suggest that COC use may impact early upstream events in the natural history of HPV infection.

Detailed Physiological Characterization of the Development of Type 2 Diabetes in Hispanic Women With Prior Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVETo identify physiological and clinical variables associated with development of type 2 diabetes up to 12 years after pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSSeventy-two islet cell antibody–negative nondiabetic Hispanic women had oral (oGTT) and intravenous (ivGTT) glucose tolerance tests, glucose clamps, and body composition assessed between 15 and 30 months after pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). They returned for oGTTs at 15-month intervals until they dropped out, developed diabetes, or reached 12 years postpartum. Cox regression analysis was used to identify baseline predictors and changes during follow-up that were associated with development of type 2 diabetes.RESULTSAt baseline, relatively low insulin sensitivity, insulin response, and β-cell compensation for insulin resistance were independently associated with development of diabetes. During follow-up, weight and fat gain and rates of decline in β-cell compensation were significantly associated with diabetes, while additional pregnancy and use of progestin-only contraception were marginally associated with diabetes risk.CONCLUSIONSIn Hispanic women, GDM represents detection of a chronic disease process characterized by falling β-cell compensation for chronic insulin resistance. Women who are farthest along at diagnosis and/or deteriorating most rapidly are most likely to develop type 2 diabetes within 12 years after the index pregnancy. Weight gain, additional pregnancy, and progestin-only contraception are potential modifiable factors that increase diabetes risk.

Considerations for the use of progestin‐only contraceptives

To highlight the characteristics of progestin-only contraceptives (POCs) currently available in the United States, and to explore the potential of these agents as first-line contraceptive options for women seeking health promotion by prevention of an unwanted pregnancy. The progestin-only pills (Micronor and Ovrette), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injections (Depo-Provera and depo-subQ provera 104), levonorgestrel intrauterine system (IUS) (Mirena), and etonogestrel implant (Implanon) will be reviewed. The use of levonorgestrel (Plan B) as an emergency contraceptive will also be considered briefly. Worldwide medical literature and the prescribing information for the specified products. A number of POCs are currently available for routine birth control in the United States, ranging from the daily progestin-only pill to nondaily contraceptive options such as injectable DMPA, the levonorgestrel-releasing IUS, and the etonogestrel-releasing contraceptive implant. Each of these methods has specific advantages, but also specific drawbacks that can result in discontinuation of treatment if users are not given adequate information about what to expect in terms of side effects. It is critical that clinicians provide adequate and accurate information along with detailed counseling to women who are considering using POCs, as well as providing periodic reinforcement of the information at regular clinic visits for those already using POCs. Given that a large number of pregnancies are unplanned and create a significant impact on social, economic, and health outcomes, it is important for the clinician to have a vast knowledge of contraceptive options. POCs offer significant choices in contraception. By proactively addressing common concerns (such as potential effects on weight, mood, menstrual bleeding patterns, and bone mineral density), clinicians may improve the likelihood of adherence and continuation with POCs for routine birth control.

Mise au point sur la contraception progestative

Despite the lack of complete data concerning their effects, the use of progestin-only contraception is increasing in France (particularly the intra-uterine device, the subdermal implantation, and microprogestins). These prescriptions include a broad range of molecules and administration of doses. In some cases, prescriptions of progestogens are made out of the marketing authorisation indications (especially for macroprogestins). For all of these reasons, an Expert Advisory Board has been set up in order to answer the 35 questions addressed by an Expert Organization Board. The choice of these questions was based on controversial or nonconsensual points usually encountered in everyday clinical practice. When possible, answers given were strongly supported by data issued from medical literature. In situations where clinical studies were lacking, the Expert Advisory Board answered in the most consensual way. All answers given by the Expert Advisory Board were subsequently submitted to the Expert Assessment Board before the latest validation of this document. The progestogen only contraception has different levels of action (local and/or central) which may vary from one drug to another. Its prescription is granted satisfactory efficacy (the macroprogestins' efficacy has never been evaluated) but requires a strict pill-taking routine (especially for the microprogestin contraception). It has never been demonstrated that the use of progestogen is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Nevertheless, analysis of breast cancer and progestogen studies should be carried out carefully. Even though the effects, often misunderstood, of the different progestogens on mineral bone density are likely to vary according to the molecules, in particular due to the plasma estradiol level, there is no direct argument for considering the progestin only contraception as a fracture risk factor. As for the venous thromboembolism risk, progestogens are not considered to be risk factors. The progestogen only contraception is advised in the following cases: bad tolerance of exogenous oestrogens; in order to counteract an endogenous hyperoestrogenosis; metabolic or cardiovascular contraindications to estroprogestin; hormonal fluctuations generating premenstrual dysphoria or catamenial headaches. Lastly, the progestin-only contraception should be used as a prime contraception in some particular situations (breast feeding, adenomyosis...).

Preventing Unintended Pregnancy and HIV Transmission: Dual Protection or Dual Dilemma?

Prevention of both unintended pregnancy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are key public health priorities worldwide. These are particularly salient in regions where HIV is highly prevalent and where a large proportion of the female population is of reproductive age. Both unintended pregnancy and HIV infection are especially prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa where most (over 13 million) HIV-infected women live where both fertility and maternal mortality remains high and where contraceptive access and use are generally low. Moreover limiting unintended pregnancies among HIV-infected women has been identified by the World Health Organization as a key strategy for the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV. Hormonal methods of contraception - primarily combined oral contraceptives (COC) and injectable progestin-only contraception - are among the most widely used forms of reversible contraception worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa where HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are highly prevalent use of progestin-only contraceptives including the 3-monthly injection depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and the 2-monthly injection norethindrone enanthate appears to be increasing rapidly. Thus understanding whether womens use of hormonal contraception and particularly injectable progestin contraceptives increases the risk of HIV transmission is critically important. (excerpt)

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Objectives To evaluate the risk of venous thromboembolic events associated with the use of progestin-only contraception and whether that risk differs with the mode of drug delivery (oral, intrauterine, or depot injection). Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies. Data sources Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and reference lists of relevant reviews. Study selection Randomised controlled trials and case-control, cohort, and cross sectional studies with venous thromboembolic outcome for progestin-only contraception reported relative to a non-hormone comparator group. Data extraction Data were extracted by two independent investigators, and consensus for inclusion was reached after assessment by additional investigators. Results Among the 2022 unique references identified by all searches, eight observational studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. A total of 147 women across all studies were diagnosed with a venous thromboembolic event while taking progestin-only contraception, and the summary measure for the adjusted relative risk of a venous thromboembolic episode for users versus non-users of a progestin-only contraceptive was, based on the random effects model, 1.03 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.39). Subgroup analysis confirmed there was no association between venous thromboembolic risk and progestin-only pills (relative risk 0.90 (0.57 to 1.45)) or a progestin intrauterine device (0.61 (0.24 to 1.53)). The relative risk of a venous thromboembolic event for users of an injectable progestin versus non-users was 2.67 (1.29 to 5.53). Conclusions Published data assessing the risk of venous thromboembolism in women prescribed progestin-only contraception are limited. In this meta-analysis of eight observational studies, the use of progestin-only contraception was not associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared with non-users of hormonal contraception. The potential association between injectable progestins and thrombosis requires further study.