Contraception and the media: lessons past, present and future.

The rise in social media and the pressure on conventional media to garner online hits has the potential to distort the quality of health information available to the consumer. It should be possible to learn from the 'scares' of the past to develop strategies to counter the effects of misinformation and scaremongering so commonly seen in any discussion of contraceptive risks. That balanced, evidence-based information is available to all couples considering their contraceptive options should be a priority for all clinicians, academics and journalists working in this area.

The management of irregular bleeding in women using contraception.

BACKGROUND: The pattern of menstrual bleeding seen in women during their reproductive years is the result of a finely tuned balance be-tween endogenous oestrogens, which stimulate the endometrial lining, and progesterone, which temporarily maintains that lining in anticipation of a pregnancy. Many women have expectations of a 'normal monthly' cycle, and may be wary of any-thing that has the potential to disrupt its regularity. From a clinical perspective, any alteration in vaginal bleeding may indicate underlying pathology, and lead to further investigation and management. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide a practical approach to the investigation and management of altered vaginal bleeding patterns in women using various methods of contraception. DISCUSSION: Around 70% of Australian women of reproductive age use some form of contraception. Any discussion of 'normal bleeding' becomes even more complex given that modern contraceptive methods almost inevitably modify the pattern of bleeding experienced by the user.

Sex, contraception and health.

BACKGROUND: Young Australian people aged 12-25 years are sexually active at a younger age and have more sexual partners compared to previous generations. Pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates are high in this age group. Sexual violence, discrimination against same sex attracted youth, and associated health risk behaviours such as alcohol and drug use are also important sexual health issues for adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This article describes current trends in adolescent sexual health in Australia, provides an update on contraception, screening and prevention of STIs, and provides practical tips on how to discuss sexual health with adolescent patients. DISCUSSION: General practitioners can play an important role in protecting and promoting the sexual health of their adolescent patients. Together with educational and public health strategies, effective clinical care provided by GPs can help to improve current sexual health issues faced by young people and prevent long term health problems.

Emergency contraception.

BACKGROUND: Humans have long sought an effective method of contraception that could be utilised after unprotected sex. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to examine the range of available emergency contraceptive options, with particular emphasis on the advantages of progestogen only emergency contraception over the combined regimens advocated in the past. DISCUSSION: The recent release of the first commercially packaged emergency contraceptive regimen on the Australian market has refocussed attention on this important public health issue. The widespread adoption of effective emergency contraceptive regimens has the potential to reduce the rate of unplanned pregnancy and termination of pregnancy in Australia. This article aims to discuss available regimens, their mode of action and existing barriers to use, and controversies such as over-the-counter supply of emergency contraception.