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OBJECTIVE: To assess pregnancy risk following perfect use of the withdrawal method by quantification of sperm in pre-ejaculate. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a pilot study of sperm and factors linked to its presence in pre-ejaculate samples among healthy, reproductive-age, withdrawal-experienced men. Participants provided up to three paired pre-ejaculate and ejaculate specimens in 72-hour intervals. We analyzed samples for volume, consistency, sperm concentration, count, and motility. We set clinical pregnancy risk as our primary outcome, defined as sperm concentration >1million/mL. RESULTS: From 70 paired samples (N=24 participants, median age: 27 years), we identified sperm in 9 (12.9%) pre-ejaculate samples, from 6 (25.0%) participants. Only 7 samples contained sperm in concentrations of significant clinical pregnancy risk. All ejaculatory specimens contained motile sperm in concentrations of significant pregnancy risk. CONCLUSION: In this study of the pre-ejaculate of perfect-use withdrawal users, motile sperm were usually absent, or found inconsistently and in insufficient quantities to confer significant clinical pregnancy risk. IMPLICATIONS: While correct and consistent withdrawal use is likely to be highly effective, given that motile sperm in concentrations >1 million/mL are usually absent or inconsistently present in pre-ejaculate, clinical trial data is lacking.
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OBJECTIVE: We characterize microscopic ferning in pre-ejaculate samples with and without sperm. METHODS: Healthy, male, withdrawal-experienced participants provided up to three paired pre-ejaculate and ejaculate samples. We centrifuged ejaculate samples to obtain a supernatant without sperm. After sperm analysis, we dried and evaluated pre-ejaculate, ejaculate, and supernatants for microscopic ferning. RESULTS: Of 57 pre-ejaculate samples (N=24 men), seven (12.3%) contained sperm, none of which exhibited ferning. 66% (33/50) of pre-ejaculate samples without sperm exhibited ferning. Neither ejaculate nor supernatant samples exhibited ferning. CONCLUSION: Ferning may distinguish clinical pre-ejaculate with and without sperm. Ferning exhibited 100% specificity for pre-ejaculate without sperm.
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All ribosomal genes of Naegleria trophozoites are maintained in a closed circular extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA (rDNA) containing element (CERE). While little is known about the CERE, a complete genome sequence analysis of three Naegleria species clearly demonstrates that there are no rDNA cistrons in the nuclear genome. Furthermore, a single DNA origin of replication has been mapped in the N. gruberi CERE, supporting the hypothesis that CERE replicates independently of the nuclear genome. This CERE characteristic suggests that it may be possible to use engineered CERE to introduce foreign proteins into Naegleria trophozoites. As the first step in exploring the use of a CERE as a vector in Naegleria, we developed a protocol to transfect N. gruberi with a molecular clone of the N. gruberi CERE cloned into pGEM7zf+ (pGRUB). Following transfection, pGRUB was readily detected in N. gruberi trophozoites for at least seven passages, as well as through encystment and excystment. As a control, trophozoites were transfected with the backbone vector, pGEM7zf+, without the N. gruberi sequences (pGEM). pGEM was not detected after the first passage following transfection into N. gruberi, indicating its inability to replicate in a eukaryotic organism. These studies describe a transfection protocol for Naegleria trophozoites and demonstrate that the bacterial plasmid sequence in pGRUB does not inhibit successful transfection and replication of the transfected CERE clone. Furthermore, this transfection protocol will be critical in understanding the minimal sequence of the CERE that drives its replication in trophozoites, as well as identifying regulatory regions in the non-ribosomal sequence (NRS).
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DNA Ribossômico , Naegleria , Transfecção , Naegleria/genética , Transfecção/métodos , DNA Ribossômico/genética , Trofozoítos , DNA de Protozoário/genética , Clonagem Molecular/métodosRESUMO
The World Health Organization has been involved in male contraceptive development for over 50 years. In line with its functions and mandate, World Health Organization works with diverse stakeholders to support research, develop norms and standards, engage member states, facilitate prequalification, introduction and scale up, measurement, and tracking of contraceptives. World Health Organization has a key role in galvanizing global efforts to ensure universal access to contraception services irrespective of income group. Regarding male contraceptive development, World Health Organization has provided technical leadership, supported early research, created and supported research centers, built research capacity in various countries, and standardized semen analysis procedures. In this paper, a detailed description is provided with examples across the various stages of male contraceptive development. Limited funding to World Health Organization is a key challenge.
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OBJECTIVE: Stigma surrounding discussions of sexuality can prevent patients from discussing sexual health issues with their healthcare providers. Clinicians may also experience similar stigma, compounding the problem if also reticent to assess their patients' sexual health. We explored the association of healthcare providers' personal sexual experience and health with their comfort with and frequency of optimizing their patients' sexual function and satisfaction. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous online survey of gynecologic care providers and their comfort with and frequency of addressing their patients' sexual function. Covariates examined via bivariate analysis included: socio-demographics, training level, prior sexual experiences and education, history of sexual trauma, and current sexual problems and satisfaction. RESULTS: Most respondents (N = 189) identified as sexually active (82.5 %), heterosexual (90.5 %), female (85.7 %) medical trainees (63.5 %). A quarter (23.8 %) reported currently having at least 1 sexual problem and 27.0 % reported a history of sexual trauma. Notably, 91.0 % of respondents had never been asked about their own sexual health by a healthcare provider. Less than half (43.9 %) reported frequently bringing up sexual health issues with their patients, while about half (50.8 %) reported being comfortable optimizing patients' sexual function, which was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with practicing at the attending level, being comfortable talking about their own sexuality, the absence of sexual problems, reported sexual satisfaction, and prior education in a greater number of sexual healthcare topics. CONCLUSION: Variation in how gynecologic healthcare providers manage their patients' sexual function may be linked to their own sexual experiences and well-being.
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OBJECTIVE: To estimate the potential market for novel male contraceptives (NMCs) using United States National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) data, 2015-2017. STUDY DESIGN: We described the market for NMCs via secondary analysis of the 2015-2017 NSFG's weighted male respondent data, utilizing surrogate markers for contraceptive switching (NSFG) and contraceptive discontinuation data from the Contraceptive CHOICE project. Potential NMC users included men relying on: (1) no methods or less effective methods but who reported that they would be "very upset" if they got someone pregnant, (2) permanent methods but who reported that they might still want more children, (3) a female partner's method that she might discontinue in the next year, (4) a male method even when his partner uses her own contraceptive. RESULTS: Of 3340 respondents-representing 55,890,830 sexually active, reproductive-age men-23.2% used no contraception at last intercourse, 15.8% condoms, 5.1% withdrawal, and 5.1% vasectomy. Among respondents relying solely on condoms, withdrawal, or no method, 19.7%, 3.8%, and 4.4% would be "very upset" if they got someone pregnant. For permanent contraceptive users, 17.3%-20.5% wanted another child. For men reliant on their partner's long-acting reversible or combined hormonal contraceptive, 12-17% and 45-51% of partners might discontinue their method. These data conservatively suggest that 13% or more than 7 million men would potentially use NMCs, rising to 15.5 million with less restrictive contraceptive switching criteria. CONCLUSION: Adjusting for pregnancy attitudes and likelihood of contraceptive switching, a substantial portion (between 7-15.5 million) of reproductive age men in the US are potential NMC users. IMPLICATIONS: The population of potential novel male contraceptive users extends beyond just users of condoms, withdrawal and vasectomy and should include couples practicing dual-partner contraception and female partners using contraceptive methods that they may become dissatisfied with and discontinue.
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Anticoncepção , Anticoncepcionais Masculinos , Humanos , Masculino , Estados Unidos , Adulto , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Anticoncepção/métodos , Anticoncepção/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Anticoncepcionais Masculinos/administração & dosagem , Comportamento Contraceptivo/estatística & dados numéricos , Parceiros Sexuais , Gravidez , Inquéritos e Questionários , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
The DNA encoding the ribosomal RNA in Naegleria is encoded on closed circular extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA-containing elements (CERE) in the nucleolus. In this report, we describe the sequence of the CERE of Naegleria pringsheimi De Jonckheere (strain Singh).
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BACKGROUND: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have comparable efficacy to permanent surgical contraceptive methods; however, long-term costs are infrequently considered. Existing estimates inconsistently account for costs outside of IUD insertion or removal, actual duration of use, or differences between hormonal and nonhormonal IUDs. OBJECTIVE: To describe health care resource utilization and commercial payer costs that arise throughout hormonal and nonhormonal IUD use. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, paid claims data (Merative, MarketScan) from a large US commercial claims database were evaluated between 2013 and 2019. Claims were included from individuals aged 12 to 45 years who had an IUD inserted in 2014, continuous insurance coverage for 1 year prior to insertion and throughout follow-up, and no insertion, removal, or reinsertion in the previous year. Procedures and services that could be IUD-related were identified using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Edition codes. Duration of IUD use was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis of time to IUD removal. Event rates were determined for identified procedures and services; costs were calculated as the sum of payer reimbursements per enrolled individual. All IUD types available during the study period were described: 2 hormonal IUDs (52-mg and 13.5-mg levonorgestrel-releasing [LNG]) and the nonhormonal (380-mm2 copper) IUD. RESULTS: Of 195,009 individuals meeting the age requirement and receiving an IUD in 2014, 63,386 met the inclusion criteria and 53,744 had their IUD type on record-42,777 (67.5%) 52-mg LNG, 2,932 (4.6%) 13.5-mg LNG, and 8,035 (12.7%) nonhormonal IUD users. Despite differences in their indicated duration (13.5-mg LNG, 3 years; 52-mg LNG, 5 years; and nonhormonal, 10 years), most individuals had their IUD removed before its indicated full duration of use (13.5-mg LNG, 56.1%; 52-mg LNG, 61.3%; nonhormonal [at 5 years], 54.6%). The event rate per 100 individuals during the follow-up period was highest for abnormal uterine bleeding (16.2), ovarian cysts (9.3), and surgical management of uterine perforations (4.5). IUD insertion costs (mean ± SE) per enrolled individual for the 13.5-mg LNG, 52-mg LNG, and nonhormonal IUDs were $931 ± $9, $1,107 ± $4, and $897 ± $6, respectively. Cumulative mean ± SE 5-year postinsertion costs for the 13.5-mg LNG, 52-mg LNG, and nonhormonal IUDs were $2,892 ± $232, $1,514 ± $31, and $1,389 ± $97, respectively, among the remaining enrolled individuals. CONCLUSIONS: In this descriptive study of commercially insured IUD users, at least half had their IUD removed before its indicated duration. IUD improvements that reduce the frequency of abnormal uterine bleeding, ovarian cysts, and uterine perforations may help reduce long-term IUD costs.
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Anticoncepcionais Femininos , Seguro , Dispositivos Intrauterinos de Cobre , Dispositivos Intrauterinos Medicados , Cistos Ovarianos , Perfuração Uterina , Feminino , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Hemorragia UterinaRESUMO
Ribosomal RNA is not encoded in chromosomal DNA in amoebae of the Naegleria genus but the rRNA genes are located on closed circular extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA (rDNA)-containing elements (CERE). In this report, we describe the sequence of the CERE of Naegleria australiensis De Jonckheere (strain PP397).
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Congenital hydrocephalus was once a permanently disabling and even fatal disease. With the advent of ventriculoperitoneal shunts, affected women are now surviving to their reproductive years and beyond. Pregnancy outcomes in this population are generally positive. However due to possible shunt complications, including infection, migration, and organ perforation, perinatal care for pregnant individuals with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is complex and requires input from both obstetric and neurosurgical providers. We present the case of a 28-year-old G1P1 with a history of congenital hydrocephalus and ventriculoperitoneal shunt who presented to the emergency department at two months postpartum with clear fluid leaking from her vagina. The shunt's distal end had migrated and perforated the uterus causing cerebrospinal fluid to leak into the uterine cavity. Surgical repair was required of both the uterine hysterotomy and ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and the patient's symptoms ultimately resolved. Patients with a history of shunt placement who later undergo abdominal surgery, including cesarean section, are at risk for shunt complications. Shunt-dependent patients presenting in the post-partum period with new neurological or abdominopelvic complaints should undergo evaluation by a multidisciplinary team.
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Hidrocefalia , Descarga Vaginal , Humanos , Feminino , Gravidez , Adulto , Cesárea/efeitos adversos , Derivação Ventriculoperitoneal/efeitos adversos , Útero , Hidrocefalia/cirurgiaRESUMO
Though racial and ethnic disparities in sexual and reproductive health outcomes are receiving greater interest and research funding, the experiences of Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) people are often combined with those of other racial and ethnic minority groups or excluded from data collection altogether. Such treatment is often rationalized because Asian American and NHPI groups comprise a smaller demographic proportion than other racial or ethnic groups, and the model minority stereotype assumes that these groups have minimal sexual and reproductive health needs. However, Asian American and NHPI people represent the fastest-growing racial-ethnic groups in the United States, and they face disparities in sexual and reproductive health access, quality of care, and outcomes compared with those of other races and ethnicities. Disaggregating further by ethnicity, people from certain Asian American and NHPI subgroups face disproportionately poor reproductive health outcomes that suggest the need for culturally targeted exploration of the unique drivers of these inequities. This commentary highlights the evidence for sexual and reproductive health disparities both in and between Asian American and NHPI groups. We also examine the failures of national data sets and clinical studies to recruit Asian American and NHPI people in proportion to their share of the U.S. population or to consider how the cultural and experiential diversity of Asian American and NHPI people influence sexual and reproductive health. Lastly, we provide recommendations for the equitable inclusion of Asian American and NHPI people to promote and systematize the study and reporting of sexual and reproductive health behaviors and outcomes in these culturally, religiously, and historically diverse groups.
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Asiático , Havaiano Nativo ou Outro Ilhéu do Pacífico , População das Ilhas do Pacífico , Saúde Reprodutiva , Humanos , Etnicidade , Grupos Minoritários , Pesquisa Biomédica , Equidade em SaúdeRESUMO
Objective: To characterize the family-building goals and experiences of lesbians compared with those of heterosexual females in the United States. Design: Secondary analysis of nationally representative, cross-sectional survey data. Setting: National Survey of Family Growth 2017-2019. Patients: 159 reproductive-age lesbian respondents and 5,127 reproductive-age heterosexual respondents. Interventions: We characterized family-building goals and the use of assisted reproduction and adoption among lesbians using nationally representative female respondent data from the 2017-2019 National Survey of Family Growth. We performed bivariate analyses examining variations in these outcomes between lesbian and heterosexual individuals. Main Outcome Measures: Wantedness of children, use of assisted reproductive technology, and pursuit of adoption among reproductive-age lesbian and heterosexual participants. Results: We identified 159 reproductive-age lesbian respondents of the National Survey of Family Growth, representing 2.3% or approximately 1.75 million US individuals of reproductive age. The lesbian respondents were younger, less religious, and less likely to have children than heterosexual respondents. These groups did not differ significantly by race/ethnicity, education, or income. More than half of the individuals reported wanting a child in the future, with proportions similar between the lesbian and heterosexual individuals (48% vs. 51%, respectively; P = .52). Accordingly, 18% of both the lesbian and heterosexual individuals reported that they would be greatly bothered if they were unable to have children. Nevertheless, health care providers reportedly asked the lesbians about their desire to get pregnant less frequently than they asked the heterosexual individuals (21% vs. 32%, respectively; P = .04). Only 26% of the lesbians had ever been pregnant compared with 64% of the heterosexual individuals (P<.01). Approximately one third (31%) of lesbians with medical insurance were seeking reproductive services compared with 10% of heterosexual individuals (P = .05). Lesbians were significantly more likely to be seeking adoption than heterosexual individuals (7.0% vs. 1.3%, respectively; P = .01), although they were more likely to report being turned down (17% vs. 10%, respectively; P = .03), not knowing why they were unable to adopt (19% vs. 1%, respectively; P = .02), and quitting because of the adoption process (100% vs. 45%, respectively; P = .04). Conclusions: Approximately half of US females of reproductive age desire to have a child, a proportion that is not different between lesbian and heterosexual individuals. However, fewer lesbians are asked about their desires to get pregnant, and fewer ever become pregnant. Lesbians are significantly more likely to pursue assisted reproductive services when covered by insurance and more likely to seek adoption. Unfortunately, lesbians are more likely to face challenges with adoption.
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Injectable male hormonal contraceptives are effective for preventing pregnancy in clinical trials; however, users may prefer to avoid medical appointments and injections. A self-administered transdermal contraceptive gel may be more acceptable for long-term contraception. Transdermal testosterone gels are widely used to treat hypogonadism and transdermal administration may have utility for male contraception; however, no efficacy data from transdermal male hormonal contraceptive gel are available. We designed and are currently conducting an international, multicenter, open-label study of self-administration of a daily combined testosterone and segesterone acetate (Nestorone) gel for male contraception. The transdermal approach to male contraception raises novel considerations regarding adherence with the daily gel, as well as concern about the potential transfer of the gel and the contraceptive hormones to the female partner. Enrolled couples are in committed relationships. Male partners have baseline normal spermatogenesis and are in good health; female partners are regularly menstruating and at risk for unintended pregnancy. The study's primary outcome is the rate of pregnancy in couples during the study's 52-week efficacy phase. Secondary endpoints include the proportion of male participants suppressing sperm production and entering the efficacy phase, side effects, hormone concentrations in male participants and their female partners, sexual function, and regimen acceptability. Enrollment concluded on November 1, 2022, with 462 couples and enrollment is now closed. This report outlines the strategy and design of the first study to examine the contraceptive efficacy of a self-administered male hormonal contraceptive gel. The results will be presented in future reports. IMPLICATIONS: The development of a safe, effective, reversible male contraceptive would improve contraceptive options and may decrease rates of unintended pregnancy. This manuscript outlines the study design and analysis plan for an ongoing large international trial of a novel transdermal hormone gel for male contraception. Successful completion of this and future studies of this formulation may lead to the approval of a male contraceptive.
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Anticoncepcionais Masculinos , Testosterona , Gravidez , Masculino , Humanos , Feminino , Sêmen , Anticoncepção/métodos , Anticoncepcionais , GéisRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Black pregnant individuals endure a disproportionate burden of preventable morbidity and mortality due to persistent, racially mediated social and systemic inequities. As patient advocates, Black community-based doulas help address these disparities via unique services not provided by conventional doulas. However, Black doulas themselves may encounter obstacles when providing care to Black perinatal clients. We characterized the barriers encountered by Black community-based doulas in Los Angeles, California. METHODS: We partnered with a Black community-based doula program to conduct semistructured interviews with its community doulas and program directors, covering the following topics: motivations for becoming a doula, services provided, and challenges faced as a Black doula in perinatal settings. Interview transcripts were reviewed via directed content analysis, with attention to the influence of systemic racism on service provision. Additionally, our research team used Camara Jones' Levels of Racism, which describes race-associated differences in health outcomes to code data. RESULTS: We interviewed 5 Black community-based doulas and 2 program directors, who all shared experiences of inequitable care and bias against Black clients that could be addressed with the support and advocacy of culturally congruent doulas. The community doulas shared experiences of stigma as Black doulas, compounded by racial prejudice. Interviewees noted sources of structural racism affecting program development, instances of interpersonal racism as they interacted with the health care system, and internalized racism that was revealed during culturally based doula trainings. Additionally, the doulas emphasized the importance of cultural concordance, or a shared identity with clients, which they considered integral to providing equitable care. CONCLUSION: Despite facing institutionalized, interpersonal, and internalized forms of racism, Black community-based doulas provide avenues for Black birthing individuals to navigate systemic racism experienced during the perinatal process. However, these forms of racism need to be addressed for Black community doulas to flourish.
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Doulas , Racismo , Gravidez , Feminino , Humanos , Parto , Atenção à Saúde , Pesquisa QualitativaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To explore the association of men's willingness to use a novel male contraceptive with their attitudes toward gender equity. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an anonymous online survey examining willingness to use male contraception among reproductive-age (18-50 years) cisgender men from the United States and Canada, recruited via online forums, social media ads, and male contraceptive mailing lists from April through July of 2022. We collected sociodemographics and reproductive histories and used a 20-item Gender-Equitable Men Scale to examine men's gender role attitudes. We conducted bivariate analyses to inform a multivariable logistic regression isolating the independent influence of increasingly gender-equitable attitudes on cis-men's willingness to use novel male contraceptives. RESULTS: We received 2066 surveys from primarily white (n = 1192; 58%), heterosexual (n = 1816; 88%), married cis-men (n = 1008; 49%), below age 30 (n = 1010; 49%), and who had not completed a bachelor's degree (n = 1173; 57%). The majority reported sex multiple times per week (n = 946; 46%), but had never gotten someone pregnant (n = 907; 44%); nearly half (n = 994; 48%) identified as parents. Three-quarters of respondents reported being willing to use novel male contraceptives (n = 1545; 75%); willingness was independently linked to having had an abortion (adjOR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.37-3.02) and increasing total Gender-Equitable Men Scale scores (adjOR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.08), even after controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and education. CONCLUSIONS: Three-quarters of cis-men surveyed reported willingness to use new male contraceptives, which was correlated with increasingly gender-equitable attitudes. IMPLICATIONS: As gender-equitable attitudes are linked to men's willingness to use novel male contraceptives, older population surveys may underestimate male contraceptive demand. Further, given the association of abortion experience with willingness to use novel male contraceptives, abortion-providing clinics may be considered for future dissemination of male contraceptives.
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Anticoncepcionais Masculinos , Equidade de Gênero , Gravidez , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Estados Unidos , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Anticoncepção/métodos , Atitude , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Amoebae of the Naegleria genus carry all ribosome-encoding DNA on closed circular extrachromosomal elements (CERE). We report the sequence of the CERE of Naegleria jadini (strain Willaert and Ray).
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BACKGROUND: Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of intrauterine device placement at cesarean delivery as a contraceptive method. However, national-level use and outcomes of a postplacental intrauterine device at cesarean delivery are currently understudied in the United States. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the trends, characteristics, and outcomes of patients who received a postplacental intrauterine device at cesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study used the National Inpatient Sample. The study cohort included patients who underwent cesarean delivery from October 2015 to December 2018. The exclusion criteria included hemorrhage, chorioamnionitis, uterine anomaly, hysterectomy, and permanent surgical sterilization. Eligible cases were grouped on the basis of the use of a postplacental intrauterine device at cesarean delivery. The primary outcome measures were temporal trends and characteristics associated with the use of a postplacental intrauterine device at cesarean delivery, assessed using the generalized estimating equation model in multivariable analysis. The secondary outcome measure was perioperative morbidity (leukocytosis, endometritis, myometritis, and sepsis). Propensity score matching was used to balance the baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Among 2,983,978 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 10,145 patients (0.3%) received a postplacental intrauterine device at cesarean delivery. The use of a postplacental intrauterine device increased from 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2015 to 0.6% in the fourth quarter of 2018 (P<.001). In a multivariable analysis, the use of a postplacental intrauterine device increased by 14% every quarter-year (adjusted odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.15). In addition, (1) patient characteristics of young age, non-White race, obesity, tobacco use, lowest quartile median household income, and insured with Medicaid; (2) hospital characteristics of large bed capacity and urban teaching setting in Northeast region; and (3) pregnancy characteristics of early gestational age at cesarean delivery, hypertensive disease, previous cesarean delivery, multifetal pregnancy, grand multiparity, placenta previa, and nonelective cesarean delivery represented the independent characteristics associated with the use of a postplacental intrauterine device (all P<.05). A regression tree model identified 35 discrete patterns of the use of a postplacental intrauterine device based on 8 factors (time, race or ethnicity, primary expected payer, obesity, hospital bed capacity, hospital teaching status, hospital region, and previous cesarean delivery). There were 9 patterns, representing 8.8% of the study population, exhibiting a use rate of ≥1.0%, whereas there were 7 patterns, representing 16.0% of the study population, exhibiting no use of a postplacental intrauterine device (absolute rate difference from the highest group to the lowest group, 4.7%). In a propensity score-matched model, postplacental intrauterine device placement at cesarean delivery was not associated with increased risk of measured morbidity (any, 1.8% vs 1.7%; odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.69; P=.812), including postpartum endometritis (1.2% vs 1.0%; odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-2.14; P=.554). CONCLUSION: The use of a postplacental intrauterine device at cesarean delivery increased significantly in recent years in the United States.
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Despite evidence-based recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Medical Genetics to offer prenatal genetic carrier screening for reproductive partners, partner carrier screening or genetic testing is inconsistently covered by pregnant patients' health insurance plans. Health policies that exclude reproductive partners from insurance coverage for prenatal carrier screening or genetic testing contradict multiple ethical principles and can even contribute to adverse maternal-child health outcomes. Incomplete or missing information regarding partner carrier status can lead to costly, invasive, and potentially risky interventions for the pregnant patient that can be avoided by a simple and less expensive blood test in the reproductive partner. Lack of information regarding carrier status also harms the neonate by obviating an opportunity for early detection and treatment of potential medical complications. Insurance policies that exclude coverage for paternal genetic testing perpetuate the disproportionate burdens of pregnancy care and risk shouldered by pregnant people. To rectify these ethical dilemmas, partner carrier screening and genetic testing should be considered and covered as routine components of obstetric health care that are covered by health insurance.