Serum levels and gestational curve of adiponectin and leptin during adolescent pregnancy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a curve of weekly serum levels of adiponectin and leptin among pregnant adolescents. In addition, pregestational body mass index and weight gain were assessed and correlated with the serum concentration of these molecules. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study, including only pregnant adolescents with eutrophic pre-gestational body mass index who were weekly followed during the evolution of gestation. The serum concentrations of adipokines were determined using commercial ELISA kits and were correlated to pre-gestational body mass index and pregnancy weight gain. A total of 157 pregnant women participated in this study. RESULTS: Adiponectin levels showed a significant decrease among the trimesters (p=0.0004). However, we did not observe significant differences among its levels when compared weekly, neither of which was between adiponectin concentration and pre-gestational body mass index or weight gain (p=0.36 and p=0.10, respectively). In contrast, we detected a significant increase in weekly serum leptin levels (p<0.0001), positively correlated to both pre-gestational body mass index and weight gain (p=0.003 and p=0.0007, respectively). CONCLUSION: These adipokines present a different profile throughout adolescent pregnancy.

Conhecimento, atitude e prática de médicos brasileiros sobre a inserção do DIU imediatamente após o parto e o abortamento / Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Brazilian Physicians Regarding Intrauterine Device Insertion Immediately After Childbirth and Abortion

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento, a atitude e a prática dos mé- dicos brasileiros sobre a inserção do dispositivo intrauterino no pós-parto e pós-abortamento imediatos. Métodos: Estudo trans- versal envolvendo enquete de plantonistas de hospitais públicos brasileiros. Os participantes responderam a um questionário on- line anônimo com perguntas fechadas para avaliar seu conhe- cimento, atitude e experiência quanto à inserção de dispositivo intrauterino de cobre no pós-parto e pós-abortamento imedia- tos. Resultados: Cento e vinte e sete médicos que trabalham em 23 hospitais nas cinco regiões geográficas do Brasil responde- ram ao questionário. A maioria era do sexo feminino (68,5%) e trabalhava em hospitais universitários (95,3%). O escore médio (desvio-padrão) de conhecimento (escala de 0-10) foi de 5,3 (1,3); apenas 27,6% dos participantes tiveram escores ≥ 7,0. A maioria dos médicos (73,2%) colocaria o DIU pós-parto em si/familia- res. Cerca de 42% afirmaram não ter recebido nenhum treina- mento sobre inserção de dispositivo intrauterino pós-parto ou pós-abortamento. Nos últimos 12 meses, 19,7%, 22,8% e 53,5% dos respondentes afirmaram não ter inserido nenhum dispositi- vo intrauterino durante uma cesariana, imediatamente após um parto vaginal e um abortamento, respectivamente. Conclusão: A maioria das participantes do estudo tem atitude positiva em relação à inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto imediato, mas tem conhecimento limitado sobre o uso desse método contraceptivo. Grande porcentagem dos participantes não teve treinamento anterior sobre inserção de dispositivo in- trauterino pós-parto e pós-abortamento e não realizou nenhuma inserção nos últimos doze meses. São necessárias estratégias para melhorar o conhecimento, o treinamento e a experiência dos médicos brasileiros sobre a inserção de dispositivo intraute- rino no pós-parto e pós-abortamento imediatos.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Brazilian Physicians about Immediate Postpartum and Postabortion Intrauterine Device Insertion / Conhecimento, atitude e prática de médicos brasileiros sobre inserção de dispositivo intrauterino no pós-parto e pós-aborto imediatos

Abstract Objective To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Brazilian physicians about immediate postpartum and postabortion intrauterine device insertion. Methods Cross-sectional online survey involving physicians on duty in public Brazilian hospitals. Participants answered an anonymous questionnaire with close-ended questions to assess their knowledge, attitude, and experience on the immediate postpartum and postabortion insertion of copper intrauterine devices. Results One hundred twenty-seven physicians working in 23 hospitals in the 5 geographic regions of Brazil completed the questionnaire. Most were female (68.5%) and worked in teaching hospitals (95.3%). The mean (standard deviation) knowledge score (0-10 scale) was 5.3 (1.3); only 27.6% of the participants had overall scores ≥7.0. Most physicians (73.2%) would insert a postpartum intrauterine device in themselves/family members. About 42% of respondents stated that they had not received any training on postpartum or postabortion intrauterine device insertion. In the past 12 months, 19.7%, 22.8%, and 53.5% of respondents stated they had not inserted any intrauterine device during a cesarean section, immediately after a vaginal delivery, or after an abortion, respectively. Conclusion Most study participants have a positive attitude toward the insertion of intrauterine devices in the immediate postpartum period, but they have limited knowledge about the use of this contraceptive method. A large percentage of respondents did not have previous training on postpartum and postabortion intrauterine device insertion and had not performed any such insertions in the last 12 months. Strategies are needed to improve the knowledge, training, and experience of Brazilian physicians on immediate postpartum and postabortion intrauterine device insertion.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o conhecimento, atitude e prática de médicos brasileiros sobre a inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto e pós-aborto imediatos. Métodos Estudo transversal com inquérito online envolvendo médicos plantonistas de hospitais públicos brasileiros. Os participantes responderam a um questionário anônimo com perguntas fechadas para avaliar seu conhecimento, atitude e experiência sobre a inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos de cobre no pós-parto e pós-aborto imediatos. Resultados Cento e vinte sete médicos de 23 hospitais localizados nas 5 regiões do Brasil preencheram o questionário. A maioria era do sexo feminino (68,5%) e trabalhava em hospitais de ensino (95,3%). O escore médio (desvio padrão) de conhecimento (escala 0-10) foi 5,3 (1,3); apenas 27,6% tiveram escore ≥7,0. A maioria (73,2%) faria inserção de dispositivo intrauterino no pós-parto imediato em si mesma/familiares. Cerca de 42% dos participantes declararam não ter recebido nenhum treinamento sobre inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto ou pós-aborto imediatos. Nos últimos 12 meses, 19,7%, 22,8% e 53,5% declararam não ter inserido nenhum dispositivo intrauterino durante uma cesárea, após um parto vaginal ou um aborto, respectivamente. Conclusão A maioria dos participantes tem uma atitude positiva em relação à inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto imediato, porém tem um conhecimento limitado sobre esse método. Uma grande porcentagem dos respondentes não teve treinamento sobre inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto ou pós-aborto imediatos e não fez nenhuma inserção desse tipo nos últimos 12 meses. São necessárias estratégias para melhorar o conhecimento, o treinamento e a experiência dos médicos brasileiros sobre a inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto e pós-aborto imediatos.

Hormonal intrauterine device in women with renal transplantation: a prospective observational study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the rate of continuity and satisfaction with hormonal intrauterine device in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. The sample consisted of patients treated at a Family Planning Outpatient Clinic, from August 2016 to September 2021. Information on each patient's age, parity, and associated diseases as well as satisfaction with the method were analyzed. Patients were invited to participate through electronic messages, and the questionnaire included questions about acceptance of the contraceptive method. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the renal transplant patients was 32.5 years. The mean duration of hormonal intrauterine device use was 37 months. Acceptance of the method was high, with 97.5% of patients remaining on the method for 1 year and 85% of patients using the hormonal intrauterine device at the time of the study. There were no pregnancies or renal transplant complications in the study. Regarding satisfaction with the method, the majority (77.5%) scored 10. CONCLUSION: Patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the hormonal intrauterine device. Therefore, the continuation rate was high. Furthermore, this contraceptive method proved to be safe and effective in kidney transplant recipients. No complications, graft rejection, or graft failure were observed after intrauterine hormonal device insertion and during follow-up.

Sexual function in Brazilian female adolescents and young adults: a cross-sectional study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the sexual function of Brazilian adolescents and young women who were using popular contraceptive methods. METHODS: This cross-sectional study took place in 2012-2014 in a free family planning clinic of a tertiary teaching hospital in Brazil. Participants were female adolescents (10-19 years) and young adults (20-24 years) who were using barrier (condom) or hormonal contraceptive methods. The Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire was used to assess the sexual function in the last 4 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 199 women (128 adolescents and 71 young adults) were included. There were no significant differences in the mean total Female Sexual Function Index scores of adolescents and young adults (26.6±5.7 versus 27.6±6.2, respectively, p=0.264). Compared to young adults, adolescents had significantly lower mean scores for orgasm (3.9±1.5 versus 4.4±1.4, p=0.020) and dyspareunia (4.4±1.6 versus 5.2±1.5, p=0.001; lower scores indicate more dyspareunia). There were no significant differences in the proportion of adolescents versus adults classified as being at risk for sexual dysfunction (38.3 versus 42.3%, p=0.651) or at risk of low desire (18.0 versus 21.1%, p=0.579). CONCLUSION: Nearly 40% of Brazilian female adolescents and young adults are at risk for sexual dysfunctional symptoms and 19% have low desire, without significant differences between the two age groups.

Evaluation of the Blood Level of Adiponectin in Pregnant Adolescents / Avaliação dos níveis séricos de adiponectina em gestantes adolescentes

Abstract Objective To evaluate serum levels of adiponectin in pregnant adolescents between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation. Method: A prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 67 normal pregnant women between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation and eutrophic (body mass index [BMI]: 18.5-25 kg/m2), of which 36 were adolescents (< 20 years old) and 31 adults (≥ 20 years old). Serum adiponectin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The t-student or Mann-Whitney tests were used for intergroup comparison. Results Pregnant adolescents showed significantly higher serum adiponectin concentrations comparedwith pregnant adults (p=0.04). No differences were observed in adiponectin levels in younger pregnant adolescents (< 16 years old) compared with older pregnant adolescents (≥ 16 years old). Adiponectin values were divided into 3 subgroups:<3,000 ng/mL, between 3,000 and 5,000 ng/mL, and>5,000 ng/mL. Birthweight was significantly higher in women>5,000 ng/mL when compared with<3,000 ng/mL in the adolescent group. No association between pregestational adiponectin levels and BMI, gestational weight gain, and gestational age was observed; however, there was a positive relation with birthweight (p=0.0239). Conclusion Serum adiponectin values in pregnant adolescents between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation were higher compared with pregnant adults; however, no differences between younger and older pregnant adolescents were observed.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os níveis séricos de adiponectina em gestantes adolescentes entre 30 e 36 semanas de gestação. Métodos Estudo prospectivo e transversal incluindo 67 gestantes normais entre 30 a 36 semanas e eutróficas (índice de massa corporal [IMC]: 18,5-25 kg/m2), sendo 36 adolescentes (< 20 anos) e 31 adultas (≥ 20 anos). Os níveis séricos de adiponectina foram avaliados por teste imunoenzimático (ELISA, na sigla em inglês). Para a comparação entre os grupos, utilizou-se os testes t-Student ou Mann-Whitney. Resultados As gestantes adolescentes apresentaram significativamente maiores concentrações séricas de adiponectina do que as adultas (p=0,04). Não houve diferenças nos níveis de adiponectina quando comparadas as gestantes adolescentes precoces (< 16 anos) às tardias (≥ 16 anos). Os valores de adiponectina foram subdivididos em3 grupos:<3.000 ng/mL, entre 3.000 e 5.000 ng/mL e>5.000 ng/mL. O peso do recém-nascido foi significantemente maior nas mulheres com>5.000 ng/mL, quando comparadas as com<3.000 ng/mL no grupo das adolescentes. Não foi observada associação entre os níveis de adiponectina e o IMC pré-gestacional, ganho de peso gestacional e a idade gestacional, porém houve relação positiva com o peso do recém-nascido (p=0,0239). Conclusão Os valores séricos de adiponectina em gestantes adolescentes entre 30 e 36 semanas de gestação foram maiores do que os das gestantes adultas; contudo, sem diferenças entre gestantes adolescentes precoces e tardias.

Sleep quality in women who use different contraceptive methods.

BACKGROUND: Both menstrual cycle and hormone alterations influence sleep pattern. The aim of this study was to evaluate sleep quality in women who use different contraceptive methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality, and a questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, and contraceptive use data. RESULTS: The study population comprised 235 women in reproductive age. Regarding lifestyle, 25.5% of the women were physically active, 12.3% were tobacco-smoking, and 70.6% drank coffee daily. Sleep quality was good in 34% of the studied population and poor in 66% of the population. The population was divided into two groups: hormonal (57.1%) and non-hormonal (42.9%) contraceptive users. Sleep quality in the users of non-hormonal contraceptive methods was similar to that in the users of hormonal methods (6.1±3.2 versus 5.9±2.9; p=0.5). Sleep efficiency was statistically higher among the users of non-hormonal contraceptive methods (94.7±17.7) than among the users of hormonal methods (90.0±15.3; p=0.03). The patients who had irregular or altered menstrual cycles reported poorer sleep quality. The absence of routine physical activity negatively influenced sleep quality (p=0.05). The women who snored reported worse sleep quality (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of the studied population was users of hormonal contraception, and most of these women reported poor sleep quality. Sleep efficiency was higher among the users of non-hormonal contraceptives. No differences in subgroups (hormonal contraceptive users) were observed.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception / Contracepção reversível de longa ação

Abstract Unwanted pregnancy is a major public health problem both in developed and developing countries. Although the reduction in the rates of these pregnancies requires multifactorial approaches, increasing access to long-acting contraceptive methods can contribute significantly to change this scenario. In Brazil, gynecologists and obstetricians play a key role in contraceptive counseling, being decisive in the choice of long-acting reversible methods, characterized by intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the contraceptive implant. The vast scope due to the reduced number of situations to indicate long-acting methods should be emphasized in routine contraceptive counseling. On the other hand, gynecologists and obstetricians should adapt the techniques of insertion of long-acting methods, and engage in facilitating conditions to access these contraceptives through public and private health systems in Brazil. This study is part of a project called Diretrizes e Recomendações FEBRASGO (Guidelines and Recommendations of the FEBRASGO - Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations from the Portuguese acronym). It aims to review the main characteristics of long-acting contraceptives and critically consider the current situation and future prospects to improve access to these methods, proposing practical recommendations of interest in the routine of gynecologists and obstetricians.

Resumo A gravidez não planejada representa importante problema de saúde pública tanto em países desenvolvidos quanto naqueles em desenvolvimento. Embora a redução das taxas dessas gestações requeira abordagens multifatoriais, o aumento no acesso aos métodos contraceptivos de longa ação pode contribuir de forma expressiva na mudança desse cenário. No Brasil, os ginecologistas e obstetras têm papel fundamental no aconselhamento contraceptivo, sendo decisivos na escolha dos métodos reversíveis de longa ação, caracterizados pelos dispositivos intrauterinos (DIUs) e pelo implante anticoncepcional. A grande abrangência decorrente do pequeno número de situações que contraindicam os métodos de longa ação deve ser enfatizada no aconselhamento contraceptivo de rotina. Por outro lado, os ginecologistas e obstetras devem se adaptar às técnicas de inserção dos métodos de longa ação, bem como se engajar na facilitação de condições para o acesso a esses contraceptivos por meio do sistema de saúde pública e privada no Brasil. Este estudo, parte do projeto denominado "Diretrizes e Recomendações FEBRASGO", tem por objetivo revisar as principais características dos contraceptivos de longa ação, além de considerar de forma crítica o panorama atual e as perspectivas futuras, visando melhorar o acesso a esses métodos, com recomendações práticas de interesse na rotina do ginecologista e obstetra.

[Congenital Anomalies Detected at Birth in Newborns of Adolescent Women]. / Anomalias Congénitas Identificadas ao Nascimento em Recém-Nascidos de Mulheres Adolescentes.

INTRODUCTION: To analyze the prevalence of congenital anomalies detected at birth among children of pregnant adolescents, emphasizing the most common types and the time of diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of type census, in which were analyzed in all newborns, living or dead, weighing more than 500 g of women who gave birth at Hospital São Paulo in a period of six years. The fetuses bearing anomalies were identified prenatally or through postnatal physical examination period, according to the criteria of the Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations. The results were expressed descriptively using absolute and relative values, the prevalence of anomalies was calculated, as well as the comparison between groups using nonparametric tests. RESULTS: We analyzed 6 257 pregnancies, of which 577 newborns had some congenital anomaly identified at birth (prevalence 9.2%). Among these 6 257, 907 were adolescents, which showed a 9.9% prevalence of anomalies among their newborns. There was no significant difference between the presence of abnormalities in newborns of adolescents and women with age greater than or equal to 20 years. About 56% of congenital anomalies were diagnosed in the prenatal period. We observed a higher prevalence of defects of neural tube between newborns of adolescents (p = 0.027). DISCUSSION: We observed high rate of deliveries in adolescents, higher than developed countries. We observed also high frequency of congenital anomalies in newborns, probably because our tertiary reference center. The high prevalence of neural tube defect among young pregnant women could be explained by the absent of acid folic supplementation in non-planned gestations which is typical of adolescents. CONCLUSION: The prevalence and time of diagnosis of congenital anomalies showed similar behavior among newborns of teenagers and women with age greater than or equal to 20 years, except for the defects of the neural tube, which were more prevalent among newborns of teenagers.

Introdução: Analisar a prevalência das anomalias congénitas, detetadas no nascimento, entre filhos de gestantes adolescentes, enfatizando os tipos mais comuns e a época do diagnóstico. Material e Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo do tipo censo, no qual foram analisados todos recém-nascidos, vivos ou mortos, com peso superior a 500 g, de mulheres que tiveram o parto no Hospital São Paulo num período de seis anos. Os produtos da conceção portadores de anomalias foram identificados no período pré-natal ou através do exame físico pós-natal, segundo os critérios do Estudo Colaborativo Latino-Americano das Malformações Congênitas. Os resultados são apresentados de forma descritiva através de valores absolutos e relativos, calcula-se a prevalência das anomalias e comparam-se os diferentes grupos recorrendo a testes não paramétricos. Resultados: Foram analisadas 6 257 gestações, das quais 577 resultaram em recém-nascidos com alguma anomalia congénita identificada no nascimento (prevalência de 9,2%). Do total de gestações, 907 eram de adolescentes (idade inferior a 20 anos), para as quais se verificou uma prevalência de anomalias nos recém-nascidos de 9,9%. Comparando os recém-nascidos de adolescentes com os das mulheres com idade superior a 20 anos, apenas se encontrou diferença estatisticamente significativa para a prevalência dos defeitos do tubo neural (p = 0,027). Discussão: Observamos uma alta taxa de partos em adolescentes, acima das taxas dos países desenvolvidos. Observamos também alta frequência de anomalias congénitas em recém-nascidos, provavelmente por sermos um serviço terciário de referência. A elevada prevalência dos defeitos do tubo neural entre grávidas jovens pode ser explicada pela não suplementação pré-concecional de ácido fólico em gravidezes não planeadas, como é característico nas adolescentes.Conclusão: A prevalência e momento do diagnóstico das anomalias congénitas em recém-nascidos apresentam comportamentos semelhantes entre grávidas com idade inferior ou superior a 20 anos, exceto para os defeitos do tubo neural, de maior prevalência nos recém-nascidos das grávidas adolescentes.

Extended regimens of the combined contraceptive vaginal ring containing etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol: effects on lipid metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Oral contraceptives used for extended periods of time have been studied because of their potential benefits; however, there have been few publications on extended regimens of vaginal contraceptive rings. The aim of this study was to evaluate modifications in the lipid profile of women using the vaginal ring continuously over a 1-year period. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort enrolled 75 women (18-37 years) who used a contraceptive vaginal ring releasing 120 mcg of etonogestrel and 15 mcg of ethinyl estradiol daily continuously for 84 days, followed by a 7-day ring-free interval, during 1 year. At baseline and every 3 months during the 1-year study period, blood was collected to assess cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides and apolipoproteins A-I and B. The ANOVA test was used to analyze differences in the results of these exams over time. RESULTS: After 1 year of continuous contraceptive use, there was a significant increase in triglycerides as well as in total and HDL-C levels. There was a nonsignificant decrease in the mean concentration of LDL-C during the study period. Apolipoprotein A-I increased and apolipoprotein B decreased, but the apolipoprotein A-I/apolipoprotein B ratio did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: The combined contraceptive vaginal ring used on an extended regimen causes changes in the lipid profile metabolism of users. Despite the vaginal route of administration, the steroids released by the ring caused significant changes in lipids and lipoproteins, which were typical of those seen with ethinyl estradiol given either orally or parenterally.

Manejo do sangramento inesperado em usuárias de métodos contraceptivos hormonais: revisão das recomendações atuais / Management of unscheduled bleeding in women using hormonal contraceptive: review of current recommendations

Os objetivos desta revisão foram identificar e analisar as principais recomendações atuais relativas ao manejo do sangramento inesperado em usuárias de anticoncepcional hormonal. Foram revisadas as principais diretrizes publicadas nos últimos dez anos. Quatro bases de dados eletrônicas foram consultadas (Medline, LILACS, Scielo, CINAHL®). De um total inicial de 14.130 citações, 14 foram selecionadas para inclusão. As principais recomendações sugerem que as mulheres que optam por métodos hormonais devem ser orientadas quanto à possibilidade da ocorrência de sangramentos inesperados. Tais sangramentos podem desaparecer espontaneamente com a persistência no uso do método. Na maioria das vezes, esta intercorrência não afeta a eficácia anticonceptiva do método, e recomenda-se não criar a expectativa de que irá ocorrer amenorreia na vigência do uso de métodos contraceptivos hormonais. Esta revisão pode ser útil na prática clínica, dada a importância do tema e a frequência desse tipo de queixa nos ambulatórios de tocoginecologia

The objectives of this review were to identify and analyze the main current recommendations on the management of unscheduled bleeding in women using hormonal contraceptives. The main guidelines published during the last ten years were reviewed. Four electronic databases were consulted (Medline, LILACS, Scielo, CINAHL®). From the total of 14,130 citations, 14 were selected for inclusion. The main recommendations suggest that women using hormonal contraceptives should be informed about the possible occurrence of unscheduled bleeding. This bleeding may disappear spontaneously with the persistent use of the method. Most of the time this event do not affect the contraceptive effectiveness of the method, and women should not expect the amenorrhea during the use of hormonal contraceptive methods. This review can be useful for clinical practice, considering the importance of this topic and the frequency of this kind of complaint in tocogynecology clinics

Extended regimens of the contraceptive vaginal ring: evaluation of clinical aspects.

BACKGROUND: Oral contraceptives used for extended periods of time have been extensively studied because of their potential benefits; however, there have been few publications on extended regimens of vaginal contraceptive rings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical symptoms, body weight and blood pressure changes in women using the vaginal ring continuously over a 1-year period. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort evaluated clinical aspects (dysmenorrhea, headache, breast tenderness, leg pain and irritability), body weight and blood pressure changes in 75 women (18-37 years of age) using a vaginal ring releasing 120 mcg of etonogestrel and 15 mcg of ethinyl estradiol daily, over a continuous period of 84 days, followed by a 7-day ring-free interval, during 1 year. The chi-square, Wilcoxon and paired t tests were used to analyze differences in the outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Compared to pre-enrollment status, at the end of the study period, the patients reported significantly less dysmenorrhea and irritability, a nonsignificant decrease in breast tenderness, leg pain and headaches. Blood pressure measurements remained unchanged. Although weight and body mass index increased significantly among users, they remained within the expected biological variation range. CONCLUSION: The vaginal ring used on an extended regimen is a well-tolerated contraceptive method and also offers noncontraceptive benefits.

Métodos anticoncepcionais hormonais / Hormonal contraception methods

A orientação e a utilização da anticoncepção abrangem um grande período de vida da mulher, que vai do menacme à menopausa, atingindo vários segmentos de faixa etária. Nenhum método poderá satisfazer as necessidades de todas as mulheres nas diversas etapas de sua vida reprodutiva, pois variam quanto a: eficácia, efeitos secundários, formas de uso e custo. Assim, o aconselhamento sobre todos os métodos é indispensável para que as pessoas tomem decisões adequadas. Nos últimos anos ocorreram grandes avanços no conhecimento científico, em relação ao desenvolvimento e pesquisa de novos métodos contraceptivos hormonais. A Organização Mundial de Saúde, no sentido de facilitar e auxiliar os orientadores e prescritores de anticoncepção, elaborou uma classificação para adequar o uso dos métodos contraceptivos hormonais na presença de algumas condições (idade, paridade) ou de intercorrências clínicas, cirúrgicas ou ginecológicas. Os riscos e benefícios da utilização dos métodos contraceptivos foram avaliados de forma criteriosa, podendo auxiliar a opção mais adequada de contracepção.

Contraceptive counseling and its use are part of women's lives from menarche to menopause, thus spanning through a woman's lifetime. Since each method has a different profile in terms of effectiveness, collateral effects, usage and costs, no single contraceptive is expected to meet the demands of every woman throughout the various phases of her reproductive life. Therefore, contraceptive counseling is essential in assiting women make appropriate choices. In the last years there have been important scientific advances in the field of contraceptive research and development. In this context, the World Health Organization has created a classification that is useful to the people in charge of counseling and prescribing contraceptive methods. This classification takes into consideration some demographic variables (age, parity) as well as clinical, surgical and gynecological conditions. The risks and benefits of each contraceptive method have been carefully assessed, thus allowing a judicious choice to be made.

Esterilização tubária: satisfação e arrependimento entre profissionais de saúde do município de Itabuna, Bahia (Brasil) / Satisfaction and regret concerning the tubal sterilization among health professionals Itabuna city, Bahia (Brazil) / Satisfacciones y arrepentimientos sobre esterlización tubaria entre profesionales de salud del município de Itabuna, Bahia (Brasil)

Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e transversal que teve como objetivo identificar a satisfação e o arrependimento acerca da esterilização tubária entre profissionais de saúde do município de Itabuna, Bahia. A mostra populacional constitui-se de 205 mulheres: auxiliares e técnicas em enfermagem, enfermeiras e médicas, entrevistadas em hospitais e unidades básicas de saúde. Os resultados revelam que os motivos que levaram as mulheres a optarem pela esterilização tubária direcionaram-se, principalmente, para o encerramento da vida reprodutiva, em consequência das condições socioeconômicas, problemas de saúde e desconhecimento de outros métodos contraceptivos. O arrependimento esteve presente em 19,5% sendo os principais motivos alegados a mudança de parceiro, o desejo de ter outro filho e a morte de filhos.

This essay consists of a descriptive and transversal study that had the objective to identify the satisfaction and regrets concerning the tubal sterilization among health professionals in Itabuna city, Brazil. The population sample consisted of 205 women: nursing assistants, nurses and physicians, all of them were interviewed in hospitals and health units. The results have shown that the main reasons women opted for the tubal sterilization were; to end reproductive life, considering their economic conditions, health problems and unfamiliarity to other contraceptive methods. 19,5% have shown regret after the procedure being the main reasons: partner change, the desire to have another son and death of a son.

Estudio descriptivo y transversal com el objetivo de identificar satisfacciones y arrepentimientos sobre esterilización tubaria entre profesionales de la salud del município de Itabuna-Bahia. La población de studio fue compuesta por 205 mujeres: auxiliares y técnicas de enferméria, enfermeiras y médicas, entrevistadas em los hospitales y unidades básicas de la salud. Los resultados mostraron que los motivos que ilevaron a las mujeres a optar por la esterlizacion tubaria se diseccionaron, principalmente, hacia el encerramiento de la vida reproductiva, em detrimento de las condiciones sócio-económicas, problemas de salud y desconocimiento de otros métodos anticonceptivos. El grado de arrepentimiento estuvo presente em 19,5% siendo los principales motivos alegados el cambio de compañero, el deseo de tener outro hijo y la muerte de hijos.

Monthly injectable contraceptive use by adolescents in Brazil: evaluation of clinical aspects.

PURPOSE: This prospective noncomparative observational study evaluated the clinical symptoms, body weight and blood pressure of 38 adolescents receiving a monthly injectable contraceptive containing estradiol valerate 5 mg and norethisterone 50 mg. METHODS: The volunteers, aged 16-19 years, were examined monthly during 1 year and asked about the following symptoms at baseline: dysmenorrhea, headache, breast tenderness, leg pain and irritability. RESULTS: There was a constant and gradual decline in each of the above symptoms over time, and there was a statistically significant difference between symptoms reported at the first visit and subsequent appointments. Body weight and blood pressure did not change significantly during the 1-year period. No pregnancies were observed. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that monthly injectable contraception with estradiol valerate 5 mg/norethisterone 50 mg represents a highly effective and well-tolerated contraceptive for teens.

Bleeding patterns of women using extended regimens of the contraceptive vaginal ring.

INTRODUCTION: This prospective observational study evaluated the bleeding patterns of women using a vaginal ring releasing 120 microg of etonogestrel and 15 microg of ethinyl estradiol daily, over a continuous period of 84 days followed by 7 ring-free days. METHODS: The study enrolled 75 volunteers aged 18 to 37 years. Sixty-two (82.8%) recorded their menstrual cycles during 1 year. RESULTS: At the end of the study, 85.5% had adequate menstrual patterns (two to four bleeding episodes, none lasting 10 days or more, with a range of bleeding-free intervals not exceeding 17 days), 9.7% had infrequent bleeding, 1.6% reported prolonged bleeding episodes, 1.6% had frequent bleeding and 1.6% had irregular bleeding. CONCLUSION: Only 5 of the initial 75 patients discontinued the method due to bleeding. Among these 75 women, dissatisfaction with bleeding patterns was not a frequent reason given for discontinuation of the contraceptive vaginal ring.

Prematuridade e baixo peso entre recém-nascidos de adolescentes primíparas / Prematurity and low weight of newborns from primiparous adolescents according to age groups

OBJETIVOS: comparar a incidência de partos pré-termos e de recém-nascidos de baixo peso entre adolescentes primíparas de duas faixas etárias. MÉTODOS: estudo clínico, comparativo e transversal, cuja amostra é composta por um universo de 522 adolescentes primíparas, cujos partos ocorreram com idade gestacional entre 25 e 42 semanas. Tais adolescentes foram divididas e avaliadas em dois grupos, de acordo com a faixa etária - Gprec: de 10 a 15 anos completos (n=104); Gtard: de 16 a 19 anos completos (n=418). Os dados da pesquisa foram obtidos por meio de entrevista individualizada, sigilosa e ética, no puerpério imediato, e mediante questionário escrito, composto por perguntas em relação ao tempo de gestação em semanas completas e ao peso do recém-nascido. A idade gestacional foi calculada no dia do parto, de acordo com a data da última menstruação confiável, sendo ainda confirmada pela ultra-sonografia mais precoce, de até 20 semanas, ou pelo índice de Capurro do recém-nascido, quando na dúvida dos parâmetros anteriormente descritos. Considerou-se pré-termo todo recém-nascido com menos de 37 semanas completas de idade gestacional no parto. Consideraram-se de baixo peso ao nascimento todos os recém-nascidos com menos de 2.500 gramas, sendo que o peso dos neonatos foi aferido pelo serviço de neonatologia logo após o parto. Dessa forma, comparamos a taxa de prematuridade e o baixo peso ao nascimento entre recém-nascidos de adolescentes puérperas primíparas. Para a análise estatística, foi empregado o teste chi² e, para as diferenças localizadas, teste da partição do chi². Adotou-se o nível de significância de 0,05 (alfa=5 por cento), de forma que níveis descritivos (p) inferiores a esse valor foram considerados significantes. RESULTADOS: a taxa de prematuridade não foi diferente entre os grupos da pesquisa (5,8 e 2,6 por cento). A incidência de baixo peso ao nascimento no Gprec (13,5 por cento) foi significativamente maior em relação...

PURPOSE: to compare the incidence of preterm deliveries, and of low birth weight newborns, among primiparous adolescents, from two age groups. METHODS: this is a comparative, cross-sectional clinical study composed of 522 primiparous adolescents whose deliveries occurred at the gestational age of 25 to 42 weeks. The adolescents were divided into 2 groups according to their age; Gprec: from 10 to 15 complete years old (n=104); Gtard: from 16 to 19 complete years old (n=418). The research data were obtained by an individualized, confidential and ethical interview, soon after delivery; and by a written questionnaire with questions about the gestational age in complete weeks, and about the newborns birth weight. The gestational age was calculated at the delivery day, according to the date of the last trustworthy menstrual period, being also confirmed by the earliest pregnancy scanning or by Capurro's index, when there were any doubts about the previously described parameters. All newborns with gestational age under 37 weeks at birth were considered preterm babies. The newborn weight was taken by neonatologists immediately after delivery; all newborns with less than 2,500g were considered to be low weight babies. Thus, we compared prematurity rate and low birth weight among newborns from primiparous puerperal adolescents. The chi² test was used for the statistic analysis and the partition chi² test for the found differences. As the significancy level was 0.05 (alpha =5 percent), lower levels than that were considered significant. RESULTS: the prematurity rate was not significantly different between the two groups (5.8 and 2.6 percent). The incidence of low birth weight in Gprec (13.5 percent) was significantly higher than in Gtard (3.1 percent). CONCLUSIONS: the group with primiparous adolescents under 15 years old showed a significantly higher risk of low birth weight newborns. However, a statistically significant incidence of prematurity...