Cambios en el uso de anticonceptivos, embarazos no planificados e hijos en adolescentes chilenas entre 1997 y 2018 / Changes in the use of contraceptives, unplanned pregnancies and children in Chilean adolescents between 1997 and 2018

INTRODUCCIÓN: El embarazo en las adolescentes ha persistido como un problema de salud pública y social en Chile, afectando a las adolescentes más vulnerables y reflejando las desigualdades. OBJETIVO: Describir los cambios en el uso de anticonceptivos, embarazos no planificados e hijos en adolescentes chilenas entre 1997 y 2018. MÉTODO: Estudio ecológico de series temporales entre los años 1997 y 2018. Se midió la asociación entre variables sociodemográficas y efectividad del método anticonceptivo para los años 2006 y 2018, mediante la prueba estadística de Rao-Scott. Se estimaron tendencias del porcentaje de uso de métodos anticonceptivos según su eficacia y presencia de embarazos no planificados e hijos con modelos de regresión lineal (método de Prais-Winsten). RESULTADOS: Se observó un aumento en la frecuencia de adolescentes sexualmente activas y en el uso de anticonceptivos, especialmente píldoras e inyectables. La serie temporal de uso de anticonceptivos fue no estacionaria, la tendencia fue creciente (coeficiente: 4,59; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 3,43-5,74; p = 0,001), aumentando 4,59% cada 3 años. Las series de embarazos no planificados y tener hijos fueron series temporales no estacionarias y ambas presentaron una tendencia decreciente (coeficiente: −4,78; IC95%: −6,32 a −3,24; p = 0,002; y coeficiente: −3,93; IC95%: −6,18 a −1,68; p = 0,008), disminuyendo un 4,78% y un 3,93%, respectivamente, cada 3 años. CONCLUSIONES: El aumento en el uso de anticonceptivos en adolescentes ha ido unido a una importante disminución en los embarazos no planificados y los hijos en esta población.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent pregnancy has persisted as a public and social health problem in Chile, affecting the most vulnerable adolescents and reflecting inequalities. OBJECTIVE: To describe the changes in the use of contraceptives, unplanned pregnancies and children in Chilean adolescents between 1997 and 2018. METHOD: Ecological study of time series between the years 1997 and 2018. The association between sociodemographic variables and the effectiveness of the contraceptive method for the years 2006 and 2018 was measured using the Rao-Scott statistical test. Trends in the percentage of use of contraceptive methods were estimated according to their efficacy and presence of unplanned pregnancies and children with linear regression models (Prais-Winsten method). RESULTS: An increase in the frequency of sexually active adolescents and the use of contraceptives, especially pills and injectables, was observed. The time series of contraceptive use was non-stationary, the trend was increasing (coefficient: 4.59; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 3.43-5.74; p = 0.001), increasing 4.59% every three years. The time series, unplanned pregnancies and having children were non-stationary time series, both showed a decreasing trend (coefficient: −4.78; 95%CI: −6.32 to −3.24; p = 0.002; and coefficient: −3.93; 95% CI: −6.18 to −1.68; p = 0.008), decreasing 4.78% and 3.93%, respectively, every 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the use of contraceptives in adolescents has been linked to a significant decrease in unplanned pregnancies and children in this population.

Participação masculina no planejamento familiar: revisão integrativa da literatura / Male involvement in family planning: an integrative literature review / Participación masculina en la planificación familiar: revisión integrativa de la literatura

Este artigo trata de uma revisão integrativa de literatura sobre a participação masculina no planejamento familiar. Foram analisados 15 artigos de pesquisas empíricas realizadas com homens, disponíveis no Portal de Periódicos Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes) e nas bases de dados US National Library of Medicine (Pubmed) e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), com recorte de 1995 a 2019. Os resultados foram organizados em cinco categorias: comportamento masculino em relação ao planejamento familiar (PF); quem deve ser responsável pelo PF versus envolvimento masculino atual; como os homens participam do PF; fatores que influenciam a participação; fatores que dificultam a participação. Evidenciou-se a limitada participação masculina no PF, porém com sinais de mudanças em culturas com relações de gênero mais igualitárias. Por esse e outros fatores, ressalta-se a necessidade de investimentos em políticas públicas que visem melhor inserção masculina no PF.(AU)

This article presents the results of an integrative literature review of male involvement in family planning (FP). We analyzed 15 articles of studies conducted with men between 1995 and 2019 available on CAPES' Journal Portal and the PubMed and SciELO databases. The results were organized into five categories: male behavior in relation to FP; who should be responsible for FP versus current male involvement; how men participate in FP; factors that influence involvement; and factors that hinder involvement. The findings showed that although male involvement in FP was limited, there are signs of change in culture resulting in greater gender equality. Our findings and other factors highlight the need to invest in public policies designed to increase male involvement in FP.(AU)

Este artículo contiene una revisión integrativa de literatura sobre la participación masculina en la planificación familiar. Se analizaron 15 artículos de investigaciones empíricas realizadas con hombres, disponibles en el Portal de Periódicos CAPES y en las bases de datos Pubmed y SciELO, con recorte de 1995 a 2019. Los resultados se organizaron en cinco categorías: comportamiento masculino con relación a la planificación familiar (PF): quién debe ser responsable por la PF versus envolvimiento masculino actual; cómo los hombres participan en la PF; factores que influyen en la participación; factores que dificultan la participación. Resultó evidente la limitada participación que ellos tienen en la PF, pero con señales de cambio cultural con relaciones de género más igualitarias. Por ese y otros factores, se subraya la necesidad de inversiones en políticas públicas con el objetivo de una mejor inserción masculina en la PF.(AU)

Desenvolvimento de tecnologia educacional digital sobre prática sexual segura e contracepção com adolescentes / Development of a digital educational technology about safe sexual practice and contraception with adolescents

Há altas taxas de gravidez na adolescência no Brasil e os recursos tecnológicos como os smartphones podem ser ferramentas importantes para abordar temas pertinentes aos adolescentes, como o uso de métodos contraceptivos. As pesquisas referentes ao uso de recursos virtuais voltados à educação sexual são incipientes e isto se afunila ainda mais quando se busca evidências referentes ao uso dos serious game sobre a temática voltado a esse público. Pensando em estratégias que possibilitem não só a informação, mas que sejam interativas e façam sentido no contexto de vida dos adolescentes, estimulando o aprendizado significativo, a mudança de comportamento e o amadurecimento pessoal, sentiu-se a necessidade de desenvolver um game em aplicativo mobile (app) para essa clientela. Assim, o objetivo geral deste trabalho foi desenvolver uma tecnologia educacional digital sobre a prática sexual segura e contracepção, com a participação ativa dos adolescentes. Trata-se de um estudo metodológico acerca da construção de um serious game sobre o tema voltado aos adolescentes. Foi realizado em duas etapas: 1) Desenvolvimento participativo da tecnologia, com grupos focais; 2) Avaliação do conteúdo e da usabilidade pelos especialistas e pelo público-alvo, os adolescentes. Utilizou-se o modelo User-Centered Design embasado no design participativo. Oito adolescentes de 15 a 17 anos de uma escola pública da cidade de São Paulo participaram ativamente no desenvolvimento da tecnologia. O estudo ocorreu no período de outubro/2015 a fevereiro/2019. Os temas discutidos nos encontros de grupo focal estavam acerca da prática sexual, métodos contraceptivos, gravidez, Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis e do app. Assim, desenvolveu-se o app Prinventon, um game que se passa em uma cidade virtual e trabalha a sexualidade na adolescência. O conteúdo e a usabilidade foram avaliados por seis profissionais da tecnologia, seis profissionais da área da saúde e quatro adolescentes. No geral, o app foi considerado pelos especialistas como relevante diante do tema tratado. Para os profissionais da tecnologia, faltou uma abordagem mais complexa como nos jogos de ação e aventura que se utilizam do sistema de fases e aumento das dificuldades. Já para os profissionais da saúde, o app é intuitivo, poderia explorar maiores conteúdos e alguns tiveram dificuldades após instalação. Os adolescentes avaliaram o app como interativo, de boa qualidade e com conteúdo suficiente, havendo grandes possibilidades de o recomendar. Acredita-se que o app desenvolvido é adequado aos adolescentes, pois visa abordar de maneira lúdica e realística a sexualidade na adolescência, com foco no sexo seguro e contracepção

There are high rates of teenage pregnancy in Brazil and technological resources such as smartphones can be important tools to address topics relevant to adolescents, such as the use of contraceptive methods. The researches regarding the use of virtual resources focused on sex education are incipient and this is further reduced when searching for evidence referring to the use of serious games about the theme addressed to this public. Thinking about strategies that not only enable information, but which are interactive and meaningful in the context of adolescents' lives, stimulating the meaningful learning, behavior change and personal maturation, there is a need to develop a mobile application game (app) for this clientele. Thus, the general objective of this work was to develop a digital educational technology about safe sexual practices and contraception, with the active participation of adolescents. It was an applied research of technological production on the construction of a serious game about the theme for adolescents. It was carried out in two stages: 1) Participatory technology development, with focus groups; 2) Evaluation of content and usability by experts and target audience, the adolescents. The User-Centered Design model based on participatory design was used. Eight adolescents aged 15 to 17 years of a public school in the city of São Paulo participated actively in the development of technology. The study took place from October/2015 to February/2019. The topics discussed at the focus group meetings were about sexual practice, contraceptive methods, pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections and the app. Thus, the Prinventon app was developed, a game that happens in a virtual city and works the sexuality in adolescence. The content and the usability were evaluated by six technology professionals, six health professionals and four adolescents. Overall, the app was considered by experts as relevant to the topic being addressed. To technology professionals, a more complex approach was lacking, as in action and adventure games that use the system of phases and increased difficulties. For health professionals, the app is intuitive, could explore greater content and some had difficulties after installation. The teenagers rated the app as interactive, good quality and with enough content, with great possibilities to recommend it. It is believed that the app developed is suitable for adolescents, since it aims to approach the sexuality in adolescence in a playful and realistic way, focusing on safe sex and contraception

Projecting the fiscal impact of South Africa's contraceptive needs: Scaling up family planning post 2020.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-informed priority setting is vital to improved investment in public health interventions. This is particularly important as South Africa (SA) makes the shift to universal health coverage and institution of National Health Insurance. OBJECTIVES: To measure the financial impact of increasing the demand for modern contraceptive methods in the SA public health sector. We estimated the total cost of providing contraceptives, and specifically the budgetary impact of premature removals of long-acting reversible contraceptives. METHODS: We created a deterministic model in Microsoft Excel to estimate the costs of contraception provision over a 5-year time horizon (2018 - 2023) from a healthcare provider perspective. Only direct costs of service provision were considered, including drugs, supplies and personnel time. Costs were not discounted owing to the short time horizon. Scenario analyses were conducted to test uncertainty. RESULTS: The base-case cost of current contraceptive use in 2018 was estimated to be ZAR1.64 billion (ZAR29 per capita). Injectable contraceptives accounted for ~47% of total costs. To meet the total demand for family planning, SA would have to spend ~30% more than the estimate for current contraceptive use. In the year 2023, the 'current use' of modern contraceptives would increase to ZAR2.2 billion, and fulfilling the total demand for family planning would require ZAR2.9 billion. The base-case cost of implantable contraceptives was estimated at ZAR54 million. Assuming a normal removal rate, the use of implants is projected to increase by 20% during the 5-year period between 2019 and 2023, with an estimated 46% increase in costs. The cost of early removal of Implanon NXT is estimated at ZAR75 million, with total contraception costs estimated at ZAR102 million in 2019, compared with ZAR56 million when a normal removal rate is applied. CONCLUSIONS: The costs of scaling up modern contraceptives in SA are substantial. Early and premature removals of implantable contraceptives are costly to the nation and must be minimised. The government should consider conducting appropriate health technology assessments to inform the introduction of new public health interventions as SA makes the shift to universal health coverage by means of National Health Insurance.

Women's health 2019: Osteoporosis, breast cancer, contraception, and hormone therapy.

This review summarizes evidence that may enhance and influence clinical practice of women's health. Supporting articles were identified by reviewing high-impact medical and women's health journals published in 2017 and 2018. The chosen articles are pertinent to osteoporosis screening, hormonal contraceptive interactions with antibiotics, hormone replacement therapy in BRCA1 mutation carriers, breast cancer diagnosis using digital tomosynthesis, and risks of hormonal contraception.

Cambios en prevalencias de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de sexualidad en adolescentes escolarizados, Bogotá, 2011-2015 / Changes in prevalence of knowledge, attitudes and practices of sexuality in teenage students, Bogotá, 2011-2015 / Mudanças na prevalência de conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de sexualidade em adolescentes escolares, Bogotá, 2011-2015

RESUMEN Objetivo Presentar los cambios en las prevalencias de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en adolescentes escolarizados en torno a sexualidad luego de un proceso de intervención. Metodología Estudio descriptivo observacional. Se aplicó un cuestionario a 319 adolescentes, pertenecientes a tres colegios públicos, durante cinco años consecutivos a medida que avanzaban en los grados escolares (séptimo a undécimo). Se realizaron talleres de promoción de la salud. Se midieron los cambios de prevalencias de identificación del ciclo menstrual, de la anticoncepción de emergencia y de la protección del condón, así como de la aceptación de los padres a la planificación, de haber tenido relaciones sexuales, razones para hacerlo y si usó protección en la primera y última relación. Se compararon los resultados por género. Resultados La identificación de la anticoncepción de emergencia se incrementó del 52% en séptimo al 70% en undécimo; igualmente la certeza de protección del condón (del 45% al 62%, respectivamente). El promedio de la prevalencia de relaciones sexuales fue del 24%, el de protección en la primera relación fue del 52% y, en la última, el 81%; no se encontraron diferencias estadísticas de estas variables al compararlas por género. La percepción de la aceptación de la planificación por parte de los padres se incrementó del 45% al 79%. Conclusión El programa puso en evidencia la necesidad de fortalecer el proceso educativo a través de las prevalencias encontradas.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To present the changes in the prevalence of knowledge, attitudes and practices in high school adolescents in sexuality after an intervention process. Methodology Observational descriptive study. It was administered a questionnaire to 319 adolescents, attending three public schools, for five consecutive years as they progressed in school years (seventh to eleventh). Health promotion workshops were held. Changes in the prevalence were measured (identification of the menstrual cycle, emergency contraception and, condom protection, as well as parents' acceptance of contraception methods, having sex, reasons for do it and, whether they used protection in the first and last relationship). The results were compared by gender. Results The identification of emergency contraception was increased from 52% in seventh to 70% in eleven; also, the certainty of the condom protection (from 45% to 62%, respectively). The average of the prevalence of sexual intercourse was 24%, protection in the first relationship 52% and, in the last one was 81%; no statistical differences of these variables were found when comparing them by gender. Parents' perception of acceptance of planning increased from 45% to 79%. Conclusion The program results highlighted the need to strengthen the educational processes.(AU)

RESUMO: Objetivo Apresentar as mudanças na prevalência de conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas em adolescentes escolarizados em torno da sexualidade após um processo de intervenção. Metodologia Estudo observacional descritivo. Um questionário foi aplicado a 319 adolescentes, pertencentes a três escolas públicas, por cinco anos consecutivos, à medida que avançavam nas séries escolares (sétima a décima primeira). Foram realizadas oficinas de promoção da saúde. As mudanças na prevalência da identificação do ciclo menstrual, contracepção de emergência e proteção do preservativo foram medidas, bem como a aceitação do planejamento pelos pais, tendo tido relações sexuais, razões para fazê-lo e se ele usou proteção em o primeiro e o último relacionamento. Os resultados por sexo foram comparados. Resultados A identificação da contracepção de emergência aumentou de 52% no sétimo para 70% no décimo primeiro; também a certeza da proteção do preservativo (de 45% a 62%, respectivamente). A prevalência média de relações sexuais foi de 24%, a de proteção na primeira relação foi de 52% e, na última, de 81%; Não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas para essas variáveis quando comparadas por gênero. A percepção dos pais quanto à aceitação do planejamento aumentou de 45% para 79%. Conclusão O programa destacou a necessidade de fortalecer o processo educacional por meio das prevalências encontradas.(AU)

Adolescent Contraception Before and After Pregnancy-Choices and Challenges for the Future / Contracepção em adolescentes antes e depois do parto: escolhas e desafios para o futuro

Abstract Objective To determine methods of contraception used by adolescents before and after pregnancy. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed, and data were collected from medical records of all teens in puerperal consultation at the Hospital da Mulher - José Aristodemo Pinotti (Caism), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (CAISM), São Paulo, Brazil, between July 2011 and September 2013. The inclusion criterionwas being 10 to 19 years old, and the exclusion criterion was having a first consultation 90 days after childbirth. Statistical analyseswere performed with averages, standard deviations, percentages, correlations and Fisher's exact tests using the SAS program, version 9.4. Results A total of 196 adolescents in postpartum consultation were included (44 days after childbirth on average). The majority was older than 14 years (89%), with an average age of 16.2 years, and the most were exclusively breast-feeding (70%). Before pregnancy, the use of any contraceptive methods was mentioned by 74% adolescents; the most frequent use was combined oral contraceptive followed by condom. The main reason for abandoning the use of contraception was the occurrence of an unintended pregnancy (41%), followed by reports of side effects (22%), behavior issues (18%) and desire for pregnancy (16%). A positive correlation was found between the age of the adolescent at the moment of childbirth, the age of menarche (r = 0.3), and the first sexual intercourse (r = 0.419). Vaginal delivery occurred in 76% of the cases. After birth, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) was the contraception method most frequently used (71%), followed by oral contraceptives (11.8%) and intrauterine devices (IUDs, 11.2%). Conclusions The most prescribed contraceptive method before pregnancy in adolescents who had childbirth was combined oral contraceptives. Many of the study participants had an unintended pregnancy. After childbirth, the most used contraceptive method was DMPA. To improve contraception and reduce the chance of unintended pregnancies among adolescents, we should promote the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCS).

Resumo Objetivo Conhecer os métodos contraceptivos utilizados por adolescentes antes e após a gravidez. Métodos Estudo transversal, os dados foram coletados de prontuários médicos de todas as adolescentes em consulta puerperal do Hospital da Mulher - José Aristodemo Pinotti (CAISM), Unicamp, São Paulo, Brasil, entre julho de 2011 e setembro de 2013. O critério de inclusão foi idade entre 10 e 19 anos, e o critério de exclusão foi primeira consulta com mais de 90 dias após o parto. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com médias, desvios-padrão, porcentagens, correlações e teste exato de Fisher utilizando o pro grama SAS, versão 9.4. Resultados Um total de 196 adolescentes em consulta pós-parto foram incluídas (em média 44 dias após o parto). A maioria tinha mais do que 14 anos (89%), com idade média de 16,2 anos, e estava em aleitamento exclusivo (70%). Antes da gravidez, o uso de quaisquer métodos anticoncepcionais foi mencionado por 74% das adolescentes; o mais frequente foi contraceptivo oral combinado seguido de preservativo. A principal razão para abandonar o uso de contracepção foi a ocorrência de gravidez indesejada (41%), seguido por relatos de efeitos colaterais (22%), problemas comportamentais (18%) e desejo de gravidez (16%). Uma correlação positiva foi encontrada entre a idade da adolescente no momento do parto, a idade da menarca (r = 0,3), e a primeira relação sexual (r = 0,419). O parto vaginal ocorreu em 76% dos casos. Após o nascimento, acetato de medroxiprogesterona de depósito (DMPA) foi o método de contracepção mais utilizado (71%), seguido do contraceptivo oral (11,8%) e do dispositivo intrauterino (DIU) (11,2%). Conclusões O método anticoncepcional mais prescrito antes da gravidez em adolescentes que tiveram parto no serviço foi contraceptivo combinado oral. Muitas participantes do estudo tiveram uma gravidez indesejada. Após o parto, o método contraceptivomais utilizado foi DMPA. Paramelhor contracepção e reduzir a chance de gravidez indesejada entre adolescentes, devemos promover e estimular o uso de contraceptivos reversíveis longa ação.

The changing pattern of contraceptive use and pregnancies in four generations of young women.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to describe contraceptive use and pregnancies and their relationship to socio-economic status (SES) in four generations of young Swedish women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Questionnaires regarding contraceptive use and pregnancies were sent to random samples of 19-year-old women in 1981, 1991, 2001 and 2011 (n = 4732). RESULTS: Current contraceptive use was higher in 2001 (78%) (p < 0.01) and 2011 (69%) (p < 0.05) compared with 1981 (60%) and 1991 (62%). Combined hormonal contraception (CHC) was the most common form of contraception throughout (p < 0.0001). The use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC = implants, intrauterine contraception) and progestogen-only pills increased over time (p < 0.01). Mental side effects as a reason for CHC cessation increased over time and was the most common reason for cessation of CHC in 2011 (p < 0.001). Contraceptive use was lower in women from low SES areas (p < 0.05) in 2011. The percentage of young women who had been pregnant at ≤19 years of age was lower (p < 0.05) in the assessment from 2001 (7%) than in that in 1991 (13%) and 2011 (12%). The proportion of teenage mothers decreased from 4.4% (1981) to 1.6% (2011) (p < 0.01). More women had been pregnant at ≤19 years of age in low SES areas than in middle and high SES areas (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The lowest pregnancy rate was in the cohort with the highest contraceptive use. Term pregnancies declined over time. A greater number of pregnancies in low SES areas and a change towards lower contraceptive use in low SES areas was recorded in 2011.

Health Care Workers' Beliefs and Practices Around Pap Screening for Adolescents Seeking Contraception.

Adolescents often avoid seeing a health care provider to obtain contraception because they do not want to undergo a pelvic exam and Pap screening for fear of stress, pain or embarrassment. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to study health care workers, attitudes and beliefs about Pap screening and to educate them on the latest evidence-based guidelines, with the hope of ultimately decreasing unnecessary screening. Results showed a modest reduction in the frequency of Pap screening; however, many adolescents continued to undergo unnecessary Pap screening. The reluctance of health care workers to change their practice demonstrates the need for better methods of translating evidence-based guidelines into practice.

The combined oral contraceptive pill -- recent developments, risks and benefits.

The introduction of the birth control pill as an effective, coitally-independent method of contraception was a public health milestone of the last century. Over time, combined oral contraception (COC) formulations and pill-taking regimens have evolved with improved safety and tolerability while maintaining contraceptive efficacy. In addition to protection against pregnancy, use of combined oral contraception confers a number of significant non-contraceptive benefits to users. COC use is also associated with well-studied risks. Common side effects are generally self-limiting and improve with increasing duration of use while serious adverse events, including venous thromboembolism, are rare among healthy COC users. Contraceptive decision-making should include consideration of both the risks and benefits of a given method versus the real consequences of unintended pregnancy.

Honrar a Rosa Parks? Intentos de los sectores católicos conservadores a favor de los derechos en la América Latina contemporánea / Claiming Rosa Parks: conservative catholic bids for rights in contemporary Latin America / Honrar Rosa Parks? Tentativas dos setores católicos conservadores a favor dos direitos na América Latina contemporânea

Cuando en el año 2009 se otorgó en Argentina el Premio Rosa Parks a una senadora conservadora por su oposición abierta al uso de anticonceptivos, a la esterilización y al aborto, era evidente que algo extraño ocurría. En este artículo se documenta la apropiación de los discursos de "derechos humanos" por parte de los sectores católicos conservadores en América Latina, donde el éxito reciente de los movimientos sociales a favor de los derechos sexuales y reproductivos ha generado una reacción significativa. En particular, se indagan los esfuerzos por parte de académicos católicos especialistas en leyes para justificar lo que denominan "un enfoque distintivamente latinoamericano hacia los derechos humanos", dejando de lado décadas de activismo por los derechos humanos emprendido por otros sectores. Quienes se oponen a los derechos reproductivos y sexuales despliegan un discurso de derechos de forma selectiva y estratégica, utilizándolo como una cubierta secular para promover políticas pro-vida y pro-familia.

When the Rosa Parks Prize was awarded to a conservative Argentine senator in 2009 for her outspoken opposition to contraception, sterilisation, and abortion, it was clear that something odd was happening. This paper documents the appropriation of "human rights" discourses by conservative Catholics in Latin America, where the recent success of reproductive and sexual rights social movements has generated a significant backlash. It specifically traces an effort by Catholic legal scholars to justify what they term "a distinctively Latin American approach to human rights" while ignoring decades of human rights activism by others. Opponents of reproductive and sexual rights are deploying rights-talk selectively and strategically, I argue, using it as secular cover to advance pro-life and pro-family policies.

Quando se outorgou o Prêmio Rosa Parks na Argentina a uma senadora conservadora, no ano de 2009, por sua oposição aberta ao uso de anticoncepcionais, à esterilização e ao aborto, era evidente que algo estranho acontecia. Nesta exposição documenta-se a apropriação dos discursos de "direitos humanos" por parte dos setores católicos conservadores na América Latina, onde o êxito recente dos movimentos sociais a favor dos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos gerou uma reação significativa. Em particular, indaga-se sobre os esforços por parte de acadêmicos católicos especialistas em leis para justificar o que denominam de "um enfoque distintivamente latino-americano para os direitos humanos", deixando de lado décadas de ativismo pelos direitos humanos empreendido por outros setores. Quem se opõe aos direitos reprodutivos e sexuais desdobra ou faz um desdobramento de um discurso de direitos de forma seletiva e estratégica, em minha opinião, utilizando-o como uma coberta/divisória secular para promover as políticas pró-vida pró-família.

Contraception technology: past, present and future.

Steady progress in contraception research has been achieved over the past 50 years. Hormonal and nonhormonal modern contraceptives have improved women's lives by reducing different health conditions that contributed to considerable morbidity. However, the contraceptives available today are not suitable to all users, and the need to expand contraceptive choices still exists. Novel products such as new implants, contraceptive vaginal rings, transdermal patches and newer combinations of oral contraceptives have recently been introduced in family planning programs, and hormonal contraception is widely used for spacing and limiting births. Concerns over the adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives have led to research and development of new combinations with improved metabolic profile. Recent developments include use of natural compounds such as estradiol and estradiol valerate with the hope to decrease thrombotic risk, in combination with newer progestins derived from the progesterone structure or from spirolactone, in order to avoid the androgenic effects. Progesterone antagonists and progesterone receptor modulators are highly effective in blocking ovulation and preventing follicular rupture and are undergoing investigations in the form of oral pills and in semi-long-acting delivery systems. Future developments also include the combination of a contraceptive with an antiretroviral agent for dual contraception and protection against sexually transmitted diseases, to be used before intercourse or on demand, as well as for continuous use in dual-protection rings. Although clinical trials of male contraception have reflected promising results, limited involvement of industry in that area of research has decreased the likelihood of having a male method available in the current decade. Development of nonhormonal methods is still at an early stage of research, with the identification of specific targets within the reproductive system in ovaries and testes, as well as interactions between spermatozoa and ova. It is hoped that the introduction of new methods with additional health benefits would help women and couples with unmet needs to obtain access to a wider range of contraceptives with improved acceptability.

Hormonal contraception in women at risk of vascular and metabolic disorders: guidelines of the French Society of Endocrinology.

Hormonal contraceptive methods are widely used in France, including not only oral estrogen-progestin combinations but also non-oral estrogen-progestin delivery methods (patches, vaginal rings), as well as oral forms, implants and intra-uterine devices that deliver only a progestin. Hormonal contraception has only a modest impact on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, but estrogen-progestin contraceptives have been linked to a variety of vascular risks. Overall, the risk of venous thrombosis is multiplied by a factor of about 4, depending on age, the compounds used, and other risk factors (including biological thrombophilia and a personal history of thrombosis), whereas the risk of arterial events is only increased in women with risk factors. Available data suggest there is no excess risk with progestin-based contraceptives, but far fewer studies have been conducted. At the initiative of the French Society of Endocrinology, an expert group met in 2010 in order to reach a consensus on the use of hormonal contraceptive methods in women with vascular or metabolic risk factors, based on available data and international guidelines published by WHO in 2009 and subsequently adapted to the United States context. The following text, intentionally limited to hormonal contraception, is intended to serve as a guide when prescribing in specific clinical situations, such as a family or personal history of arterial or venous thromboembolism, or the existence of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, smoking, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity).

Family planning 2011: better use of existing methods, new strategies and more informed choices for female contraception.

BACKGROUND This paper explores recent developments in female contraception, using them to illustrate how adaptation of existing methods, improved service delivery and understanding contraceptive behaviour might increase contraceptive uptake and correct and consistent use, and how the development of new methods holds some promise for capitalizing on the potential non-contraceptive benefits. METHODS Searches were performed in Medline and other databases. Selection criteria included high-quality studies and studies relevant to clinical reproductive medicine. Summaries were presented and discussed by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Workshop Group. RESULTS The topics discussed include: adapted regimens for combined oral contraceptive pills, non-invasive methods of female sterilization, the need to improve the awareness of pregnancy risk to increase the use of emergency contraception, improvements in the evidence base for the safety and service delivery of intrauterine methods, emphasis on the potential benefits of combined oral contraceptives for women with hirsutism and acne, the potential of female sterilization to prevent ovarian cancer, and the promise of anti-progesterones and new approaches to dual protection. CONCLUSIONS Although great strides have been made in recent years in increasing contraceptive use among women in many countries where contraceptive prevalence is low or there is a high unmet need for contraception, much more can, and needs to, be done.

Fifty years of "the pill": risk reduction and discovery of benefits beyond contraception, reflections, and forecast.

Widely regarded as a revolutionary drug in its early years, "the pill" may be considered the first designer or lifestyle drug. Approximately 85% of women in the United States will use an oral contraceptive (OC) for an average of 5 years. Since the introduction of OCs in the 1960s, both health benefits and safety concerns have been attributed to their use. Widespread use of OC formulations by women throughout their reproductive life cycle gave rise to concerns about the effects of OCs on risk factors for cardiovascular disorders and cancer. In most instances, the noncontraceptive benefits of OCs outweigh the potential risks. As with many first in class drugs, lessons can be learned from its development and use. Indeed, "the pill" played a significant role in reshaping the regulatory process for new drugs during the second half of the 20th century. The birth control pill celebrates its 50th birthday this year, as women and men celebrate five decades of this revolutionary method of family planning. Recent scientific and technological advances in genomics, proteomics, new materials, and new drug delivery systems, along with a new understanding of reproductive biology, offer the promise of new, safe, and effective forms of contraception. In addition to the history of OC therapeutic advances and unintended side effects, the noncontraceptive health benefits that women experience beyond pregnancy prevention are discussed. This article summarizes a symposium presented at the 50th Anniversary of the Society of Toxicology National Meeting, held from 6 to 10 March 2011 in Washington, DC.

Quarter of a century of female sterilization in Jos, Central Nigeria.

The study was to assess the types and trend of female sterilization between January 1985 and December 2009 (25 years) in Jos, Central Nigeria. There were 25,313 new acceptors of modern contraceptive methods out of which 4,951 (19.6%) were female sterilizations. Minilaparotomy was the commonest method of female sterilization. Local anaesthesia was the commonest anaesthetic utilized. The women were mostly women of relatively older age, grandmultiparous and with large family size. The women were of mean of 38.4 years, and 60% had more than 5 children at the time of sterilization. Interval sterilization constituted 78.5% of the female sterilizations. The acceptance of female sterilization, however, has declined over the years, as acceptance of the long acting contraceptive implants increases. Female sterilization by minilaparotomy under local anaesthesia was found to be feasible, cost effective and acceptable by majority of clients, and recommended for integration into minor gynaecological procedures in our institutions.

Patient characteristics and service trends following abortion legalization in Mexico City, 2007-10.

Legal abortion services have been available in public and private health facilities in Mexico City since April 2007 for pregnancies of up to 12 weeks gestation. As of January 2011, more than 50,000 procedures have been performed by Ministry of Health hospitals and clinics. We researched trends in service users' characteristics, types of procedures performed, post-procedure complications, repeat abortions, and postabortion uptake of contraception in 15 designated hospitals from April 2007 to March 2010. The trend in procedures has been toward more medication and manual vacuum aspiration abortions and fewer done through dilation and curettage. Percentages of post-procedure complications and repeat abortions remain low (2.3 and 0.9 percent, respectively). Uptake of postabortion contraception has increased over time; 85 percent of women selected a method in 2009-10, compared with 73 percent in 2007-08. Our findings indicate that the Ministry of Health's program provides safe services that contribute to the prevention of repeat unintended pregnancies.

[Evolution of sexual behaviour in France and emergence of new head and neck cancers]. / Évolution des comportements sexuels en France et émergence de nouveaux cancers des voies aérodigestives supérieures.

Despite the decreasing incidence of head and neck cancers, the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers related to HPV is increasing. New risk factors, other than tobacco or alcohol consumption, were described, such as sexual behaviours. The objective of this synthesis was to compare sexual behaviours described in three French studies conducted in 1970, 1992 and 2006 to other studies published in the international literature in order to assess if sexual behaviours could explain the emergence of these new oropharyngeal cancers. We globally found that the diversification of sexual behaviours (e.g., increase of the mean number of sexual partners and of oral sex practices) and the increase of specific head and neck HPV-positive cancers evolved in the same way. Even if the causality between head and neck cancers, HPV and sexual behaviours has not been clearly established, this hypothesis has to be discussed.