Consecutive use of the 52 mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: variations in bleeding patterns / Uso consecutivo do sistema intrauterino de levonorgestrel 52 mg: variações no padrão de sangramento

Abstract Objective Changes in bleeding patterns could influence the decisions of healthcare professionals to change the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) before 7 years of use, the recommended period of extended use. We evaluated changes in the bleeding patterns of users of the 52 mg LNG-IUS at the end of use of the first (IUS-1) and during the second device (IUS-2) use. Methods We performed an audit of the medical records of all women who used two consecutive LNG-IUSs at the Family Planning clinic. We evaluated the sociodemographic/gynecological variables, the length of use, and the bleeding patterns reported in the reference periods of 90 days before removal of the IUS-1 and at the last return in use of IUS-2. We used the McNemar test to compare bleeding patterns. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. Results We evaluated 301 women aged (mean ± SD) 32 (±6.1) years, with lengths of use of 68.9 (±16.8) and 20.3 (±16.7) months for the IUS-1 and IUS-2, respectively. No pregnancies were reported. Bleeding patterns varied significantly among women who used the IUS-2 for ≥ 7 months to 6 years when compared the bleeding patterns reported in IUS-1 use. Eighty-nine out of 221 (40%) women maintained amenorrhea and infrequent bleeding; 66 (30%) evolved to bleeding patterns with light flow, and 66 (30%) maintained or evolved to heavy flow patterns (p = 0.012). No differences were observed among the 80 women with ≤ 6 months of use. Conclusion Changes in bleeding patterns occur during the use of LNG-IUS and should not be decisive for the early replacement of the device.

Resumo Objetivo Variações no padrão de sangramento podem afetar a decisão de troca do sistema intrauterino de levonorgestrel (SIU-LNG) antes do período de uso estendido recomendado de 7 anos. Nós avaliamos mudanças no padrão de sangramento de usuárias ao final do uso do primeiro SIU-LNG 52 mg (SIU-1) e durante o uso do segundo dispositivo (SIU-2). Métodos Revisamos os prontuários de todas as mulheres que inseriram consecutivamente o SIU-LNG no ambulatório de Planejamento Familiar. Foram avaliadas as variáveis sociodemográficas/ginecológicas, o tempo de uso, e os padrões de sangramento relatados nos períodos de referência de 90 dias antes da remoção do SIU-1 e no último retorno em uso do SIU-2. Usamos o teste de McNemar para comparar os padrões de sangramento. A significância estatística foi estabelecida em p < 0,05. Resultados Analisamos os dados de 301 mulheres com idade (média ± desvio padrão [DP]) de 32 (±6,1) anos e tempo de uso de 68,9 (±16,8) e 20,3 (±16,7) meses para o SIU-1 e SIU-2, respectivamente. Nenhuma gravidez foi relatada. Os padrões de sangramento variaram significativamente durante o uso do SIU-2 (≥ 7 meses a 6 anos) em relação ao padrão relatado no SIU-1. Oitenta e nove das 221 (40%) mulheres mantiveram amenorreia e sangramento infrequente; 66 (30%) evoluíram para padrões de sangramento com fluxo leve e 66 (30%) mantiveram ou evoluíram para padrões de fluxo intenso (p = 0,012). Não foram observadas diferenças entre as 80 mulheres que utilizavam o SIU-2 há ≤ 6 meses. Conclusão Mudanças nos padrões de sangramento ocorrem durante o uso do LNG-IUS e não devem ser decisivas para a troca precoce do dispositivo.

Knowledge, attitude and uptake of family planning services among women of reproductive age group attending outpatient clinic at a tertiary health institution in Edo State, Nigeria

Globally, family planning service is an essential element of reproductive health care and contributes immensely to the reduction of the worldwide burden of maternal and child morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and uptake of family planning services, among women of reproductive age group attending outpatient clinic at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out among women of reproductive age group attending outpatient clinics from December 2017 to January 2018. Respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS version 17. A total of 191 (95.5%) women aged between 15 and 49 years were successfully interviewed during the study. Majority, 174/191 (91.1%) of the respondents had a good knowledge of family planning services; 125/174 (72.0%) had a positive attitude towards the use of various types of contraceptives and 29 (15.0%) were completely against the use of contraceptives. Majority of the respondents, 132 (69.0%) were not using any form of family planning. Condom was the most frequently used contraceptive method; where it accounts for 60.0% while sterilization contributes the least that is 22.0%. Major factors associated with the uptake of contraceptives include marital status (p=0.029) and the occupation of the respondents (p=0.010). Respondent's knowledge towards family planning was good but this did not translate to use. Also, over half of the respondents had positive attitude towards family planning. The uptake of family planning services was higher than the average for Edo State and for Nigeria. Common barriers to uptake included fear of side effects and for religious reasons. The state and local government should bridge the gap between awareness and uptake of contraception; by providing correct information to women of reproductive age to break down common barriers

Contraception and family planning at the extreme of reproductive life-climacteric / Anticoncepção e planejamento familiar no extremo da vida reprodutiva-climatério

SUMMARY Menopause is an endocrine phenomenon characterized by gradual estrogen decline. This is a stage in a woman's life in which contraception is extremely important as the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth increase, both maternal issues associated with higher incidence of comorbidities and issues related to fetal abnormalities, mitochondrial abnormalities, or genetic syndromes. On the other hand, there is a growing number of women who have postponed motherhood and need effective contraception, but without prolonging the return to fertility. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), low-dose oral hormonal contraceptives and non-oral contraceptives are preferred. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is a very good alternative that can maintain endometrial protection after menopause. Definitive methods such as tubal ligation and vasectomy are options for couples that already have their offspring. In this review, we present evidence for contraceptive indication and the effects of hormonal methods on climacteric including options for contraception, control of bleeding during perimenopause and of climacteric symptoms, as well as the transition from such methods to hormone therapy if indicated.

Resumo O climatério é um fenômeno endócrino caracterizado pelo gradativo declínio estrogênico. Esta é uma fase da vida da mulher em que a contracepção tem crescente importância, uma vez que crescem os riscos no ciclo gravídico-puerperal, seja por questões maternas, associadas à maior incidência de comorbidades, seja por questões ligadas a malformações fetais, anormalidades mitocondriais ou síndromes genéticas. Por outro lado, é cada vez maior o número de mulheres que tem postergado a maternidade, necessitando de contracepção eficiente; porém, que não prolongue o retorno à fertilidade. Dá-se preferência para métodos contraceptivos de longa duração (LARC), baixas doses hormonais orais e administradas por vias não orais. O sistema intrauterino liberador de levonorgestrel é ótima alternativa, podendo manter proteção endometrial na pós-menopausa. Os métodos definitivos, como laqueadura e vasectomia, são opções para o casal com prole constituída. Nesta revisão apresentamos evidências para indicação e efeitos dos métodos hormonais no climatério, como opções contraceptivas, para controle de sangramento perimenopausa e de sintomas climatéricos, bem como a transição destes para a terapia hormonal quando indicada.

Mecanismo de acción del levonorgestrel como anticoncepción de emergencia con principal énfasis en su acción sobre los espermatozoides / Mechanism of action of levonorgestrel as emergency contraception with principal emphasis in its spermatozoa action

A pesar de lo extendido del uso de la anticoncepción de emergencia (AE) con levonorgestrel (LNG) en el mundo, el mecanismo de acción continúa siendo discutido, lo que ha sido aprovechado para que grupos confesionales aaquen su uso, argumentando que la misma es abortiva. Actualmente, dos comprimido de LNG de 0,75 mg hasta 5 días posteriores al coito no protegido, ha sido recomendada y mostrada como eficaz para AE. El mecanismo de acción probablemente depende del momento de la toma en relación al día del ciclo menstrual. Cuando el LNG para AE es administrado antes del período ovulatorio, el mismo inhibe la ovulación en algunas mujeres y afecta el endometrio. Sin embargo la administración de LNG antes de la ruptura folicular no mostró tener influencia sobre la expresión de glicodelina-A en biopsias de endometrio tomadas 24 o 48 horas después de la toma de las píldoras de LNG. Los resultados de los estudios no apoyan la idea de que el LNG como AE causaría un efecto anti-implantatorio. Fue especulado que el LNG podría actuar sobre los espermatozoides. En estudios muy antiguos de la Argentina fue observado que la administración de 0,4 mg de LNG dado 3-10 horas post coito reducía el número de espermatozoides recuperados de la cavidad uterina, causaba alcalinización del fluido intrauterino, inmovilizaba los espermatozoides y aumentaba la viscosidad del moco cervical. Esto llevó a sugerir que la migración espermática a los lugares de fertilización podría esar comprometida después de la ingesta de LNG como AE. Sin embargo, nosotros hemos trabajado sobre esta hipótesis, pero no observamos efectos sobre reacción acrosomal después de la exposición in vitro al LNG de espermatozoides capacitados...

Infertilidad: su magnitud en Bolivia / Infertility: its magnitude in Bolivia

La reproducción biológica es una característica básica de todas las especies animales, de ella depende su supervivencia. Entre los humanos, los elementos que la modulan son la natalidad y la mortalidad, pero también la edad de inicio de las relaciones sexuales, la edad del matrimonio, el uso de métodos anticonceptivos, la frecuencia de las relaciones sexuales, el aborto y la pérdida reproductiva, además del porcentaje de mujeres de 30 a 49 años en menopausia...

Comparación entre el sistema intrauterino de liberación de levonorgestrel y la ablación endometrial en el tratamiento de la hemorragia uterina disfuncional / Comparison between the levonorgestrel intrauterine system and endometrial resection in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Objetivo: Comparación entre el sistema intrauterino de liberación de levonorgestrel (SIL-LNG) y las técnicas de ablación endometrial (AR-E) en el tratamiento de la hemorragia uterina disfuncional (HUD). Método: Estudio retrospectivo de 170 pacientes con HUD distribuidas de la siguiente forma: 51 de ellas en el grupo AR-E y 119 en el grupo SIL-LNG. Se estudió el ciclo menstrual, la hemoglobina y el hematocrito, los efectos adversos y la satisfacción de las usuarias. Resultados: En ambos grupos se observó un incremento de los niveles de hemoglobina y hematocrito. El patrón de sangrado más frecuente fue el de amenorrea, hipomenorrea y ciclos normales tras los tratamientos. El grado de satisfacción fue muy elevado en ambos grupos. Conclusión: Ambos tratamientos son efectivos para mejorar la HUD. La paciente debe conocer los beneficios y riesgos de cada uno y elegir el más conveniente.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of levonorgestrel intrauterine system and endometrial resection in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Methods: Retrospective study with 170 women, 51 of them in endometrial resection group and 119 in the levonorgestrel intrauterine system group. Hemoglobin levels, menstrual bleeding patterns, adverse effects and degree of satisfaction were evaluated. Results: Hemoglobin levels increased in both groups. The most frequent bleeding patterns were amenorrhea, hypomenorrhea and normal pattern. The most of the patients in both groups were satisfied with the treatment. Conclusion: Both treatments were effective in reducing dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The woman must know risks and benefits from each one.

Uso del DIU con levenorgestrel como alternativa a la histerectomía en pacientes con alto riesgo quirúrgico / Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) as an alternative to hysterectomy in high-risk-surgical patients

Presentamos nuestra experiencia de 6 pacientes con metrorragia a repetición, portadoras de patologías médicas que representaban un riesgo desde el punto de vista anestésico y quirúrgico, en las cuales se insertó DIU-LNG como alternativa a la histerectomía. Todas evolucionan satisfactoriamente y sin complicaciones, con disminución significativa de las pérdidas hemáticas desde el tercer mes de uso, objetivadas por pictogramas. Se concluye que el DIU-LNG es un excelente método para el control de metrorragias en pacientes con patologías médicas relevantes.

We present our experience with 6 patients with menorrhagia and medical conditions considered high risk patients for anaesthesia and surgical procedures. We inserted LNG-IUD as alternative to hysterectomy. Three months later, all of them reduced menstrual blood loss as it was shown by pictorial charts, without complications. LNG-IUD is an excellent alternative to hysterectomy in this group of patients.

The effects of implanon in the symptomatic treatment of endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Implanon on treatment of symptomatic endometriosis DESIGN: An open clinical study without control group SETTING: Family Planning Clinic and out patient department, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total number of 50 women with symptomatic endometriosis who were diagnosed and confirmed by laparoscopy or whose symptoms recurred after surgical treatment were recruited in the study. These subjects were implanted Implanon subcutaneously at medial aspect of non-dominant forearm. The intensity of pain was assessed with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before insertion and at 4th and 12th weeks after the insertion. The adverse effects were recorded by the patients in 4th and 12th weeks of treatment. The women evaluated their satisfaction on treatment at the end of study. RESULTS: 50 women recruited in the study and all completed follow-up. Improvements of pain severity and menstrual symptoms were observed. The mean + SD Visual Analog Scale score of dysmenorrheal were 7.08 +/- 2.09 at baseline, 3.72 +/- 2.04 at 4th week, and 0.84 +/- 1.67 at 12th week of treatment. During the study period. regular menstruation, amenorrhea, spotting, and breakthrough bleeding were reported by 21 (42%). 14(28%), 13(26%), and 2(4%). At final satisfaction evaluation, 6(12%) women were very satisfied, 34 (68%) were satisfied, and 10(20%) were uncertain. All of acceptors continued to retaining the implant after study. CONCLUSION: Implanon, a sub-dermalprogestin implant is an effective hormonal alternative for treatment of symptomatic endometriosis. However women should be carefully counseled regarding menstrual changes. has the potential for providing long-term treatment of endometriosis. Nevertheless, the further study should be conducted to compare with other of modality of treatment.

Overweight and Effect of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Lipid Profiles in Postmenopausal Women

BACKGROUND: Many experimental and observational studies have suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women is cardioprotective. However, the results of randomized controlled trials have been discouraging. We attempted to evaluate the influence of overweight, a frequent risk factor for coronary artery disease, on the lipid-modifying effects of HRT. METHODS: A total of 345 postmenopausal women were divided into 2 groups according to body mass index (BMI) : the control group; BMI or=25 Kg/m2 (n=97). All women received either 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) (n=139), CEE plus 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (n=97) or CEE plus 10 mg MPA (n=109). Lipid profiles were measured before and 12 months after HRT. RESULTS: In both the control and overweight groups, HRT reduced low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p=0.000 and p=0.000 respectively) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a) ] levels (p=0.000 and p=0.000 respectively) and raised high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (p=0.000 and p=0.002 respectively). However, the elevation of the HDL-C level was higher in the control group than in overweight group (17.5% vs. 10.4%, p=0.015), and this was significant after adjusting for changes in body weights (p=0.016). There were no differences in the reduction of LDL-C (p=0.20) and Lp (a) (p=0.09) levels between the two groups. CONCLUSION: HRT had less favorable effects on HDL-C levels in overweight postmenopausal women than in women with normal body weight. This finding may be partially associated with no cardioprotective effect of HRT in postmenopausal patients at a high risk due to multiple risk factors including obesity.

Dispositivos intrauterinos con levonorgestrel: una nueva alternativa terapéutica en el sangrado uterino anormal de origen organico

El uso de dispositivos intrauterinos con levonorgestrel (DIU-LNG) además de su efecto anticonceptivo, disminuye significativamente el sangrado uterino. Esto hace que los DIU-LNG expresen beneficios tales como el control del sangrado uterino, especialmente en metrorragias o menometrorragias por enfermedades orgánicas como miomatosis uterina. Sin embargo, en nuestro medio existen dudas sobre los beneficios reales de estos métodos y la posibilidad de plantear su uso como alternativa quirúrgica del sangrado uterino anormal. Se presenta una serie de 8 pacientes que han completado un seguimiento de un a¤o desde la inserción de DIU-LNG como alternativa para el tratamiento de sangrados uterino anormales. Todos estos casos tenían indicación quirúrgica de acuerdo a los criterios tradicionales de resolución de patología orgánica. En 7 pacientes el sangrado disminuyó, con buena aceptabilidad y continuidad del tratamiento. En una paciente se detectó un crecimiento rápido de un mioma intramural con posterior expulsión del DIU-LNG, y se efectuó una miomectomía múltiple. Estos resultados permiten postular que el uso de los DIU-LNG para el tratamiento de sangrados uterinos anormales de origen orgánico no neoplásico maligno, asociado o no a la anticoncepción, es una alternativa a los procedimientos quirúrgicos u otras técnica invasivas.

Anticoncepción con implantes subdérmicos en mujeres adolescentes: observaciones preliminares en 174 casos

Se presentan resultados de 174 mujeres adolescentes, usuarias de primera vez del Norplant. Se encontró que la edad promedio fue de 17.7 años; 39.9 por ciento eran nulíparas. La tasa acumulada de emabarazos a 2 años fue de 0 por ciento. El 48 por ciento tuvieron ciclos irregulares( 9 por ciento manchando, 20 por ciento sangrando y 19 por ciento amenorrea). Otros efectos adversos reportados fueron: mareos (6 por ciento), cefalea (4 por ciento) y aumento de peso (4 por ciento). La tasa de retiro fue de 6.8 por ciento. Las restantes usuarias están satisfechas con el método. Los anteriores datos nos permiten sugerir el uso del Norplant como método contraceptivo en este etario. Sin embargo, un estudio prolongado (5 años), es necesario para corroborar estos hallazgos

Implante hormonal: evaluación prospectiva de un moderno anticonceptivo / Hormonal implant: evaluation prospective of a modern contraceptive

Se presenta la experiencia de un implante anticonceptivo constituido por seis cápsulas de silástico, con 36 mg de levonorgestrel cada una, insertados a nivel subcutáneo del brazo. La aplicación se realizó en el Instituto Peruano de Paternidad Responsable (INPPARES) a voluntarias deseosas de planificar su familia. La aplicación se hizo en 410 usuarias cuyas edades fluctúan entre los 18 y 40 años cumpliendo requisitos como tener 1 hijo, no haber presentado hepatitis, embarazo ectópico, hipertensión arterial, peso no mayor a 70 kg, y el compromiso de asistencia periódica a control; la inserción se realizó entre diciembre de 1988 a diciembre de 1990. En la actualidad, marzo 92, las usuarias en estudio tienen una evaluación mínima de 1 año 3 meses de uso y un máximo de 3 años 3 meses. De las 410 usuarias, actualmente continúan con el método 335 (81.70 por ciento). Habiéndoseles retirado a 75 (18.29 por ciento) personas los implantes por razones médicas o a solicitud de la paciente sin indicación médica. La mayor causa de retiro fue por cefalea (26 usuarias) las cuales representan el 6.34 por ciento del total de inserciones y el 34.66 por ciento de los retiros. La segunda causa de retiro fue por irregularidad menstrual, siendo el número total de 19, representando el 4.6 por ciento del total de inserciones y el 25.33 por ciento del total de retiros. Se presentaron 2 gestaciones, las cuales representan 0.48 por ciento del total. En conclusión, el implante hormonal de levonorgestrel en un método anticonceptivo de alta eficacia. El efecto colateral más frecuente es el trastorno menstrual, pero la mayor causa de retiro fué la cefalea 34.66 por ciento y la segunda causa los trastornos menstruales 25.33 por ciento. En nuestra experiencia se presentaron 2 gestaciones, las cuales representan el 0.48 por ciento. En general el implante hormonal de levonorgestrel tiene una tasa de embarazo de 0.2 por 100 mujeres en el primer año de uso y una tasa acumulativa de 3.5 para el quinto año