Menstrual management using the etonogestrel implant in individuals with intellectual disabilities in Joinville, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the use of etonogestrel (ENG) implants for menstrual management (i.e., management of bleeding and symptoms associated with menstruation) in individuals with intellectual disabilities. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed a cohort of individuals with intellectual disabilities who began using ENG implants between 2003 and 2018, in Joinville, Brazil. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, and reproductive data from the medical records, along with information related to ENG implant use. RESULTS: In total, 369 implants were placed in 130 individuals with intellectual disabilities. The median age at the first implant was 20 (interquartile range [IQR], 17-26) years, and 43.8% of the patients were adolescents. By December 2018, 90 patients had received two or more subsequent implants. The median duration of current ENG implant use was 19 (IQR, 12.8-22) months. More than 40% of the patients had comorbidities, with epilepsy being the most common. During the use of the current implant, 80% of the patients had a favorable bleeding profile (no bleeding or ≤1 bleeding episode per month), and 53.8% (70/130) had no bleeding within 3 months before their last medical visit. Among patients experiencing dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), 79% (64/81) and 82% (54/66) reported complete improvement, respectively. The premature implant removal rate was 8.9% (33/369). Unfavorable bleeding was the main reason for premature implant removal (20 out 33 removals). CONCLUSIONS: ENG implants might be a suitable option for individuals with intellectual disabilities who require management of menstrual bleeding and symptoms associated with menstruation. Most patients had a favorable bleeding profile and experienced significant improvements in dysmenorrhea and PMS, contributing to the high continuation rates of ENG implants.

Use of Continuous Oral Drospirenone for Menstrual Suppression in Adolescents.

PURPOSE: To describe experiences of adolescents taking continuous drospirenone (DRSP-C) oral contraceptives, without placebo, for menstrual suppression, including breakthrough bleeding and other side-effects. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of adolescents prescribed DRSP-C for menstrual suppression. Demographics and indications for DRSP-C were collected on the visit where DRSP-C was prescribed. Data through the final follow-up visit during the study period included documented effects and side-effects of DRSP-C and continuation of therapy. Statistical analyses were primarily descriptive. RESULTS: Patients prescribed DRSP-C were included (n = 136). Dysmenorrhea was the most common indication for DRSP-C (58.8%, n = 80/136) followed by endometriosis (44.8%, n = 61/136). The median time on DRSP-C for the 116 patients who were able to initiate treatment was 12.3 months (interquartile range [IQR] 6.8, 17.4). Patients trialed, on average, 2 other forms of menstrual management before starting DRSP-C (IQR 1, 3). Pelvic pain or dysmenorrhea resolution or improvement was reported in 84.6% (44/52) of dysmenorrhea patients, and 77.8% (28/36) of pelvic pain patients. Almost half of patients reported breakthrough bleeding on DRSP-C (41.3%, n = 48/116); however, only 11 patients (42%, 11/26) discontinued DRSP-C because of it. Within the study period, 22.4% (n = 26/116) of patients discontinued DRSP-C, with a median treatment duration of 101 days (IQR 71, 157). Among patients who discontinued DRSP-C, the most common reason was breakthrough bleeding (42%, n = 11/26). DISCUSSION: DRSP-C for menstrual suppression was well tolerated in adolescents, with most patients reporting resolution or improvement of their indication for taking DRSP-C. Findings demonstrate DRSP-C is a viable option for menstrual suppression in adolescents.

Danazol's use for menstrual suppression in transgender individuals: A retrospective multi-site cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Danazol is a synthetic progestin with androgenic effects that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of endometriosis, benign fibrocystic breast disease, and hereditary angioedema. In recent years, increasing numbers of transgender and nonbinary individuals seeking menstrual suppression have been offered danazol due to its potential to both induce amenorrhea and cause reversible androgenic side effects including pigmentation of vellus hairs and voice changes, which may be desirable in this population. There are currently no studies assessing use of danazol within the transgender population for menstrual suppression. OBJECTIVE: This study's primary aim was to evaluate the use of danazol as a menstrual suppression agent in transgender patients. DESIGN: This was a retrospective multisite cohort study of all individuals who had been on danazol at two tertiary care centers between 2000 and 2022. METHODS: All patients prescribed danazol were identified using a search of the electronic medical records. For demographic purposes, comparisons were made between those who did and did not use danazol for the purpose of menstrual suppression. A detailed chart review was then performed to analyze the experiences of menstrual suppression in transgender and nonbinary patients. RESULTS: Most transgender and nonbinary patients on danazol for menstrual suppression remained on it at their most recent follow-up visit, and many charts noted improvements in gender dysphoria, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Most transgender patients achieved amenorrhea. CONCLUSION: Danazol may be a reasonable option for menstrual suppression in transgender and nonbinary patients. Our findings show its potential to not only induce amenorrhea but cause desired androgenic symptoms and improve gender dysphoria, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, and heavy bleeding. While the androgenic effects of danazol are less desirable in cisgender populations, it is an attractive option for menstrual suppression in transgender and nonbinary patients.

Using danazol to stop periods in transgender individualsDanazol has previously been used to help treat pain and bleeding related to endometriosis. However, danazol can have certain androgenic side effects (acne, deepening of the voice) that cisgender women (individuals who were assigned female at birth and identify with the female gender) often find undesirable, but that could be desirable in transgender patients seeking to affirm their gender by stopping periods. Our study looked at danazol use for period suppression, as well as for other reasons. We found that most transgender patients using danazol for period suppression found it to be successful and remained on it at follow-up appointments, and that many transgender patients saw improved gender dysphoria, pelvic pain, pain during periods, endometriosis, and heavy period bleeding. These findings suggest that danazol may be a good option for menstrual suppression in transgender individuals as any experienced androgenic effects may help with gender dysphoria, whether individuals are not yet ready to start testosterone or do not desire testosterone therapy at all.

Hormonal contraception and medical readiness for female service members.

Many female military service members choose to use hormonal contraception to prevent pregnancy and/or to control or suppress menses. Hormonal contraception, which comes in many different forms based on dose, estrogen/progestin type, and route of administration (oral, vaginal, transdermal, implant, intrauterine device, injectable), may cause side effects, some of which can influence military medical readiness, or the health status necessary to perform assigned missions. This expert review summarizes the evidence around common military-relevant side effects of hormonal contraception that could impact readiness, including effects on weight and body composition, bone health, psychological health, and physical performance, and serves as a tool for uniformed and civilian clinicians counseling female service members about hormonal contraception. Current evidence suggests some hormonal contraception can lead to weight and fat gain, may modulate susceptibility to mood or mental health disorders, and could impact bone mineral density and stress fracture risk; more research is needed on physical performance effects. Clinicians must be familiar with readiness considerations of each type of hormonal contraception to provide comprehensive patient education and allow for optimal shared decision-making about hormonal contraception use among female Service members. Considering the relative lack of data on the effects of nonoral hormonal contraception routes on readiness outcomes and the growing interest in long-acting reversible contraceptives among female service members, future research should continue to investigate effects of all hormonal contraception methods available to service members.

Examining Results of Post-Thelarche Screening Pelvic Ultrasound in Females with Anorectal Malformations.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Mullerian duct anomalies are common in females with anorectal malformations (ARMs), although there are no universally recommended screening protocols for identification. Historically, at our institution, we have recommended a screening pelvic ultrasound (PUS) 6 months after thelarche and menarche. We aimed to evaluate outcomes associated with our post-thelarche screening PUS in females with ARMs. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective chart review was performed for all female patients 8 years old or older with ARMs and documented thelarche. Data were collected on demographic characteristics and clinical course. The primary outcome was adherence to the recommended PUS. Secondary outcomes included imaging correlation with suspected Mullerian anatomy and need for intervention on the basis of imaging findings. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of them, 87 (77.7%) completed a recommended post-thelarche screening PUS. There were no differences in completion on the basis of age, race, establishment with a primary care provider, insurance status, or type of ARM. Nine patients (10.3%) had findings on their PUS that did not correlate with their suspected Mullerian anatomy; five (5.7%) required intervention, with two requiring menstrual suppression, two requiring surgical intervention, and one requiring further imaging. CONCLUSION: Most patients completed the recommended post-thelarche screening PUS. In a small subset of patients, PUS did not correlate with suspected Mullerian anatomy and generated a need for intervention. Post-thelarche PUS can be a useful adjunct in patients with ARMs to identify gynecologic abnormalities.

Incidence of breakthrough bleeding in transgender and gender-diverse individuals on long-term testosterone.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the maintenance of amenorrhea among transgender and gender-diverse individuals with uteri who are using long-term testosterone gender-affirming hormone therapy. Emerging data describe breakthrough bleeding among adolescents on long-term testosterone therapy and among adults who are seeking a gender-affirming hysterectomy. More studies are needed to better understand breakthrough bleeding patterns among transgender and gender-diverse individuals with uteri who are using testosterone, including the frequency, timing, and etiology of bleeding and how these patterns may differ between adults and younger populations. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to characterize the incidence and patterns of breakthrough bleeding in a cohort of transgender and gender-diverse individuals who had been on testosterone for longer than 12 months and who had uteri in situ. Secondary aims included identifying the time to first bleed for those who experienced breakthrough bleeding and the risk factors associated with breakthrough bleeding while on testosterone therapy. STUDY DESIGN: This was an institutional review board-approved, single tertiary center, retrospective chart review of transgender and gender diverse individuals who had been on testosterone for at least 1 year. A primary survival analysis that evaluated the incidence of bleeding was combined with descriptive analyses and an evaluation of the factors associated with bleeding. RESULTS: Of the 279 patients included in the analysis, the median age of testosterone initiation was 22 years (interquartile range, 19-41), and the median follow-up time was 34 months (range, 12-278). The absolute proportion of individuals who ever experienced breakthrough bleeding on testosterone was 34% (n=96; 95% confidence interval, 29-40). Patients who experienced breakthrough bleeding initiated testosterone at a younger age (20.5 vs 22.0 years; P=.04), had lower mean serum testosterone levels (389.14 vs 512.7 ng/dL; P=.001), were more likely to have a mean testosterone level <320 ng/dL (52% vs 48%; P=.001), and had higher mean estradiol levels (62% vs 49%; P=.003). Survival analyses estimated a breakthrough bleeding incidence rate of 0.09 per year (95% confidence interval, 0.07-1.0). Although 58 people underwent a hysterectomy during the follow-up period, 64% of the cohort who maintained a uterus eventually experienced breakthrough bleeding. The median time to the initial bleeding episode was 22 months (interquartile range, 12-201) after testosterone initiation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a substantial fraction of transgender and gender-diverse individuals who are using testosterone will experience at least 1 episode of breakthrough bleeding even after their initial year of testosterone use. We recommend that clinicians inform all patients that breakthrough bleeding is a common occurrence even after the first year on testosterone therapy.

Menstrual Suppression in Adolescent and Young Adult Transgender Males.

OBJECTIVE: To describe time to cessation of menses in adolescent and young adult transgender males with testosterone and/or other hormonal therapies DESIGN: Retrospective chart review SETTING: Tertiary children's hospital PARTICIPANTS: Patients, aged 10-24, who began gender-affirming hormonal therapy between January 2013 and January 2019 (n = 220) INTERVENTION(S): None MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Time to cessation of menses RESULTS: Most patients identified as transgender male or transmasculine (211/220, 95.9%), with an average age of 15.8 (±1.9) years. Approximately 53.6% (118/220) of patients reported regular menstrual cycles; 18.2% (40/220) reported irregular cycles. Median time to cessation of menses for all patients was 182 days. Patients treated with testosterone alone (n = 105) reported a median time to cessation of menses of 151 days. Patients who concurrently began testosterone and norethindrone acetate (NETA) (n = 5) had a median time to cessation of menses of 188 days, compared with 168 days for those on testosterone and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA, n = 15). In 15 patients who began testosterone, a progestin therapy was later added to induce menstrual suppression, and the median time to cessation of menses was 168 days (+DMPA, n = 4) or 56 days (+NETA, n = 11). Patients treated with NETA (n = 14) or depot leuprolide (n = 11) reported a median time to cessation of menses of 78 days or 77 days, respectively. Considerable variability in prescribing patterns was noted in the remaining 36.4% of patients (n = 80). CONCLUSION: Patients used a variety of different hormonal regimens for menstrual suppression. Less than half achieved cessation of menses within 6 months. NETA and depot leuprolide users reported the most rapid cessation of menses.

Experiences and attitudes towards Menstrual Suppression among Women with Bacterial vaginosis Randomised to Continuous Use of NuvaRing in Kenya.

Background: The contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing), one of the Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPT) products, is effective in preventing unintended pregnancies and may contribute to reducing the frequency of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), which is a risk factor for HIV acquisition, transmission, and shedding among women. NuvaRing may cause irregular menstruation, including menstrual suppression, which may influence women's decision on product choice, use, and acceptability. In this prospective cohort study, we assessed women's experiences with menstruation suppression following continued NuvaRing use. Methods: A total of 18 in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide among purposively selected women with BV in Thika, Kenya, aged 18-40 years, who used NuvaRing continuously. All women received counseling on possibility of menstrual suppression following continuous NuvaRing use. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Results: Participants who expected and were aware that menstrual suppression was a possible side effect of Nuvaring accepted its benefits, and expressed acceptance and desire to continue using NuvaRing. Participants who had not anticipated menstrual suppression expressed anxiety and fear, with some expressing desire to continue using NuvaRing but worried about unintended negative consequences. The ability to perform daily activities uninterrupted, reduced expenses on sanitary supplies, enhanced sexual pleasure and relationships, and absence of menstrual pain were benefits of menstrual suppression. Although all participants received counseling on menstrual suppression, some expressed anxiety over the possibility of unintended pregnancy. As a result, they frequented medical facilities for health check-ups and pregnancy tests, and some used combined oral contraceptives to induce menses. Conclusion: Understanding perceptions regarding menstrual suppression is crucial in offering targeted and comprehensive counseling to improve women's understanding of menstruation suppression to influence acceptance and use of NuvaRing. Additionally, improved male involvement in reproductive health concerns and women's autonomy in discussing reproductive health issues with partners is essential.

Caregiver goals and satisfaction for menstrual suppression in adolescent females with developmental disabilities: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents with developmental disabilities and their caregivers often seek menstrual management. Caregivers frequently serve as medical decision-makers, and little is known about caregiver goals for menstrual management and satisfaction over time. OBJECTIVE: Assess caregiver reasons for initiating menstrual management in adolescents with disabilities and satisfaction over 12 months. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of caregivers of adolescents with developmental disabilities seeking menstrual management at a pediatric and adolescent gynecology clinic. Data derive from caregiver surveys and adolescents' electronic medical records. RESULTS: Ninety-two caregiver-adolescent pairs enrolled. The mean age of adolescents was 14.4 (±2.6). The most common method started was levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD; 52, 56.5%), followed by oral norethindrone acetate (21, 22.8%). Caregivers cited hygiene concerns (84.8%), behavioral problems (52.2%), and heavy/excessive bleeding (48.9%) as reasons for initiating menstrual suppression. Caregivers who identified hygiene or heavy/excessive bleeding as the most important reason for management were more likely to select LNG-IUD (p = 0.009). Caregivers who cited behavioral/mood or seizure concerns as the most important reason were more likely to choose other methods (p < 0.05). At 12 months, caregiver satisfaction with all methods was high (66.2-86.9 on a 100-point scale). For every additional day of bleeding, satisfaction decreased by 3.7 points (95% CI: 2.3-5.0). CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver satisfaction with all methods is high; however, it negatively correlates with days of bleeding. Caregiver reasons for menstrual suppression influence the method chosen. Management may reflect both patient and caregiver priorities; research is needed to better understand shared decision-making models that promote reproductive autonomy in adolescents with a developmental disability.

Norethindrone dosing for adequate menstrual suppression in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to study factors predictive of achieving menstrual suppression with norethindrone vs. norethindrone acetate in adolescents, as optimal dosing is unknown. Secondary outcomes included analyzing prescriber practices and patient satisfaction. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of adolescents ages <18 years presenting to an academic medical center from 2010 to 2022. Data collected included demographics, menstrual history, and norethindrone and norethindrone acetate use. Follow-up was measured at one, three, and 12 months. Main outcome measures were starting norethindrone 0.35 mg, continuing norethindrone 0.35 mg, achieving menstrual suppression, and patient satisfaction. Analysis included Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 262 adolescents initiating norethindrone or norethindrone acetate, 219 completed ≥1 follow-up. Providers less often started norethindrone 0.35 mg for patients with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, prolonged bleeding, or younger age at menarche, but more often for patients who were younger, had migraines with aura, or were at risk of venous thromboembolism. Those with prolonged bleeding or older age at menarche were less likely to continue norethindrone 0.35 mg. Obesity, heavy menstrual bleeding, and younger age were negatively associated with achieving menstrual suppression. Patients with disabilities reported greater satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: While younger patients more often received norethindrone 0.35 mg vs. norethindrone acetate, they were less likely to achieve menstrual suppression. Patients with obesity or heavy menstrual bleeding may achieve suppression with higher doses of norethindrone acetate. These results reveal opportunities to improve norethindrone and norethindrone acetate prescribing practices for adolescent menstrual suppression.

Attitudes Toward Menstrual Suppression Among Cyclic and Continuous Contraceptive Vaginal Ring Users in Kenya.

Objective: Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) are developmental dual-purpose options that would provide women with a contraceptive as well as a prevention modality aimed at sexually transmitted infections. The contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) has many properties that makes it an ideal MPT candidate. The objective of this study is to understand women's attitudes towards menstrual suppression, a potential side effect of using a CVR, and how to address these attitudes for MPT vaginal rings in development. Materials and methods: We analyzed data derived from a subset of cohort study participants (n=45) in Thika, Kenya between January 2016- December 2018. The primary study enrolled 121 women 18-40 years with bacterial vaginosis and randomized them to cyclic or continuous CVR use for eight months. During the 6-month follow-up, a questionnaire eliciting attitudes towards menstrual suppression was administered. Responses to the menstrual suppression questionnaire between participants in the cyclic and continuous CVR use groups were compared. Likert-scale responses were summed to create a menstrual suppression attitude summary score, and a hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to identify similarities in response patterns among all participants. Results: Totally 81.8% of continuous CVR users believed that one was less likely to get pregnant after using hormonal medication to suppress menses, compared to 47.8% of cyclic CVR users (P=0.02), and were more worried it would cause long-term health effects (86.4% vs 60.9%, p = 0.05). The menstrual suppression attitude summary score ranged from 8 to 42, with lower scores indicating negative attitudes. The summary score identified three distinct clusters. When asked if menstrual suppression effects long-term health; 100% of Cluster 3 was worried compared to 80.8% of Cluster 2 and 46.2% of Cluster 1 (p = 0.03). The average summary score among Cluster 3 (Mean = 14.8, SD = 4.6) was lower (p < 0.001) and women were more worried about discomfort during sex (p=0.05) as well as their sexual partners feeling the ring (p=0.02). Conclusion: Women are more likely to have negative attitudes if they believe menstrual suppression hinders future reproductive health. Education on cycle control and fertility could mitigate negative attitudes and improve uptake of CVRs.

"Mulher, você não precisa disso": discursos em embate sobre a pílula e a supressão da menstruação / "Woman, you don't need this": Negotiation of discourses on the pill and menstrual suppression / "Mujer, no necesitas esto": Discursos en conflicto sobre la píldora y la supresión de la menstruación

Resumo O discurso médico do século XIX listava uma série de desordens físicas e mentais associadas aos órgãos reprodutivos das mulheres (Rohden, 2009). Um fenômeno corporal até hoje frequentemente construído como patológico é a menstruação (Vieira, 2002), para o qual existe uma ferramenta médica de intervenção amplamente empregada: a pílula anticoncepcional. Como o período menstrual é muitas vezes visto como um problema, sua interrupção por meio da ingestão contínua da pílula é recorrentemente propagada como a solução (Kissling, 2013). À luz dessas ideias, analiso como duas mulheres autoidentificadas como feministas negociam significados sobre a pílula, a menstruação e a supressão menstrual em entrevistas orais semiestruturadas. O objetivo do trabalho é investigar como sentidos biomédicos sobre o corpo feminino são discursivamente reificados, desafiados e corporificados.

Abstract Nineteenth century's medical discourse listed a series of physical and mental disorders caused by women's reproductive organs (Rohden, 2009). A bodily function that until nowadays has been frequently constructed as pathological is menstruation (Vieira, 2002), for which there is a widely employed medical tool of intervention: the contraceptive pill. As the period is often seen as a problem, its suppression through the uninterrupted use of the pill is recurrently advertised as the solution (Kissling, 2013). In light of these ideas, I analyse how two self-identified feminist women negotiate meanings around the pill, menstruation and menstrual suppression in semi-structured oral interviews. The purpose of the work is to investigate how biomedical meanings of the female body are discursively reified, challenged and embodied.

Resumen El discurso médico del siglo XIX enumeraba una serie de trastornos físicos y mentales asociados a los órganos reproductivos de la mujer (Rohden, 2009). Un fenómeno corporal que con frecuencia se interpreta como patológico es la menstruación (Vieira, 2002), para la cual existe una herramienta médica intervencionista ampliamente utilizada: la píldora anticonceptiva. Como el período menstrual a menudo se ve como un problema, su interrupción a través de la toma continua de la píldora se propaga recurrentemente como la solución (Kissling, 2013). A la luz de estas ideas, analizo cómo dos mujeres autoidentificadas como feministas negocian significados sobre la píldora, la menstruación y la supresión menstrual en entrevistas orales semiestructuradas. El objetivo de este trabajo es investigar cómo los significados biomédicos sobre el cuerpo femenino son materializados, cuestionados y encarnados discursivamente.

Experiences with Menses in Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Adolescents.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe menstrual history, associated dysphoria, and desire for menstrual management in transgender male and gender diverse adolescents who were assigned female at birth DESIGN: Retrospective chart review SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital PARTICIPANTS: All patients seen in a multidisciplinary pediatric gender program from March 2015 through December 2020 who were assigned female at birth, identified as transgender male or gender nonbinary, and had achieved menarche INTERVENTION: None MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographics, menstrual history, interest in and prior experiences with menstrual management, parental support, and concerns about menstrual management RESULTS: Of the 129 included patients, 116 (90%) identified as transgender male and 13 (10%) as gender nonbinary, with an average age of 15 (SD 1.6) years. Almost all (93%) patients reported menstrual-related dysphoria. Most (88%) were interested in menstrual suppression. The most common reasons for desiring suppression were achievement of amenorrhea (97%) and improvement of menstrual-related dysphoria (63%). CONCLUSIONS: Most gender diverse patients assigned female at birth reported dysphoria associated with menses and desired menstrual suppression. This information can encourage physicians to raise this topic and offer menstrual management for gender diverse patients who experience distress related to menses, especially for those who are not ready for or do not desire gender-affirming hormonal treatment. Future research is needed to better understand patients' experiences with menses and to determine the optimal menstrual management methods. This could be an important intervention to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Nitrous Oxide Use for Intrauterine System Placement in Adolescents.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of nitrous oxide on patient-reported pain for placement of intrauterine systems (IUSs) in adolescents STUDY DESIGN: : Prospective observational study SETTING: : IUS placement in an ambulatory clinic compared with placement with nitrous oxide in a hospital-based sedation unit PARTICIPANTS: : English-speaking adolescents aged 12 to 20 presenting to a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist with a medical indication for IUS placement MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: : Patient-reported procedural pain measured on a visual analog scale 2 minutes post IUS insertion procedure. Secondary outcome measurement of likelihood of recommending an IUS to a peer. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients agreed to participate. Forty-five patients underwent IUS placement in the clinic. Controlling for age, history of dysmenorrhea, and body mass index, a significant time (change in reported pain scores pre- vs post IUS insertion) by treatment (nitrous oxide vs standard of care) interaction was observed for patient-reported pain (b = -29.32 mm, P < 0.01). Patients receiving nitrous oxide were more likely to recommend an intrauterine placement than patients who received the current standard of care for pain management (b = 0.47, P = 0.02) after controlling for age, baseline pain score, and dysmenorrhea history. CONCLUSION: Patient-reported pain was attenuated for patients who received nitrous oxide relative to those who received standard IUS placement. Patient-reported satisfaction was higher for patients who received nitrous oxide relative to those who received standard IUS placement.

Menstrual Suppression in Gender Minority Youth

The purpose of this case series was to evaluate menstrual suppression in sex assigned at birth female adolescents identifying as male or gender non-conforming. A retrospective chart review of four gender minority youth (GMY), age 14-17, was performed for gender identity history, type and success of menstrual suppression, method satisfaction, side effects and improvement in menstrual distress. Menstrual suppression was successful in three patients, one patient discontinued use due to side effects that caused an increase in gender dysphoria. Menstrual distress and bleeding pattern improved in the majority of GMY in this series but side effects, as well as contraindications, may limit their use. In conclusion, menstrual dysphoria can be life-threatening for GMY and it is important that clinicians consider menstrual suppression in GMY with menstrual dysphoria. This series emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment plans.

The Intrauterine Device Experience Among Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals Assigned Female at Birth.

INTRODUCTION: The intrauterine device (IUD) is a long-acting and highly efficacious form of contraception that can also be used for menstrual suppression. Although IUD use is increasing, the type chosen, appeal, and satisfaction among individuals who are transgender and gender diverse and assigned female at birth (TGD-AFAB) is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate IUD usage among TGD-AFAB individuals. METHODS: TGD-AFAB individuals who had an IUD for a minimum of 6 months at the time of completing the survey or had one in the past completed an anonymous online survey. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: One hundred and five TGD-AFAB individuals completed the survey. Among participants who were sexually active, 88% reported they were in a relationship in which it was possible to get pregnant. There were 85 individuals who currently had an IUD: 62 (73%) chose a 52-mg levonorgestrel (LNG) IUD, 5 (6%) chose a lower-dose LNG IUD, 17 (20%) chose the copper IUD, and one chose an IUD unavailable in the United States. Menstrual suppression was the primary reason for choosing a 52-mg LNG IUD (58%). Most individuals who opted for a copper IUD did so to avoid hormonal contraception (71%). Participants reported experiencing IUD side effects; however, few desired removal. Among the 36 respondents who had an IUD in the past, the most frequent reasons for removal were expiration of the device (LNG IUDs) and undesired side effects (copper IUD). Approximately half of participants who had an IUD removed had it replaced with another IUD. DISCUSSION: Pregnancy can occur among TGD-AFAB individuals even if they are on testosterone and amenorrheic. IUDs are well tolerated in this population, with few current users desiring removal for unwanted side effects. Clinicians should counsel TGD-AFAB individuals about the contraceptive and noncontraceptive benefits of IUDs and expected side effects.

The Risks, Invisibility, and Health Issues Facing Women Veterans Who Are Homeless.

Women veterans may experience a variety of traumatizing events and conditions before, during, and after their military service, such as intimate partner violence, military sexual trauma, moral injury, and posttraumatic stress disorder. These experiences put them at greater risk for significant behavioral and physical health sequelae, which can be associated with difficulty with civilian reintegration and complexities around homelessness. Homeless women military veterans are often uncounted, undergo different environmental situations than their male counterparts, and are vulnerable to sexual violence and unintended pregnancies. Identifying homeless women military veterans is an important first step; otherwise, they remain "invisible." Comprehensive, collaborative, interdisciplinary health care in which trust is established and care is holistic and individualized will produce the most optimal outcomes.