Approved but Unavailable: A Mystery-Caller Survey of Mifepristone Access in a Large Ontario City.

OBJECTIVES: Mifepristone/misoprostol (mife/miso) has been approved in Canada since 2017, and is available since 2018. Mife/miso does not require witnessed administration in Canada, and therefore most patients obtain a prescription for home use. We sought to determine the proportion of pharmacies in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, a city of over 500 000, that had combination mife/miso in stock at any given time. METHODS: A mystery-caller approach was used to survey all pharmacies (n = 218) in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada between June 2022 and September 2022. RESULTS: Of the 208 pharmacies that were successfully contacted, only 13 (6%) pharmacies had mife/miso in stock. The most commonly cited reasons for the medication being unavailable were low patient demand (38%), cost (22%), lack of familiarity with medication (13%), supplier issues (9%), training requirements (8%), and medication expiry (7%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that while mife/miso has been available in Canada since 2017, significant barriers remain to patients accessing this medication. This study clearly demonstrates a need for further advocacy and clinician education to ensure mife/miso is accessible to the patients who require it.

Combined Oral Contraceptive Adherence and Pregnancy Rates.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship of adherence and pregnancy in participants using an estetrol and drospirenone combined oral contraceptive. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis for which we pooled data from two parallel, multicenter, phase 3 trials (United States and Canada, Europe and Russia) that enrolled participants 16-50 years of age to receive estetrol 15 mg and drospirenone 3 mg in a 24 hormone and four placebo pills regimen for up to 13 cycles. Participants reported pill intake, sexual intercourse, and other contraceptive use on paper diaries. We limited this efficacy analysis to at-risk cycles (one or more reported acts of intercourse and no other contraceptive use) in participants 16-35 years of age at screening. We excluded cycles with other contraceptive use unless pregnancy occurred in that cycle. We assessed primarily the relationship between number of pills not taken per cycle and pregnancies and, secondarily, when pregnancies occurred during product use with a test for trend and χ 2 analyses as appropriate. RESULTS: Among 2,837 participants in this analysis, 31 on-treatment pregnancies occurred during 26,455 at-risk cycles. Pregnancies occurred in 0.09%, 0.25%, 0.83%, and 1.6% of cycles in which participants reported they took all hormone pills (n=25,613 cycles) or did not take one (n=405 cycles), two (n=121 cycles), and more than two (n=314 cycles) hormone-containing pills, respectively ( P <.001). No pregnancies occurred in 2,216 cycles when one or more pills were missed and missed-pill instructions were followed. All pregnancies related to not taking pills occurred in the first three cycles. Pregnancy rates ranged from 0% to 0.21% per cycle with no significant trend by cycle ( P =.45). CONCLUSION: Pregnancy occurs more frequently when combined oral contraceptive users report not taking all hormone-containing pills per 28-day cycle and exceeds 1% only when more than two pills are not taken. Pregnancies in participants who reported missed pills occurred only when missed-pill instructions were not followed. A 0.09% pregnancy risk per cycle among users of a 24 hormone and four placebo pills formulation who report taking all pills likely approximates a true method-failure rate. FUNDING SOURCE: Estetra SRL, an affiliate company of Mithra Pharmaceuticals. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02817828 and NCT02817841.

The effect of a combined indomethacin and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system on short-term postplacement bleeding profile: a randomized proof-of-concept trial.

BACKGROUND: Long-acting reversible contraceptives, including hormonal levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems, are the most effective methods of reversible contraception. However, unfavorable bleeding, particularly during the first months of use, is one of the most important reasons for discontinuation or avoidance. Minimizing this as early as possible would be highly beneficial. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis are known to reduce bleeding and pain at time of menses. A levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system has been developed with an additional reservoir containing indomethacin, designed to be released during the initial postplacement period. OBJECTIVE: This proof-of-concept study aimed to establish whether the addition of indomethacin to the currently available levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (average in vivo levonorgestrel release rate of 8 µg/24 h during the first year of use) reduces the number of bleeding and spotting days during the first 90 days of use compared with the unmodified system. The dose-finding analysis included 3 doses of indomethacin-low (6.5 mg), middle (12.5 mg), and high (15.4 mg)-to determine the ideal dose of indomethacin to reduce bleeding and spotting days with minimal side-effects. STUDY DESIGN: This was a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized, controlled phase II trial conducted between June 2018 and June 2019 at 6 centers in Europe. Three indomethacin dose-ranging treatment groups (low-, middle-, and high-dose indomethacin/levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) were compared with the unmodified levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system group, with participants randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was the number of uterine bleeding and spotting days over a 90-day reference (treatment) period. Secondary outcomes were the number of women showing endometrial histology expected for intrauterine levonorgestrel application and the frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events. Point estimates and 2-sided 90% credible intervals were calculated for mean and median differences between treatment groups and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system without indomethacin. Point and interval estimates were determined using a Bayesian analysis. RESULTS: A total of 174 healthy, premenopausal women, aged 18 to 45 years, were randomized, with 160 women eligible for the per-protocol analysis set. Fewer bleeding and spotting days were observed in the 90-day reference period for the 3 indomethacin/levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system dose groups than for the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system without indomethacin group. The largest reduction in bleeding and spotting days was achieved with low-dose indomethacin/levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, which demonstrated a point estimate difference of -32% (90% credible interval, -45% to -19%) compared with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system without indomethacin. Differences for high- and middle-dose indomethacin/levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system groups relative to levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system without indomethacin were -19% and -16%, respectively. Overall, 97 women (58.1%) experienced a treatment-emergent adverse event considered related to the study drug, with similar incidence across all treatment groups including the unmodified levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. These were all mild or moderate in intensity, with 6 leading to discontinuation. Endometrial biopsy findings were consistent with effects expected for the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. CONCLUSION: All 3 doses of indomethacin substantially reduced the number of bleeding and spotting days in the first 90 days after placement of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, thus providing proof of concept. Adding indomethacin to the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system can reduce the number of bleeding and spotting days in the initial 90 days postplacement, without affecting the safety profile, and potentially improving patient acceptability and satisfaction.

Hands-On Training in a Digital World: A Novel Simulation-Based Virtual Training Program for Placement and Removal of the Subdermal Contraceptive Implant.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift from traditional in-person instruction for learning new technical skills to virtual delivery of medical education training. The objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate a virtual simulation-based training program for Canadian health care professionals (HCPs) on the insertion, localization, and removal of the etonogestrel subdermal contraceptive implant. METHODS: A scientific committee of Canadian family planning experts developed a 2-part virtual training program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Core educational content (part 1) was provided in an asynchronous, self-directed, online format. Part 2 consisted of synchronous, simulation-based training using web conferencing. The HCPs were provided with model arms and placebo applicators; the trainers demonstrated implant insertion and removal techniques, and trainees received individual feedback. All trainees were asked to complete an online evaluation upon completion of the program. RESULTS: Between September 22, 2020, and December 31, 2021, 83 trainers conducted 565 virtual training sessions. A total of 3162 HCPs completed part 1 of the training program, of whom 2740 had completed part 2 by December 31, 2021. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with virtual simulation-based training; 96.5% of respondents (1570/1627) agreed that the virtual format was effective. Additional training prior to inserting the implant in clinical practice was requested by 4.5% of respondents (75/1671). CONCLUSION: Virtual simulation-based learning provides effective education and technique training for etonogestrel implant insertion and removal. Online training for implant use can be scaled, as needed, to reach professionals in remote or underserved locations. This virtual training approach may be appropriate for other technical or minor surgical procedures.

Discontinuation rates of intrauterine contraception due to unfavourable bleeding: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (LNG-IUDs) and copper intrauterine devices (Cu-IUDs) offer long-acting contraception; however, some women may discontinue use within the first year due to bleeding pattern changes, limiting their potential. This systematic literature review investigated whether differences in bleeding profiles influence continuation rates in women in America, Europe and Australia. METHODS: Searches performed in PubMed and Embase were screened to identify publications describing bleeding patterns and rates of early IUC removal/discontinuation or continuation, descriptions of bleeding patterns, reasons for discontinuation, and patient satisfaction, acceptability and tolerability for LNG-IUDs and Cu-IUDs published between January 2010 and December 2019. The results were further restricted to capture citations related to 'Humans' and 'Females'. The review was limited to studies published from 2010 onwards, as changing attitudes over time mean that results of studies performed before this date may not be generalizable to current practice. RESULTS: Forty-eight publications describing 41 studies performed principally in the USA (n = 17) and Europe (n = 13) were identified. Publications describing bleeding patterns in LNG-IUD users (n = 11) consistently observed a reduction in bleeding in most women, whereas two of three studies in Cu-IUD users reported heavy bleeding in approximately 40% of patients. Rates of discontinuation for both devices ranged widely and may be as high as 50% but were lower for LNG-IUDs versus Cu-IUDs. Discontinuation rates due to bleeding were consistently higher for Cu-IUDs versus LNG-IUDs. CONCLUSIONS: Bleeding is a common reason for discontinuation of Cu-IUDs and LNG-IUDs. The more favourable bleeding pattern observed in LNG-IUD users may be associated with a lower rate of early discontinuation of LNG-IUDs versus Cu-IUDs.

When there is only one patient: Induction of labour for termination of pregnancy.

Induction of labour when no live birth is anticipated presents a number of unique considerations for members of the healthcare team. The main indication for Induction of Labour for Termination of Pregnancy (iTOP) is intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) beyond a gestational age where surgical management is available, but may also be indicated in the setting of induction abortion (with or without feticide), and termination of pregnancy (with or without infant palliation) for pregnancies where a lethal fetal anomaly is diagnosed. In tertiary care centres, iTOP may represent a significant proportion of labouring patients. Despite this, there are few guidelines dedicated specifically to iTOP in either obstetrical or family planning specialties. In this article, we will consider four main themes from an evidence-informed perspective: method selection; pre-induction preparation; clinical considerations during and after iTOP; and complications management.

Comparison of CINtec PLUS cytology and cobas HPV test for triaging Canadian patients with LSIL cytology referred to colposcopy: A two-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVES & METHODS: CINtec PLUS and cobas HPV tests were compared for triaging patients referred to colposcopy with a history of LSIL cytology in a 2-year prospective study. Cervical specimens were tested once at enrollment, and test positivity rates determined. Test performance was ascertained with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) and CIN3 or worse (CIN3+) serving as clinical endpoints. RESULTS: In all ages, (19-76 years, n= 598), 44.3% tested CINtec PLUS positive vs. 55.4% HPV positive (p< 0.001). To detect CIN2+ (n= 99), CINtec PLUS was 81.8% sensitive vs. 93.9% for HPV testing (p= 0.009); genotype 16/18-specific sensitivity was 46.5%. Specificity was 52.9% vs. 36.6%, respectively (p< 0.001). In all ages, to detect CIN3+ (n= 44), sensitivity was 93.2% for both tests; genotype 16/18-specific sensitivity was 52.3%. Specificity was 48.4% for CINtec PLUS vs. 31.1% for HPV testing (p< 0.001). In patients < 30 years, CINtec was 91.7% sensitive vs 95.8% for HPV testing (p= 0.549). CONCLUSIONS: CINtec PLUS or cobas HPV test could serve as a predictor of CIN3+ with high sensitivity in patients referred to colposcopy with a history of LSIL regardless of age while significantly reducing the number of LSIL referral patients requiring further investigations and follow-up in colposcopy clinics.

Comparison of Alinity m HPV and cobas HPV assays on cervical specimens in diverse storage media.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the concordance of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) testing with the Alinity assay on cervical samples collected with diverse collection/storage protocols (ThinPrep, SurePath, Cervicollect) and to assess inter-assay concordance of HR-HPV testing of cervical cell specimens with Alinity m HR HPV assay (Alinity) vs cobas® 4800 HPV assay (cobas). METHODS: Specimens were obtained from 560 women attending a Women's Health clinic. Two specimens were obtained from each woman with combinations of two of the three collection devices and aliquots were tested by the two assays. RESULTS: Alinity showed an agreement of 93.9%, Kappa = 0.89 (263/280) between ThinPrep and SurePath specimens; 97.5%, Kappa = 0.95 (347/356) and 92.9%, Kappa = 0.85 (104/112) between ThinPrep and SurePath aliquots taken before or after cytology processing, respectively. Cervi-Collect specimens showed an agreement of 94.6%, Kappa = 0.89 (265/280) with ThinPrep specimens. Compared to cobas, Alinity showed agreements of 94.3%, Kappa = 0.88 (395/419) and 91.8%, Kappa = 0.82 (257/280) between ThinPrep and SurePath specimens, respectively. Alinity and cobas detected genotypes 16/18 and other high-risk HPV types at similar rates and showed similar correlations with cytology grades. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to cobas, Alinity performed equally well for detecting HPV in cervical specimens obtained with ThinPrep and SurePath. The Cervi-Collect device compared well to the other collection methods. Alinity is a reliable assay for simultaneous detection of HPV-16/18 and other high-risk genotypes in cervical specimens.

Quality of Antenatal Care for Women Who Experience Imprisonment in Ontario, Canada.

Importance: Women who experience imprisonment have high morbidity and an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Antenatal care could modify pregnancy-related risks, but there is a lack of evidence regarding antenatal care in this population. Objectives: To examine antenatal care quality indicators for women who experience imprisonment and to compare these data with data for the general population. Design, Setting, and Participants: This population-based, retrospective cohort study used linked correctional and health administrative data from women released from provincial prison in Ontario, Canada, in 2010 and women in the general population with deliveries at 20 weeks' gestation or greater from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2015. Data analysis was performed from January 1, 2017, to May 4, 2020. Exposures: Pregnancies in women with time in prison during pregnancy (prison pregnancies), pregnancies in women with time in prison but not while pregnant (prison control pregnancies), and pregnancies in women in the general population (general population pregnancies). Main Outcomes and Measures: Antenatal care quality indicators: first-trimester visit, first-trimester ultrasonography, and 8 or more antenatal care visits. Results: A total of 626 prison pregnancies in 529 women (mean [SD] age, 26.6 [5.4] years), 2327 prison control pregnancies in 1570 women (mean [SD] age, 26.2 [5.4] years), and 1 308 879 general population pregnancies in 884 063 women (mean [SD] age, 30.3 [5.3] years) were studied. Of 626 prison pregnancies, 193 women (30.8%; 95% CI, 27.1%-34.6%) had a first-trimester visit, 272 (48.4%; 95% CI, 44.4%-52.4%) had at least 8 antenatal care visits, and 209 (34.6%; 95% CI, 31.0%-38.4%) received first-trimester ultrasonography. In 2327 prison control pregnancies, 1106 women (47.5%; 95% CI, 45.3%-49.8%) had a first-trimester visit, 1356 (59.2%; 95% CI, 56.9%-61.4%) had 8 or more antenatal care visits, and 893 (38.5%; 95% CI, 36.4%-40.6%) received first-trimester ultrasonography. Compared with 1 308 879 general population pregnancies, the odds of antenatal care were lower for the first-trimester visit (odds ratios [ORs], 0.11 [95% CI, 0.09-0.13] in prison pregnancies and 0.23 [95% CI, 0.21-0.25] in prison control pregnancies), 8 or more antenatal care visits (ORs, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.14-0.19] in prison pregnancies and 0.25 [95% CI, 0.23-0.28] in prison control pregnancies), and first-trimester ultrasonography (ORs, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.36-0.50] in prison pregnancies and 0.51 [95% CI, 0.46-0.55] in prison control pregnancies). Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that women who experienced imprisonment were substantially less likely to receive adequate antenatal care than were women in the general population whether or not they were in prison during pregnancy. Efforts are needed to improve antenatal care for this population both in prison and in the community.

CINtec PLUS and cobas HPV testing for triaging Canadian women referred to colposcopy with a history of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion: Baseline findings.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: CINtec PLUS and cobas HPV tests were assessed for triaging women referred to colposcopy with a history of LSIL cytology. Both tests were performed at baseline using ThinPrep cervical specimens and biopsy confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) served as the clinical endpoint. RESULTS: In all ages, (19-76 years, n = 600), 44.3% (266/600) tested CINtec PLUS positive vs. 55.2% (331/600) HPV positive (p = 0.000). Based on 224 having biopsies, sensitivity to detect CIN2+ (n = 54) was 81.5% (44/54) for CINtec PLUS vs. 94.4% (51/54) for HPV testing (p = 0.039); specificities were, 52.4% (89/170) vs. 44.1% (75/170), respectively (p = 0.129). In women ≥30 years (n = 386), 41.2% (159/386) tested CINtec PLUS positive vs. 50.8% (196/386) HPV positive (p = 0.008). Based on 135 having biopsies, sensitivity to detect CIN2+ (n = 24) was 95.8% (23/24) for both CINtec PLUS and HPV tests; specificities were, 55.0% (61/111) vs. 50.5% (56/111), respectively (p = 0.503). CONCLUSIONS: For women referred to colposcopy with a history of LSIL cytology, CINtec PLUS or cobas HPV test could serve as a predictor of CIN2+ with high sensitivity, particularly in women ≥30 years. Either test can significantly reduce the number of women requiring further investigations and follow up in colposcopy clinics.

Infant and Maternal Outcomes for Women Who Experience Imprisonment in Ontario, Canada: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the population-level risk of infant and maternal outcomes for women who experience imprisonment and compare outcomes with the general population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study. We used linked correctional and health data for women released from provincial prisons in 2010. We defined three exposure groups for Ontario singleton deliveries from 2005-2015: deliveries to women who were in prison during pregnancy but not necessarily for delivery, prison pregnancies; deliveries to women who had been in prison but not while pregnant, prison controls; and general population deliveries. We compared groups using generalized estimating equations. Primary outcomes were preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age birth weight. Secondary outcomes included NICU admission, neonatal abstinence syndrome, placental abruption, and preterm prelabour rupture of membranes. RESULTS: In prison pregnancies (n = 544) and prison controls (n = 2156), respectively, preterm birth risk was 15.5% and 12.5%, low birth weight risk was 13.0% and 11.6%, and small for gestational age birth weight risk was 18.1% and 19.2%. Adjusted for maternal age and parity and compared with general population deliveries (N = 1 284 949), odds ratios were increased for prison pregnancies and prison controls, respectively, at 2.7 (95% CI 2.2-3.4) and 2.1 (95% CI 1.9-2.4) for preterm birth, 3.1 (95% CI 2.4-3.9) and 2.7 (95% CI 2.3-3.1) for low birth weight, and 1.6 (95% CI 1.3-2.1) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.6-2.0) for small for gestational age birth weight. CONCLUSION: There is an increased risk of adverse infant outcomes in women who experience imprisonment compared with the general population, whether they are in prison during pregnancy or not.

Intrauterine Contraception: Knowledge and Prescribing Practices of Canadian Health Care Providers.

OBJECTIVE: Contraception is an important issue in the lives of women, their partners, and society. Canadians and their health care providers play a critical role in contraceptive decision making that influences individuals and Canadian society. The purpose of this study was to gather data on contraception-related knowledge, counselling, and prescribing practices of Canadian health care providers. METHODS: This project reported on the outcomes of an educational initiative, designed as a quality improvement initiative (time series level II-3), focused on Canadian health care providers' contraception-related knowledge, counselling, and prescribing practices. Outcomes were intended to inform the development of tools, resources, and educational programming. Part 1 was an online program to identify educational and knowledge gaps for health care providers. Part 2 was a practice assessment exploring and measuring health care providers' contraceptive counselling and prescribing practices. RESULTS: A total of 4300 health care providers completed the program between July 6, 2015 and August 30, 2016. Knowledge significantly increased; post-test scores were higher than pretest scores. After completion, all participants felt more comfortable, knowledgeable, and inclined to change their practice around prescribing intrauterine contraception (IUC). The 4300 providers reported on their contraception counselling experiences with 10 patients following participation in Part 1. Forty percent of patients were using oral contraceptives, and 53% were dissatisfied with their current type of contraception. After counselling, patients reported being most comfortable with IUC (55%). Both short- and long-acting types of contraception were most often discussed or offered (74% of the time), followed by long-acting reversible contraception only (21%) and short-acting methods only (5%). CONCLUSION: This training program filled an education need for patients and gave providers tools to change their behaviour and practice around IUC prescribing. On the basis of these data, a practice assessment model was deemed a successful way to change behaviour.

Video Media in Clinic Waiting Areas Increases Interest in Most Effective Contraceptive Methods.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the utility of a patient-level information video as part of the contraception consultation visit. Specifically, to assess the impact of the video on women's contraception choice, and, further, to assess patient and provider acceptability of incorporating the video into the patient visit. METHODS: A pre-post study design was used to assess the impact on patients' contraceptive choices and knowledge. Participants (n = 49) answered questions regarding contraceptive preferences and knowledge of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), then watched a 12-minute patient-level counselling video that presented evidence-based information about contraception in descending order of effectiveness. Clinicians (n = 39) also viewed the video and completed a survey. A retrospective chart review of 100 contraception visits was completed. RESULTS: Patient preference for IUDs increased significantly, whereas condoms decreased pre-to-post video (hormonal: 8.2% to 20.4%; copper: 0% to 16%; condoms: 32.7% to 18%, P < 0.05). Although 74.4% of clinicians believed that the hormonal IUD was the "ideal" form of contraception when no contraindications were present, 95% stated that the oral contraceptive pill was most often prescribed, and a chart review revealed that the oral contraceptive pill was discussed at 88% of contraceptive counselling visits. Both patients and clinicians found the video useful and acceptable. CONCLUSION: A patient-level contraceptive information video improved interest in LARC. Both patients and clinicians viewed the video as an acceptable addition to the contraceptive counselling visit.

No. 360-Induced Abortion: Surgical Abortion and Second Trimester Medical Methods.

OBJECTIVE: This guideline reviews evidence relating to the provision of surgical induced abortion (IA) and second trimester medical abortion, including pre- and post-procedural care. INTENDED USERS: Gynaecologists, family physicians, nurses, midwives, residents, and other health care providers who currently or intend to provide and/or teach IAs. TARGET POPULATION: Women with an unintended or abnormal first or second trimester pregnancy. EVIDENCE: PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Database were searched using the key words: first-trimester surgical abortion, second-trimester surgical abortion, second-trimester medical abortion, dilation and evacuation, induction abortion, feticide, cervical preparation, cervical dilation, abortion complications. Results were restricted to English or French systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and observational studies published from 1979 to July 2017. National and international clinical practice guidelines were consulted for review. Grey literature was not searched. VALUES: The quality of evidence in this document was rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology framework. The summary of findings is available upon request. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND/OR COSTS: IA is safe and effective. The benefits of IA outweigh the potential harms or costs. No new direct harms or costs identified with these guidelines.

Tubal Sterilization in Women Under 30: Case Series and Ethical Implications.

OBJECTIVE: According to the SOGC Contraception Consensus, it is recommended that permanent contraception be offered to women regardless of age or parity. Many women who desire sterilization at a young age experience barriers from physicians who decline to facilitate the request. METHODS: As part of a quality assurance project, we performed a review of cases where tubal sterilization was performed in women under 30 over a 42-month period (September 2013-March 2017). We also performed a literature review on the ethical and clinical considerations with respect to young women requesting permanent contraception. RESULTS: We identified 29 women under 30 who had consented for tubal sterilization; 27.5% of women were nulliparous, and 27.5% had a medical condition for which unintended pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse event. As documented in the patients' records, many women expressed prior difficulty in obtaining the procedure. Despite being informed of the risk of regret, most women proceed with the surgical procedure. Three additional women had consented and subsequently cancelled their surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: Women who are well-informed and desire permanent contraception should be offered the procedure, regardless of age or parity. Declining such requests is a form of conscientious refusal and is not a clinical decision.

Influence of endogenous estradiol, progesterone, allopregnanolone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate on brain resting state functional connectivity across the menstrual cycle.

OBJECTIVE: To [1] study brain resting state functional connectivity (Rs-FC) in a well-characterized sample of healthy women in the mid-follicular and late luteal phases of the menstrual cycle; and [2] examine the correlation between endogenous E2, P, allopregnanolone, and DHEAS and patterns of Rs-FC across the menstrual cycle. DESIGN: We studied the Rs-FC of the default mode network, salience network, meso-paralimbic network, fronto-parietal network, visual network, and sensorimotor network in the mid-follicular and late luteal phases. Serum levels of E2, P, allopregnanolone, and DHEAS were correlated to patterns of functional connectivity. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENT(S): Twenty-five healthy women with regular menstrual cycles. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Functional connectivity of key brain networks at rest and correlations of hormones to Rs-FC in the mid-follcuar and late luteal menstrual phases. RESULT(S): There were no differences in Rs-FC between the mid-follicular and late luteal menstrual phases using either independent component analysis or seed-based analysis. However, specific correlations between each hormone and patterns of functional connectivity were found in both menstrual cycle phases. CONCLUSION(S): It seems that the association between female sex hormones and brain Rs-FC is menstrual cycle phase-dependent. Future studies should examine the cognitive and behavioral correlates of this association in regularly cycling women.

No. 329-Canadian Contraception Consensus Part 4 of 4 Chapter 9: Combined Hormonal Contraception.

OBJECTIVE: To provide guidelines for health care providers on the use of contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy and on the promotion of healthy sexuality. OUTCOMES: Overall efficacy of cited contraceptive methods, assessing reduction in pregnancy rate, safety, and side effects; the effect of cited contraceptive methods on sexual health and general well-being; and the availability of cited contraceptive methods in Canada. EVIDENCE: Medline and the Cochrane Database were searched for articles in English on subjects related to contraception, sexuality, and sexual health from January 1994 to December 2015 in order to update the Canadian Contraception Consensus published February-April 2004. Relevant Canadian government publications and position papers from appropriate health and family planning organizations were also reviewed. VALUES: The quality of the evidence is rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Recommendations for practice are ranked according to the method described in this report. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.

No 329-Consensus canadien sur la contraception (4e partie de 4) : chapitre 9 ­ contraception hormonale combinée.

OBJECTIF: Mettre à la disposition des fournisseurs de soins des lignes directrices concernant le recours à des méthodes contraceptives pour prévenir la grossesse et la promotion d'une sexualité saine. ISSUES: Efficacité globale des méthodes contraceptives citées : évaluation de l'innocuité, des effets indésirables et de la baisse du taux de grossesse; effet des méthodes contraceptives citées sur la santé sexuelle et le bien-être général; disponibilité des méthodes contraceptives citées au Canada. RéSULTATS: Des recherches ont été effectuées dans MEDLINE et la base de données Cochrane afin d'en tirer les articles en anglais publiés entre janvier 1994 et décembre 2015 traitant de sujets liés à la contraception, à la sexualité et à la santé sexuelle, dans le but de mettre à jour le consensus canadien sur la contraception paru de février à avril 2004. Nous avons également passé en revue les publications pertinentes du gouvernement canadien, ainsi que les déclarations de principes issues d'organisations compétentes vouées à la santé et à la planification familiale. VALEURS: La qualité des résultats a été évaluée au moyen des critères décrits par le Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs. Les recommandations quant à la pratique sont classées en fonction de la méthode décrite dans le rapport du Groupe. DéCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.