Sponge versus diaphragm for contraception: a Cochrane review.

The contraceptive vaginal sponge was developed as an alternative to the contraceptive diaphragm. Unlike the diaphragm, the sponge can be used for more than one coital act within 24 h without the insertion of additional spermicide, and it does not require fitting or a prescription from a physician. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials that compared the vaginal contraceptive sponge with the diaphragm used with a spermicide in order to evaluate the efficacy and continuation rates of the two devices. The sponge was statistically significantly less effective in preventing overall pregnancy than was the diaphragm in the two trials that met our inclusion criteria. The 12-month cumulative life table termination rates per 100 women for overall pregnancy were 17.4 for the sponge versus 12.8 for the diaphragm in the larger US trial, and 24.5 for the sponge and 10.9 for the diaphragm in the UK trial. Similarly, discontinuation rates at 12 months were higher with the sponge than with the diaphragm [odds ratio 1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.6]. Allergic-type reactions were more common with the sponge in both trials, although the frequency of discontinuation for discomfort differed in the two trials. Other randomized controlled trials will be needed to resolve the role of spermicides in preventing sexually transmitted infections or in causing adverse effects.

Sponge versus diaphragm for contraception.

BACKGROUND: The contraceptive vaginal sponge was developed as an alternative to the contraceptive diaphragm. The sponge, made of polyurethane impregnated with nonoxynol-9 (1g), releases 125 mg of the spermicide over 24 h of use. Unlike the diaphragm, the sponge can be used for more than one coital act within 24 h without the insertion of additional spermicide, and the sponge does not require fitting or a prescription from a physician. How the sponge compares with the diaphragm in terms of efficacy and continuation is not clear. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and continuation rates of the sponge compared with the diaphragm (used with nonoxynol-9 as a spermicide). Our a priori hypothesis was that the sponge would have a higher failure rate and higher discontinuation rates than the diaphragm. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the computerized databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Popline, LILACS, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. In addition, we searched the reference lists of all potentially relevant articles and book chapters. We also contacted investigators involved with both trials identified to seek other published or unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials comparing the vaginal contraceptive sponge (Today; Collatex) with any diaphragm used with nonoxynol-9 to prevent pregnancy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We examined the studies identified through the literature searches for possible inclusion and evaluated their methodological quality using the Cochrane guidelines. We contacted an author involved with both published trials for supplementary information about randomization and allocation concealment. We entered data into RevMan 4.1 and calculated Peto odds ratios for overall pregnancy and 12-month discontinuation using numbers of women as the denominator. We also abstracted 12-month cumulative life-table ratios for these same outcomes, but were unable to aggregate these data. MAIN RESULTS: The sponge was statistically significantly less effective in both trials in preventing overall pregnancy than was the diaphragm. The 12-month cumulative life-table termination rates per 100 women for overall pregnancy were 17.4 for the sponge versus 12.8 for the diaphragm in the larger U.S. trial and 24.5 for the sponge and 10.9 for the diaphragm in the U.K. trial. Similarly, discontinuation rates at 12 months were higher with the sponge than with the diaphragm (odds ratio 1.3; 95% CI 1.1-1.6). Allergic-type reactions were more common with the sponge in both trials, although the frequency of discontinuation for discomfort differed in the two trials. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The sponge was less effective than the diaphragm in preventing pregnancy. Discontinuation rates were higher at 12 months as well. Other randomized controlled trials will be needed to resolve the role of spermicides in preventing sexually transmitted infections or in causing adverse effects.

Condom use during a community intervention trial in Kenya.

We conducted a cluster-randomized community intervention trial at Kenyan agricultural sites to measure the impact of female condom introduction on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence. We present male and female condom use data here. Six Intervention sites received a community risk-reduction campaign and distribution of female condoms and male condoms, while 6 Control sites received the same campaign with male condoms only. Male and female condom distribution increased throughout follow-up. Self-reported male condom use increased substantially during follow-up to over 60% of the participants. The proportion of consistent male condom users at Control sites was higher than at Intervention sites, 23% vs 14% at 6 months and 24% vs 22% at 12 months. At Intervention sites, 11% and 7% of women used the female condoms all the time at 6 and 12 months, respectively, while the percentage of female condom non-users grew. Male and female condom use was hindered by male partner objections; suspicion of the study and the devices among residents; and bias against condoms by clinic service providers. A large proportion of coital acts remained unprotected during the trial. Our female condom intervention did not reduce STI prevalence, compared with male condom promotion only.

Female condom introduction and sexually transmitted infection prevalence: results of a community intervention trial in Kenya.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the impact on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence of a female condom introduction and risk-reduction program at Kenyan agricultural sites. DESIGN: We conducted a cluster-randomized trial to determine whether a replicable, community-level intervention would reduce STI prevalence. METHODS: Six matched pairs of tea, coffee and flower plantations were identified. The six intervention sites received an information/motivation program with free distribution of female and male condoms, and six control sites received only male condoms and related information. Participants were tested for cervical gonorrhea and chlamydia by ligase chain reaction on urine specimens, and vaginal trichomoniasis by culture, at baseline, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Participants at intervention (n = 969) and control sites (n = 960) were similar; baseline STI prevalence was 23.9%. Consistent male condom use was more than 20% at 12 months. Consistent female condom use was reported by 11 and 7% of intervention site women at 6 and 12 months. Unadjusted STI prevalence was 16.5 and 17.4% at 6 months, and 18.3 and 18.5% at 12 months, at the intervention and control sites, respectively. Logistic regression models confirmed the null effect of the female condom intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Female condom introduction did not enhance STI prevention at these sites. It is unclear which aspects of the intervention -- STI education, condom promotion, case management -- were associated with decreased STI prevalence from baseline to follow-up.

The female condom and STDs: design of a community intervention trial.

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this study is to compare sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevalence in cohorts of women with and without access to female condoms. METHODS: Six matched pairs of communities were identified from Kenya tea, coffee and flower plantations. One community within each pair was randomly selected to receive the female condom intervention. Approximately 160 eligible women were enrolled at each site. Female condom communities underwent an education program on use of female and male condoms and STDs, comprising group meetings, puppetry and other folk media, and training of clinic service providers and community outreach workers. Control communities received similar information on use of male condoms (freely available at all sites). At baseline, participants were tested for cervical gonorrhea and chlamydia and vaginal trichomoniasis, to be repeated at 6 and 12 months. The study has 80% power to detect a 10% prevalence difference, assuming an aggregate STD prevalence of 20% with 25% loss to follow-up and intracluster correlation of 0.03. RESULTS: Among 1929 women at baseline, the mean age was 33.1 years; 78% had never used a male condom. The prevalences of gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis were 2.6%, 3. 2% and 20.4%, respectively (23.9% overall). The intracluster correlation based on these data was near zero. CONCLUSIONS: Comparable pairs of study sites have been selected. STD prevalence is sufficiently high, and the variation between sites is acceptably low. The study is feasible as designed.

Baseline STD prevalence in a community intervention trial of the female condom in Kenya.

OBJECTIVE: We present baseline sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevalence rates from an ongoing intervention trial at Kenyan agricultural sites. METHODS: After gaining the cooperation of management, we identified six matched pairs of tea, coffee, and flower plantations and enrolled approximately 160 women at each site. Six intervention sites received an information programme and distributed female and male condoms, while six control sites received male condoms only and similar information about them. At clinic visits, we tested participants for cervical gonorrhoea (GC) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) by ligase chain reaction on urine specimens, and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) by culture. The study has 80% power to detect a 10% prevalence difference during follow up, assuming a combined STD prevalence of 20%, 25% loss to follow up and intracluster correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.03. RESULTS: Participants at intervention and control sites (total 1929) were similar at baseline. Mean age was 33 years, the majority were married, more than half currently used family planning, 78% had never used male condoms, and 9% reported more than one sexual partner in the 3 months before the study. Prevalences of GC, CT, and TV were 2.6%, 3.2%, and 20.4% respectively (23.9% overall), and were similar at intervention and control sites. The ICC for STD prevalence was 0.0011. Baseline STD was associated with unmarried status, non-use of family planning, alcohol use, and more than one recent sexual partner, but the highest odds ratio was 1.5. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline results confirm a high prevalence of trichomoniasis and bacterial STD at these Kenyan rural sites. Improved STD management is urgently needed there. Our ongoing female condom intervention trial is feasible as designed.

Intracluster correlation of STD prevalence in a community intervention trial in Kenya.

This study is a cluster-randomised, community intervention trial to measure the impact of female condom introduction on STD prevalence among Kenyan agricultural workers. The intracluster correlation coefficient of baseline STD prevalences at the 12 sites was 0.0011.

PIP: A cluster-randomized, community intervention trial to measure the impact of female condom introduction on sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevalence was conducted among Kenyan agricultural workers. The intracluster correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to measure the degree of homogeneity within clusters in comparison to total variability. The women in the sample population received condoms and were exposed to an STD prevention program through group meetings, video presentations, puppetry, and other folk media. They were also screened and tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and vaginal trichomoniasis. Tests were repeated after 6 and 12 months. The ICC of baseline STD prevalence at the 12 sites was 0.0011, and the proportion of women with STDs was higher at the control sites, which indicates a negligible clustering effect.

Contraceptive use and HIV infection in Kenyan family planning clinic attenders.

This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of a larger study of contraception and risk of HIV infection in women. We also measured risk factors for and occurrence of HIV infection in the participants. A cohort of 1537 seronegative women attending a family planning clinic in Nairobi, Kenya was enrolled and followed for up to 12 months per woman. HIV testing was done quarterly. A nested case-control analysis was done with seroconverting women (cases) and 3 matched controls per case, who had detailed interviews and received physical examinations and STD tests. The prevalence of HIV at enrollment was 6.1%; seropositive women were excluded from further analysis. The 12-month life-table cumulative incidence of HIV was 2.1 per 100 women (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-3.2). In the nested case-control analysis (17 cases and 51 controls), the crude odds ratio of HIV infection comparing oral contraceptive (OC) users with other women was 3.5 (95%) CI 0.8-21.5), which persisted after control for single confounders at a time. The putative association between OC use sand HIV infection is critical to public health policy, yet no study has been conducted specifically to measure it, yielding weak and conflicting evidence. We intend to conduct a larger study with a similar design as the current pilot study, which confirmed the feasibility of a more definitive project.