OBJECTIVE To describe obstetrician-gynecologists' beliefs regarding the importance of pelvic examination (including external genitalia inspection, speculum examination, bimanual examination) in assessing hormonal contraception eligibility. METHODS In a national probability survey, 1020 obstetrician-gynecologists drawn from the American Medical Association's Physician Masterfile rated importan...

BACKGROUND Adequate counselling on contraceptive methods can help users choose the most appropriate method. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of structured counselling provided by gynaecologists on selection of a combined hormonal contraception method. METHODS Women aged 18-40 years (n = 1871) who were considering the use of a combined hormonal contraception method (pill, transd...

Considerable advances have been made in hormonal contraception in recent years, geared at maximizing compliance and minimizing discontinuation. In oral contraceptive (OC) formulations, the estrogenic component, generally ethinyl estradiol (EE), has been reduced significantly and newer progestins like dienogest and drospirenone (DRSP), compounds with different molecular structures, have been int...

Improved access to effective contraceptive methods is needed in Canada, particularly in rural areas, where unintended pregnancy rates are high and specific sexual health services may be further away. A rural pharmacist may be the most accessible health care professional. Pharmacy practice increasingly incorporates cognitive services. In Canada many provinces allow pharmacists to independently p...

BACKGROUND For many women finding the right contraceptive method can be challenging and consistent and correct use over a lifetime is difficult. Even remembering to take a birth control pill every day can be a challenge. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate women's experience with a weekly ethinylestradiol/norelgestromin contraceptive patch (EE/NGMN patch), given new technologies...

Background: Irregular bleeding is one of the most common side-effects of hormonal contraception and a key reason for the discontinuation of hormonal methods. Study Design: A qualitative study in which twelve young women were interviewed in-depth, along with six focus group discussions. The study had two main research objectives: to document and investigate what young women think and feel about ...

PURPOSE To estimate the number of venous thromboembolic events and related-premature mortality (including immediate in-hospital lethality) attributable to the use of combined oral contraceptives in women aged 15 to 49 years-old between 2000 and 2011 in France. METHODS French data on sales of combined oral contraceptives and on contraception behaviours from two national surveys conducted in 20...

The majority of epileptic disorders are not self-limiting over time, and therefore require a long-lasting and often even lifelong antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment. In women with epilepsy the influence of their disease on the possibility and course of pregnancies, as well as the potential impact of the AED treatment on mother and child, are crucial questions. This review addresses the clinical...