OBJECTIVE To document how long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) affects women's sexual outcomes. METHODS In this prospective, observational cohort study, we enrolled new-start intrauterine device and contraceptive implant users attending four family planning clinics. Data collection occurred at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Primary outcomes were the Female Sexual Function Index, New ...

BACKGROUND Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (LNG-IUD) are commonly used for contraception and other indications in many countries. National pharmacovigilance centres have been receiving reports from healthcare professionals and patients of uterine perforation associated with the use of these LNG-IUDs. METHODS National pharmacovigilance centres in the Netherlands, New Zealand, Swi...

BACKGROUND Despite increasing contraceptive availability, unintended pregnancy remains a global problem, representing as many as 30% of all known pregnancies. Various strategies have been proposed to reverse this disturbing trend, especially increased use of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods. In this review we aim to discuss the role of LARC methods and importance of contracep...

Three intrauterine devices (IUDs) are available in the United States: the copper T 380A and two levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs, one that releases 20 mcg of levonorgestrel per 24 hours, and one that releases 14 mcg per 24 hours. All are safe and effective methods of contraception that work predominantly by prefertilization mechanisms. The copper T 380A IUD may be placed in nonpregnant women at an...

INTRODUCTION This is the protocol for an ancillary study to the multicentre Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial, a three-arm randomised trial comparing the effects of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), the levonorgestrel (LNG) implant and the copper intrauterine device (IUD) on HIV incidence (NCT02550067 pre-results). The ancillary study will compare other no...

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, cost effective, and increasing in popularity. It is unclear whether changes in IUD use are associated with changes in rates of irreversible tubal sterilization. In this analysis, we evaluate changes in rates of tubal sterilization, insertion of copper or levonorges...

It can be argued that the most important failing of modern family planning is the persistent epidemic of unintended pregnancy. In developing countries, about 75 million pregnancies annually are unintended, a number close to the 80 million growth of world population each year [1]. In the United States, about half of pregnancies are unintended [2]. By the age of 45 years, about half of women in t...

STUDY QUESTION Is it possible to extend the use of the 3-year one-rod etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant to 5 years? SUMMARY ANSWER The extended use of the one-rod ENG-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant showed 100% efficacy in years 4 and 5. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The initial regulated trials on the ENG-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant conducted in t...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate safety and efficacy of levonorgestrel-releasing contraceptive implants (Norplant; Leiras Oy, Turku, Finland) in developing countries. METHODS We used controlled cohort methodology. Women attending family planning clinics in eight developing countries selecting Norplant were enrolled, together with women of similar age choosing intrauterine devices (IUDs) or surgical ster...

Emergency post-coital contraception (EC) is an effective method of preventing pregnancy when used appropriately. EC has been available since the 1970s, and its availability and use have become widespread. Options for EC are broad and include the copper intrauterine device (IUD) and emergency contraceptive pills such as levonorgestrel, ulipristal acetate, combined oral contraceptive pills (Yuzpe...