Contraceptive failure and the progestogen-only pill The case report by Chandler and Nash1 in this issue of the Journal is interesting and highlights the need for trials of hormonal contraceptive use to include obese women. The authors acknowledge that despite an apparent association between contraceptive failure and higher body weight in studies of a Norplant® prototype and a levonorgestrelrele...

Madam I look forward to the arrival of the Journal. It is always a good read, full of relevant and practical information – much more ‘user-friendly’ than most journals I receive these days. July’s edition seemed particularly interesting with a number of interesting articles. However, my interest was quickly replaced by irritation. There is a lot to be said for evidencebased medicine (EBM) and i...

Abstract Introduction Telehealth platforms are becoming more prevalent in the field of medicine, including men’s sexual health. Due to sensitivity and potential embarrassment discussing erectile dysfunction (ED) issues in-person, men may seek alternative methods obtain ED treatment without leaving their homes. Objective We sought compare offerings telehealth for with respect consultation, price...

The use of the progestogen-only pill as a 'pre-coital contraceptive' was tested by in vitro studies of sperm-mucus interaction. The results suggest that a single tablet of levonorgestrel 30 microg, or norethisterone 350 microg, was effective in preventing sperm migration in the cervical mucus about 12 hours later. This suggests that the progestogen-only pill may be effective as a 'morning befor...

BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY Men's and women's attitudes towards the male contraceptive pill and their trust in the effective use of the male pill were investigated, as well as the associated variables of reported health behaviours, perceived self-efficacy and type of sexual relationship, using a questionnaire survey. RESULTS Although both sexes had a favourable attitude towards the male pill, ...

As Dr Draper points out in her letter,1 NHS Direct is a useful resource for women, however many turn to their general practitioner, practice nurse or local sexual health clinic for help when a pill is forgotten. Therefore ‘keeping up to date’ with regard to ‘missed pill’ information is not only important to help advise these women but is also very relevant, and should be included in the verbal ...

CONTEXT After decades of debate, the oral contraceptive pill was legalized in Japan in June 1999. Because the pill had been unavailable up until then, little is known about the public's knowledge about, attitudes toward and intentions to use the pill. METHODS In a nationwide probability sample, 630 women and men were interviewed in their homes in March 1999. Respondents were asked a range of ...