scholarly journals Acceptability and satisfaction of contraceptive vaginal rings in clinical studies: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

Author(s):  
Therese Delvaux ◽  
Vicky Jespers ◽  
Lenka Benova ◽  
Janneke van de Wijgert

Introduction Acceptability of and satisfaction with contraceptive methods are paramount for uptake and continuation. In the current context of multipurpose prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases /HIV development, it is critical to have a better understanding of acceptability of and satisfaction with the contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR), including sexual satisfaction. The objective of this study was to review the evidence about CVRs acceptability, and users general and sexual satisfaction. Methods We searched PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science (until December 31th, 2020) and selected original studies documenting actual use of hormonal CVR and explicitly addressing any of the three outcomes. Main Results Of a total of 1129 records screened, 46 studies were included. Most studies (n=43, 93%) were prospective, conducted in high-income settings (n=35) and reported on NuvaRing use (n=31). Overall, 27 (59%) studies included a comparison group, 38 (82%) used exclusively quantitative questionnaires, with qualitative only (n=4, 9%) or mixed methods (n=4, 9%) studies being less common. Ease of CVR insertion/removal/reinsertion was high in all setting and improved with time of use, with qualitative studies supporting these findings. When reported, results on continuation of use were mixed and ring-related events were associated with discontinuation. Among NuvaRing studies, general satisfaction (being satisfied or very satisfied) was between 80 and 90% and tended to mirror continuation. Sexual satisfaction was less commonly reported and results were mixed. Overall, limited information was provided on actual CVR experiences of women (and men) and cultural norms that may affect sexuality and CVR use. Conclusion Positive aspects of acceptability of and satisfaction with CVRs were reported but continuation rates and ring-related events deserve further study. More information is needed on actual experiences of women using CVRs, relationship aspects, male partner opinions, and contextual norms to better understand the acceptability of and satisfaction with CVRs.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thérèse Delvaux ◽  
Vicky Jespers ◽  
Lenka Benova ◽  
Janneke van de Wijgert

Introduction: Acceptability of and satisfaction with contraceptive methods are paramount for uptake and continuation. In the current context of multipurpose prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases/HIV development, it is critical to have a better understanding of acceptability of and satisfaction with the contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) including sexual satisfaction. The objective of this study was to review the evidence about acceptability of CVRs and general and sexual satisfaction of users.Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science (until December 31, 2020) and selected original studies documenting actual use of hormonal CVR and explicitly addressing any of the 3 outcomes.Results: Of a total of 1,129 records screened, 46 studies were included. Most studies (n = 43, 93%) were prospective, conducted in high-income settings (n = 35), and reported on NuvaRing® use (n = 31). Overall, 27 (59%) studies included a comparison group, 38 (82%) studies used exclusively quantitative questionnaires, with qualitative only (n = 4, 9%), or mixed methods (n = 4, 9%) studies being less common. Ease of CVR insertion/removal/reinsertion was high in all the settings and improved with time of use, with qualitative studies supporting these findings. When mentioned, ring-related events were associated with discontinuation, and results on continuation of use were mixed. Among NuvaRing® studies, general satisfaction (being satisfied or very satisfied) was between 80 and 90% and tended to mirror continuation. Sexual satisfaction was less commonly reported and results were mixed. Overall, limited information was provided on actual CVR experiences of women (and men) and cultural norms that may affect sexuality and CVR use.Conclusion: Positive aspects of acceptability of and satisfaction with CVRs were reported, but ring-related events and factors, which may affect long-term CVR use, deserve further study. More information is needed on actual experiences of women using CVRs, relationship aspects, male partner opinions, and contextual norms to better understand the acceptability of and satisfaction with CVRs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinyere Ojiugo Mbachu ◽  
Ifunanya Clara Agu ◽  
Chinonso Obayi ◽  
Irene Eze ◽  
Nkoli Ezumah ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Misconceptions about the usefulness of condoms and other contraceptives still expose many unmarried adolescents to the risk of unwanted teenage pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). This study explored beliefs and misconceptions about condoms and other contraceptives among adolescents in Ebonyi state, south-east Nigeria. Method A qualitative study was undertaken in six local government areas in Ebonyi state, southeast Nigeria. Data were collected within a period of one month from in and out-of-school adolescents aged 13–18 years using twelve focus group discussions (FGD). The data were analyzed using the thematic framework approach. Result Majority of the adolescents were knowledgeable about methods of contraception, how they are used and their modes of action. They were also knowledgeable about the dual effects of condoms in prevention of pregnancy and STIs. However, some misconceptions that were expressed by some adolescents were that pregnancy could be prevented by the use of (i) hard drugs, (ii) laxatives, (iii) white chlorine, and (iv) boiled alcoholic beverages. Condoms were described by some adolescent boys as reusable. Condoms were also perceived by some adolescents to reduce sexual pleasure, and this opinion was mostly held by boys. Coitus interruptus (withdrawal method) was therefore considered more preferable than condoms for prevention of pregnancy. Conclusion Although majority adolescents have knowledge about contraception and condom use, some misconceptions still persist. These misconceptions put many adolescents at increased risk for pregnancy and STIs which are detrimental to their health and wellbeing. Concerted efforts should be made through educational and behaviour change interventions in schools and within communities to debunk persisting misconceptions about contraception including the use of condom, and properly educate adolescents on safe sex practices. Plain English summary Adolescents engage in unprotected sexual intercourse and other risky sexual behaviours because of some mistaken beliefs and wrong impressions about how to prevent unwanted pregnancy. These risky sexual behaviours predispose adolescents to sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortion and other reproductive health problems. In this qualitative study, we explored some of these mistaken beliefs about condoms and other methods of preventing pregnancy. During focus group discussions, adolescents identified modern contraceptive methods, and described their modes of action and how they are used. They also discussed their contraceptive preferences and perceived effects of condoms on sexual pleasure. Although some of these adolescents were able to correctly mention various types of contraceptives and their modes of action, there were numerous wrong impressions. Hard drugs, laxatives, white chlorine and boiled alcoholic beverage were listed as emergency contraceptive methods. Emergency pills were perceived to work by flushing away spermatozoa from a girl’s system after sexual intercourse. Male condoms were perceived to be potentially dangerous because they could break and enter into the body of the female sexual partner. Some adolescent boys had the notion that particular brands of male condoms could be washed and reused. Notions about condom use and sexual pleasure varied for girls and boys. Some adolescent girls perceived that condom use during sex increases sexual pleasure because of the assurance of being protected from STIs and pregnancy. Adolescent boys were of the opinion that condoms interfere with the pleasure of direct ‘flesh to flesh’ contact during sex. There was a general belief that contraceptive use in early age reduces fertility prospects for boys and girls. Mistaken beliefs about methods of preventing pregnancy persist among adolescents, and this raises concerns about the quality of information they receive. Concerted efforts should be made to debunk these wrong beliefs and properly educate adolescents on safe sex practices.


2014 ◽  
Vol 132 (6) ◽  
pp. 321-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Spadoto Dias ◽  
Rogério Dias ◽  
Jorge Nahás-Neto ◽  
Eliana Aguiar Petri Nahás ◽  
Nilton José Leite ◽  
...  

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Tubal ligation is one of the most commonly used contraceptive methods worldwide. Since the controversy over the potential effects of tubal sterilization still continues, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical and psychological repercussions of videolaparoscopic tubal ligation.DESIGN AND SETTING: Observational, single cohort, retrospective study, conducted in a tertiary public hospital.METHODS: A questionnaire was applied to 130 women aged 21-46 years who underwent videolaparoscopic tubal ligation by means of tubal ring insertion or bipolar electrocoagulation and sectioning, between January 1999 and December 2007. Menstrual cycle interval, intensity and duration of bleeding, premenstrual symptoms, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, noncyclic pelvic pain and degree of sexual satisfaction were assessed in this questionnaire. Each woman served as her own control, and comparisons were made between before and after the surgical procedure and between the two techniques used.RESULTS: The clinical and psychological repercussions were significant, with increases in bleeding (P = 0.001), premenstrual symptoms (P < 0.001), dysmenorrhea (P = 0.019) and noncyclic pelvic pain (P = 0.001); and reductions in the number of sexual intercourse occurrences per week (P = 0.001) and in libido (P = 0.001). Women aged ≤ 35 years at the time of sterilization were more likely to develop menstrual abnormalities. The bipolar electrocoagulation method showed greater clinical and psychological repercussions.CONCLUSION: Regardless of the technique used, videolaparoscopic tubal ligation had repercussions consisting of increased menstrual flow and premenstrual symptoms, especially in women aged ≤ 35 years, and also had a negative influence on sexual activity.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 454-456
Author(s):  

Approximately half of all American adolescents have experienced sexual intercourse by age 17 years.1 The second highest rate of reported gonococcal infections (1,229 cases per 100,000 persons) occurs in 15- to 19-year-old adolescents. This increased risk in the adolescent population has been associated with the greater number of young people having sexual intercourse, the infrequent use of barrier contraceptive methods, the obstacles to prompt medical care that teenagers face, with consequent delay in diagnosis and further spread of the disease, and the large number of asymptomatic carriers.2 The pediatrician has an important responsibility for providing sexuality-related care to children and adolescents.2-4


Author(s):  
Franco Dondero ◽  
Francesco Lombardo

Sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) are the primary cause of infections of the genital apparatus, and are an important cause of morbidity worldwide. These diseases diminished after the advent of antibiotics, but in the 1970s new sexual behaviour and use of non-protective contraceptive methods brought about a significant increase in genito-urinary infections, especially in young adults of fertile age. New diseases appeared alongside the classic infections syphilis, gonorrhoea, soft ulcers, venereal lymphogranuloma, and inguinal granuloma, and increased continuously in industrialised nations. Previously unknown pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis, genital Mycoplasma, and others came to the attention of andrologists, particularly because of often irreversible complications in the sexual and reproductive realm (1).


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 875-884
Author(s):  
Nava Yeganeh ◽  
Tara Kerin ◽  
Mariana Simon ◽  
Karin Nielsen-Saines ◽  
Jeffrey D Klausner ◽  
...  

Male partner involvement in prenatal care has been shown to improve outcomes for the entire family in low- and middle income countries. In Brazil, partners of pregnant women are encouraged to attend prenatal care for HIV testing. From November 2016 to July 2017, male partners of women delivering at Hospital Conceiçao were interviewed using computer-assisted telephone interviews regarding individual, relationship and system-wide facilitators and barriers to attending prenatal care. Of 403 men interviewed, 202 attended prenatal care and 201 did not. Individual factors that predicted prenatal care attendance included over-estimating the risk of mother to child transmission (AOR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.35–3.4), and endorsing that HIV-infected individuals can live satisfying lives (AOR 7.24, 95% CI: 1.9–47.5). Partnership factors associated with attendance included invitation by partner (AOR 5.6, 95% CI: 2.4–15.6). Systemic factors negatively associated with prenatal care attendance included a history of not being able to afford medical care (AOR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.15–0.6) and identifying work as a barrier to prenatal care attendance (AOR 0.19 95% CI: 0.11–0.31). Partners should be actively invited to prenatal care during flexible flexible hours. Once involved, almost all would accept HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing to protect partners and unborn infants during this vulnerable period.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Msovela ◽  
Anna Tengia–Kessy ◽  
Susan F. Rumisha ◽  
Daudi O. Simba ◽  
David P. Urassa ◽  
...  

2007 ◽  
Vol 136 (9) ◽  
pp. 1290-1296 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. KINOSHITA-MOLEKA ◽  
J. S. SMITH ◽  
J. ATIBU ◽  
A. TSHEFU ◽  
J. HEMINGWAY-FODAY ◽  
...  

SUMMARYThis study examined the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnant women in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Between April and July 2004, antenatal attendees at two of the largest maternity clinics in Kinshasa were tested to identify HIV status, syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). HIV seroprevalence was 1·9% in 2082 women. With PCR techniques, CT and NG infections were also uncommon in the first 529 women (1·7% and 0·4%, respectively). No active syphilis infection case was identified by Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) and rapid plasma reagin test (RPR). A woman's risk of HIV infection was significantly associated with her reporting a male partner having had other female sexual partners (OR 2·7, 95% CI 1·2–6·2). The continuing low seroprevalence of HIV in pregnant women from Kinshasa was confirmed. Understanding factors associated with this phenomenon could help prevent a future HIV epidemic in low HIV transmission areas in Africa.


Author(s):  
Patrick O’Byrne ◽  
Lauren Orser ◽  
Amanda Vandyk

Patients who use post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are at ongoing risk for HIV acquisition after completing PEP. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use immediately after PEP, some practitioners are hesitant to offer PEP-to-PrEP (PEP2PrEP). We began offering PEP2PrEP in the sexually transmitted infection clinic in Ottawa, Canada on August 5, 2018. During the first 16 months of PEP2PrEP, 61 patients requested PEP and 46 were initiated; 30 of these patients agreed to PEP2PrEP and 26 followed through. None of our PEP patients had confirmed HIV exposures; all fulfilled the initiation criterion of condomless anal sex with a male partner of unknown HIV-status. During the study, the number of PEP requests and initiations was statistical unchanged, yet the seroconversion rate among patients who used PEP decreased from 1.7% pre-PEP2PrEP to 0% post-PEP2PrEP. Regarding follow-up, most discontinuations occurred between the PrEP intake and 1-month follow-up visit.


Author(s):  
Leticia SESENTO ◽  
Rodolfo LUCIO

The present investigation shows the results of a study carried out in the development of the Fourth Tutoring Expo. The objective was to identify the topics of interest to the students attending the tutoring activities. The work was developed under a quantitative approach. To collect information, a survey was used in which the impression of the event on the students who attended was measured; They were asked to write the topic (s) they would like to see taught at the next event to train teachers. 152 attendees of the Fourth Tutoring Expo, of both sexes, were surveyed. It is a descriptive quantitative investigation. It was a survey designed by the coordination of tutorials to learn about the topic of interest to be addressed in the following events. 152 attendees of the Fourth Tutoring Expo were surveyed, through a simple random sampling of participants of the event of both sexes. The results show that the topics of greatest interest are: 11%, feminism, 11%, Study techniques, 11%, Contraceptive methods, 11%, Gender equality, 10% How to be a good tutor and learn, 7%, Infections sexually transmitted. It would be interesting to know the reasons why young students focus their attention on these topics to design a comprehensive action plan and thus clear up their doubts that lead us to adequately improve their development. Finally, it is important that teaching practices be re-signified from the tutorial activity, the institutional climate and collaborative work are the central aspects that are required to be contained in the development and training of this substantial instrument for young people.


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