Academic specialists in general obstetrics and gynecology are clinicians practicing the full breadth of the specialty while also contributing to medical education and scientific discovery. Residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology provide exposure to research training that is variable but frequently limited. This creates challenges for junior faculty and in many cases limits their research productivity, typically measured by published original research articles and grant funding.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEpithelial cells are covered in carbohydrates (glycans). This glycan coat or "glycocalyx" interfaces directly with microbes, providing a protective barrier against potential pathogens. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition associated with adverse health outcomes in which bacteria reside in direct proximity to the vaginal epithelium.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1972 and 2013, 100 leaders in obstetrics and gynecology wrote calls to action-in 1972 in anticipation of the Roe v Wade decision and in 2013 in concern over the increasing restrictions to abortion care. In this article, 900 professors support a call to action for reinstating federal protections for abortion. Over a year ago, the Supreme Court handed down the Dobbs decision, overturning nearly 50 years of precedent in retracting the constitutionally protected right to abortion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: The APEX-IUD (Association of Perforation and Expulsion of Intrauterine Devices) study evaluated the association of postpartum timing of intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, breastfeeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, and IUD type (levonorgestrel-releasing vs copper) with risks of uterine perforation and IUD expulsion in usual clinical practice. We summarize the clinically important findings to inform counseling and shared decision making.
Methods: APEX-IUD was a real-world (using U.
The intrauterine device is one of the most effective forms of contraception. Use of the intrauterine device has increased in the United States over the last 2 decades. Two formulations are commercially available in the United States: the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device and the copper intrauterine device.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To identify key elements of an outreach strategy for a youth contraception navigator program designed to help young people overcome barriers to contraception access.
Methods: A human-centered design approach was used to engage adolescents aged 15-17 in co-design sessions. Human-centered design techniques, such as affinity diagramming and model building were used to inform key elements of the communication model and the final outreach strategy messages.
Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives, including hormonal levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems, are the most effective methods of reversible contraception. However, unfavorable bleeding, particularly during the first months of use, is one of the most important reasons for discontinuation or avoidance. Minimizing this as early as possible would be highly beneficial.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To explore to what extent intrauterine device (IUD) expulsion is associated with demographic and clinical risk factors.
Methods: The APEX-IUD (Association of Perforation and Expulsion of IntraUterine Devices) study was a U.S.
Objective: To assess the relationship between knowledge of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and intention to use LARC among female students.
Participants: Participants consisted of a convenience sample of 292 female undergraduate and graduate students at a large midwestern university.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional in-person survey and multivariate analysis of LARC knowledge and intention to use LARC.
Background: Reports of perforation risk related to intrauterine devices (IUDs) inserted immediately post partum and among non-post-partum individuals are scarce, and previous studies with only 12-month follow-ups underestimate the risk. Breastfeeding at IUD insertion and insertion within 36 weeks post partum have been associated with increased risk of uterine perforation. The aim of these analyses was to compare the incidence and risks of IUD-related uterine perforations by non-post-partum and post-partum intervals at IUD insertion, and among post-partum individuals, to assess the impact of breastfeeding on these outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: To determine key elements of a contraception navigator program that provides a personalized approach to overcoming patient-specific barriers by a trained navigator in central Indiana.
Methods: A human-centered design approach was used to engage adolescents and community stakeholders in co-design sessions. Sessions incorporated techniques, such as divergent brainwriting and journey maps, which led to the exploration of various themes that were ultimately used to inform key elements of the contraception navigator program.
Objective: To measure the difference in procedure time between manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) and electric vacuum aspiration (EVA) during abortion procedures between 10 0/7 and 13 6/7 weeks gestation.
Study Design: We conducted a 1:1 randomized trial of individuals undergoing an abortion procedure between 10 0/7 and 13 6/7 weeks to MVA or EVA. Procedure time was the primary outcome.
Am J Obstet Gynecol
July 2022
Background: Intrauterine devices are effective instruments for contraception, and 1 levonorgestrel-releasing device is also indicated for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).
Objective: To compare the incidence of intrauterine device expulsion and uterine perforation in women with and without a diagnosis of menorrhagia within the first 12 months before device insertion STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in 3 integrated healthcare systems (Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Southern California, and Washington) and a healthcare information exchange (Regenstrief Institute) in the United States using electronic health records. Nonpostpartum women aged ≤50 years with intrauterine device (eg, levonorgestrel or copper) insertions from 2001 to 2018 and without a delivery in the previous 12 months were studied in this analysis.
Objective: To assess whether obesity is associated with increased time to pregnancy in a cohort of participants who were stopping their contraceptive method to attempt pregnancy.
Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of the FACT (Fertility After Contraceptive Termination) study. This prospective analysis included 432 participants, aged 18-35 years, who discontinued contraception to become pregnant, were sexually active with a male partner, and provided pregnancy status data within the first 12 months in the study.
Importance: Intrauterine device (IUD) expulsion increases the risk of unintended pregnancy; how timing of postpartum IUD insertion and breastfeeding are associated with risk of expulsion is relevant to the benefit-risk profile.
Objective: To evaluate the association of postpartum timing of IUD insertion and breastfeeding status with incidence and risk of IUD expulsion.
Design, Setting, And Participants: The Association of Perforation and Expulsion of Intrauterine Devices (APEX-IUD) cohort study included women aged 50 years or younger with an IUD insertion between 2001 and 2018.
Background And Objectives: Women's ability to negotiate condom use helps prevent sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between substance use, risk perception and the certainty of using condoms in several hypothetical situations.
Method: This is a secondary analysis from the Australian Contraceptive ChOice pRoject (ACCORd) cluster randomised controlled trial.
Background: In the 1970s, numerous medical reports, media coverage, and litigation around the Dalkon Shield intrauterine device led to a perception that all intrauterine devices cause upper genital tract infection and infertility.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between intrauterine device use and time to conception.
Study Design: The Fertility After Contraceptive Termination Study is a multicenter, prospective cohort study of women stopping their contraceptive method to attempt conception.
Background: The Australian Contraceptive ChOice pRoject (ACCORd) aimed to assess the impact of a complex general practice intervention on the uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC).
Aims: Using survey data from enrolled women, we aimed to compare the ongoing use and satisfaction of women who chose one of the hormonal LARC methods including the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) or levonorgestrel implant compared to the oral contraceptive pill (OCP).
Materials And Methods: We used the data from participants' baseline, six and 12-month surveys to identify new users of implants, LNG-IUS or OCP.
Background: Intrauterine devices are effective and safe, long-acting reversible contraceptives, but the risk of uterine perforation occurs with an estimated incidence of 1 to 2 per 1000 insertions. The European Active Surveillance Study for Intrauterine Devices, a European prospective observational study that enrolled 61,448 participants (2006-2012), found that women breastfeeding at the time of device insertion or with the device inserted at ≤36 weeks after delivery had a higher risk of uterine perforation. The Association of Uterine Perforation and Expulsion of Intrauterine Device (APEX-IUD) study was a Food and Drug Administration-mandated study designed to reflect current United States clinical practice.
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