Follow-up visits after IUD-insertion: sense or nonsense? A technology assessment study to analyze the effectiveness of follow-up visits after IUD insertion.

The objective of this study is to evaluate whether regular follow-up after insertion of an IUD protects against the risk and side effects of this contraceptive device. To study the effectiveness of the follow-up visits done after IUD insertion, we compared a group of women with regular follow-up visits (group A: after 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months) with women who had non-regular follow-up visits (group B: after 6 weeks and annually) for pregnancy, expulsion rates and discontinuation. A total of 280 women were included (group A: 199, group B: 81).

Genetic polymorphisms modify the response of factor VII to oral contraceptive use: an example of gene-environment interaction.

Elevated plasma levels of factor VII and fibrinogen are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, especially arterial thrombosis. Oral contraceptive use increases factor VII and fibrinogen plasma levels. It has been described that DNA polymorphisms are associated with the plasma levels of hemostatic variables and their regulation.

Predicting optimal cervical mucus for infertility diagnosis.

Objective: We studied the relationship between cervical mucus evaluations and daily fertility examinations in order to find monitoring techniques that can predict optimal mucus one day before it occurs.

Methods: Twenty-three healthy young female volunteers were followed during one spontaneous cycle with serial measurements of serum estradiol, progesterone, LH and FSH, urinary LH, and transvaginal ultrasound measurements of endometrial thickness and follicles. Data were related to cervical mucus scores.

Effects of oral contraceptives on lipid metabolism.

A randomized, comparative study of two low-dose oral contraceptives was carried out in 60 nonpregnant women for 12 cycles. Twenty-eight women took a preparation containing 150 micrograms of desogestrel and 30 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol; 32 took 75 micrograms of gestodene and 30 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol. Baseline values in the two groups were in good agreement.