Reactional changes in short-term levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (lng-ius) use

Objective: To evaluate endocervical and vaginal environment changes in women using a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). Methods: A quasi-experimental study included sixty women who had an LNG-IUS inserted in the Family Planning Clinic of UNICAMP between April and November of 2016. Women in reproductive age, non-pregnant, without the use of antibiotics and contraceptives seeking for LNG-IUS insertion were selected for this study. All women were evaluated with regard to vaginal and endocervical pH, vaginal and endocervical Gram-stained bacterioscopy, and Pap-smear before and two months after LNG-IUS insertion. Clinical aspects such as cervical mucus, vaginal discharge, and cervical ectopy were also observed. Results: After LNG-IUS insertion, there was an increase in the following parameters: endocervical pH>4.5 (p=0.02), endocervical neutrophil amount (p<0.0001), vaginal cytolysis (p=0.04). There was a decrease in vaginal discharge (p=0.01). No statistically significant changes were found in vaginal pH, neutrophils amount in the vaginal mucosa, vaginal discharge appearance, vaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal coccobacillary microbiota, cervical mucus appearance, or cervical ectopy size. Conclusions: Short-term LNG-IUS use did not increase vulvovaginal candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis, and led to diminished vaginal discharge. Notwithstanding, this device promoted reactional changes in the vaginal and endocervical environment, without modification on cervical ectopy size.65685786

Diretriz Brasileira sobre a Saúde Cardiovascular no Climatério e na Menopausa – 2024

Women, who represent approximately half of the global population according to estimates as of January 2024, may experience signs and symptoms of menopause for at least one-third of their lives, during which they have a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The effects of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on the progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events vary depending on the age at which MHT is initiated and the time since menopause until its initiation. Beneficial effects on CVD outcomes and all-cause mortality have been observed when MHT was initiated before the age of 60 or within 10 years after menopause. The decision regarding the initiation, dose, regimen, and duration of MHT should be made individually after discussing the benefits and risks with each patient. For primary prevention of postmenopausal chronic conditions, the combined use of estrogen and progestogen is not recommended in asymptomatic women, nor is the use of estrogen alone in hysterectomized women. Hormone-dependent neoplasms contraindicate MHT. For the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal estrogen therapy may be used in patients with known cardiovascular risk factors or established CVD. For women with contraindications to MHT or who refuse it, non-hormonal therapies with proven efficacy (antidepressants, gabapentin, and fezolinetant) may improve vasomotor symptoms. Compounded hormonal implants, or "bioidentical" and "compounded" hormones, and "hormone modulation" are not recommended due to lack of scientific evidence of their effectiveness and safety.Mujeres, que representan aproximadamente la mitad de la población mundial según estimaciones de enero de 2024, pueden experimentar signos y síntomas de la menopausia durante al menos un tercio de sus vidas, durante los cuales tienen un mayor riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad cardiovascular. Los efectos de la terapia hormonal de la menopausia (THM) en la progresión de la aterosclerosis y los eventos de enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) varían según la edad en que se inicia la THM y el tiempo transcurrido desde la menopausia hasta su inicio. Se han observado efectos beneficiosos en los resultados de ECV y la mortalidad por todas las causas cuando la THM se inició antes de los 60 años o dentro de los 10 años posteriores a la menopausia. La decisión sobre la iniciación, dosis, régimen y duración de la THM debe tomarse individualmente después de discutir los beneficios y riesgos con cada paciente. Para la prevención primaria de condiciones crónicas en la posmenopausia, no se recomienda el uso combinado de estrógeno y progestágeno en mujeres asintomáticas, ni el uso de estrógeno solo en mujeres histerectomizadas. Las neoplasias dependientes de hormonas contraindican la THM. Para el tratamiento del síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia, se puede usar terapia estrogénica vaginal en pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular conocidos o ECV establecida. Para mujeres con contraindicaciones a la THM o que la rechazan, las terapias no hormonales con eficacia demostrada (antidepresivos, gabapentina y fezolinetant) pueden mejorar los síntomas vasomotores. Los implantes hormonales compuestos, o hormonas "bioidénticas" y "compuestas", y la "modulación hormonal" no se recomiendan debido a la falta de evidencia científica sobre su efectividad y seguridad.As mulheres, que representam cerca de metade da população mundial segundo estimativas de janeiro de 2024, podem sofrer com sinais e sintomas da menopausa durante pelo menos um terço de suas vidas, quando apresentam maiores risco e morbimortalidade cardiovasculares. Os efeitos da terapia hormonal da menopausa (THM) na progressão de eventos de aterosclerose e doença cardiovascular (DCV) variam de acordo com a idade em que a THM é iniciada e o tempo desde a menopausa até esse início. Efeitos benéficos nos resultados de DCV e na mortalidade por todas as causas ocorreram quando a THM foi iniciada antes dos 60 anos de idade ou nos 10 anos que se seguiram à menopausa. A decisão sobre o início, a dose, o regime e a duração da THM deve ser tomada individualmente após discussão sobre benefícios e riscos com cada paciente. Para a prevenção primária de condições crônicas na pós-menopausa, não se recomendam o uso combinado de estrogênio e progestagênio em mulheres assintomáticas nem o uso de estrogênio sozinho em mulheres histerectomizadas. Neoplasias hormônio-dependentes contraindicam a THM. Para tratamento da síndrome geniturinária da menopausa, pode-se utilizar terapia estrogênica por via vaginal em pacientes com fatores de risco cardiovascular conhecidos ou DCV estabelecida. Para mulheres com contraindicação à THM ou que a recusam, terapias não hormonais com eficácia comprovada (antidepressivos, gabapentina e fezolinetante) podem melhorar os sintomas vasomotores. Os implantes hormonais manipulados, ou hormônios “bioidênticos” “manipulados”, e a ‘modulação hormonal’ não são recomendados pela falta de evidência científica de sua eficácia e segurança

Effect of a continuous regimen of contraceptive combination of ethinylestradiol and drospirenone on lipid, carbohydrate and coagulation profiles

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a contraceptive pill containing ethinylestradiol (30 mcg) and drospirenone (3 mg) in a continuous regimen on lipid, carbohydrate and coagulation parameters. Study Design: This open, prospective, randomized study included 78 participants (mean age 27.8 years) who were randomized into two groups to use the pill continuously for 168 days or for six 28-day cycles with a 7-day hormone-free interval between cycles. Markers of lipid, carbohydrate and coagulation profiles were measured prior to initiation and after the 6 months of pill use. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the two contraceptive regimens with respect to carbohydrate or lipid profiles or in the parameters related to coagulation. Conclusions: The contraceptive combination of ethinylestradiol and drospirenone used in a continuous regimen was associated with metabolic alterations similar to those found during the traditional cyclic regimen of oral contraceptive use. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Libbs Farmaceutica, Brazi

Bleeding patterns and menstrual-related symptoms with the continuous use of a contraceptive combination of ethinylestradiol and drospirenone: a randomized study

Background: The objective of this study was to compare bleeding patterns of women using a contraceptive combination of 30 mcg ethinylestradiol (EE) and 3 mg drospirenone (DRSP) continuously or cyclically. Menstrual-related symptoms were also evaluated. Study Design: This open, prospective, randomized study evaluated 78 women using the EE/DRSP combination continuously for 168 days or for six 28-day cycles, each followed by a 7-day hormone-free interval. A diary with pre-established scales was used to assess the frequency and intensity of bleeding and menstrual-related symptoms. Results: Amenorrhea increased with continuous use; 62.2% of women with continuous use were amenorrheic at the end of treatment (95% CI: 46.6-77.8%). Dysmenorrhea, headache, acne, nausea, edema and increased appetite improved significantly in the continuous-use group, and mastalgia and edema in the cyclic-use group (p<.05). Six subjects in the continuous-use group (15.4%) and three in the cyclic-use group (7.7%) discontinued due to adverse events. Conclusions: Continuous use was associated with amenorrhea and fewer menstrual-related symptoms compared to cyclic use. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Libbs Farmaceutica Ltda., Sao Paulo, Brazi

Knowledge, Use, and Perception of Brazilian Women about Contraceptive Methods: An Observational Study

Background: In Brazil, where approximately 48.7 million women are of reproductive age, understanding contraceptive practices is essential for addressing public health challenges. This study evaluated into the knowledge, usage, and perceptions of contraceptive methods among Brazilian women, highlighting the influence of socioeconomic and demographic factors on their choices. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a representative sample of 2000 Brazilian women aged 18?49 years. The questionnaire collected detailed information on their awareness, preferences, and utilization of various contraceptive methods, alongside demographic and socioeconomic data. Results: Oral contraceptives, condoms, injectables, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) were the most recognized methods. Younger women demonstrated greater awareness of modern methods. Socioeconomic disparities were evident, with lower-income women displaying limited knowledge about condoms and IUDs but a higher usage for injectable contraceptives. Oral contraceptives were the most used method, with higher use in the South, and lower in the Central-West and Northeast regions. Satisfaction with current contraceptive methods was high (87.5%), closely associated with personal responsibility in method choice. Although the majority self-financed their contraceptives (63.1%), a significant portion of lower-income women (27.7%) relied on public health care. Physicians? recommendations predominantly influenced contraceptive choice (53.9%), with younger women also guided by other influences. Conclusions: Persistent disparities in contraceptive awareness and access highlight the need for educational initiatives and policy interventions. Health care providers play a vital role in facilitating informed contraceptive choices, enhancing the chances of satisfaction with the method

Women's knowledge of health effects of oral contraceptives in five Brazilian cities

Background: Although acceptability of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) is widespread, patients are often unaware of the noncontraceptive benefits. Study Design: An opinion survey through telephone interview was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of 500 Brazilian women 15-45 years of age who were current users or had recently used COCs. Data were obtained on their knowledge of adverse events, the effects of COCs on health- and menstrual-related symptoms, noncontraceptive benefits and aspects related to sexual response. Results: Most of the women interviewed learned about the pill from doctors or the Internet. Other than the pill, the best-known contraceptive methods were the condom and intrauterine device. The majority of women believe that COCs do not change the risk of gynecological cancers. Most believed that they had no significant effect on sexual response. Conclusions: COCs users in Brazil lack precise information on aspects related to general health, particularly menstrual-related symptoms and noncontraceptive health benefits. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Janssen-Cilag BrazilJanssenCilag Brazi

Effects of estrogen and estrogen-progestogen therapy on homocysteine levels and their correlation with carotid vascular resistance

Objective. To evaluate the correlation between homocysteine levels and carotid vascular resistance in menopausal women submitted to estrogen and estrogen-progestogen therapy.Methods. Eighty-six women with a mean age of 52 years were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, 6-month study. Patients were allocated to use one of three oral therapies: placebo (n = 26), micronized estradiol 2 mg/day (n = 30) or micronized estradiol 2 mg/day plus norethisterone acetate 1 mg/day (n = 30). Evaluation of homocysteine levels and Doppler sonography of the common carotid artery, used to calculate pulsatility index (PI), were carried out prior to initiating therapy and at the end of the study. the correlation between these two parameters was evaluated using Pearson's coefficient of correlation.Results. There was a significant reduction in homocysteine levels in the groups treated with estrogen alone or estrogen combined with norethisterone. PI was significantly lower only in users of estrogen alone; however, no significant correlation was found between homocysteine measurements and PI.Conclusion. No significant correlation was found between homocysteine levels and carotid vascular resistance following hormone therapy.Fac Med Jundiai, Jundiai Med Sch, Dept Gynecol & Obstet, BR-13202550 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Gynecol, São Paulo, BrazilABC Med Sch, Dept Gynecol & Obstet, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Gynecol, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Contracepção reversível de longa ação

Unwanted pregnancy is a major public health problem both in developed and developing countries. Although the reduction in the rates of these pregnancies requires multifactorial approaches, increasing access to long-acting contraceptive methods can contribute significantly to change this scenario. In Brazil, gynecologists and obstetricians play a key role in contraceptive counseling, being decisive in the choice of long-acting reversible methods, characterized by intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the contraceptive implant. The vast scope due to the reduced number of situations to indicate long-acting methods should be emphasized in routine contraceptive counseling. On the other hand, gynecologists and obstetricians should adapt the techniques of insertion of long-actingmethods, and engage in facilitating conditions to access these contraceptives through public and private health systems in Brazil. This study is part of a project called Diretrizes e Recomendacoes FEBRASGO (Guidelines and Recommendations of the FEBRASGO - Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations from the Portuguese acronym). It aims to review the main characteristics of long-acting contraceptives and critically consider the current situation and future prospects to improve access to these methods, proposing practical recommendations of interest in the routine of gynecologists and obstetricians396294308A gravidez não planejada representa importante problema de saúde pública tanto em países desenvolvidos quanto naqueles em desenvolvimento. Embora a redução das taxas dessas gestações requeira abordagens multifatoriais, o aumento no acesso aos métodos contraceptivos de longa ação pode contribuir de forma expressiva na mudança desse cenário. No Brasil, os ginecologistas e obstetras têm papel fundamental no aconselhamento contraceptivo, sendo decisivos na escolha dos métodos reversíveis de longa ação, caracterizados pelos dispositivos intrauterinos (DIUs) e pelo implante anticoncepcional. A grande abrangência decorrente do pequeno número de situações que contraindicam os métodos de longa ação deve ser enfatizada no aconselhamento contraceptivo de rotina. Por outro lado, os ginecologistas e obstetras devem se adaptar às técnicas de inserção dos métodos de longa ação, bem como se engajar na facilitação de condições para o acesso a esses contraceptivos por meio do sistema de saúde pública e privada no Brasil. Este estudo, parte do projeto denominado “Diretrizes e Recomendações FEBRASGO”, tem por objetivo revisar as principais características dos contraceptivos de longa ação, além de considerar de forma crítica o panorama atual e as perspectivas futuras, visando melhorar o acesso a esses métodos, com recomendações práticas de interesse na rotina do ginecologista e obstetr