Lauren B. Zapata

U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2016

The 2016 U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC) comprises recommendations for the use of specific contraceptive methods by women and men who have certain characteristics or medical conditions. These recommendations for health care providers were updated by CDC after review of the scientific evidence and consultation with national experts who met in Atlanta, Georgia, during August 26-28, 2015. The information in this report updates the 2010 U.S. MEC (CDC. U.S. medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, 2010. MMWR 2010:59 [No. RR-4]). Notable updates include the addition of recommendations for women with cystic fibrosis, women with multiple sclerosis, and women receiving certain psychotropic drugs or St. Johns wort; revisions to the recommendations for emergency contraception, including the addition of ulipristal acetate; and revisions to the recommendations for postpartum women; women who are breastfeeding; women with known dyslipidemias, migraine headaches, superficial venous disease, gestational trophoblastic disease, sexually transmitted diseases, and human immunodeficiency virus; and women who are receiving antiretroviral therapy. The recommendations in this report are intended to assist health care providers when they counsel women, men, and couples about contraceptive method choice. Although these recommendations are meant to serve as a source of clinical guidance, health care providers should always consider the individual clinical circumstances of each person seeking family planning services. This report is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice for individual patients. Persons should seek advice from their health care providers when considering family planning options.

Health Care Provider Attitudes and Practices Related to Intrauterine Devices for Nulliparous Women

OBJECTIVE: To examine predictors of health care providers perceiving intrauterine devices (IUDs) as unsafe for nulliparous women and of infrequent provision of IUDs to nulliparous women. METHODS: We analyzed questionnaire data obtained during December 2009 to March 2010 from 635 office-based providers (physicians) and 1,323 Title X clinic providers (physicians, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurses). Using multivariable logistic regression, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the associations between patient, health care provider, and clinic and practice variables and provider misconceptions about the safety of IUDs for nulliparous women and with infrequent IUD provision. RESULTS: Approximately 30% of respondents had misconceptions about the safety of IUDs for nulliparous women. Factors associated with increased odds of misconceptions about the copper IUD and levonorgestrel-releasing IUD included: being an office-based family medicine physician (copper IUD adjusted OR 3.20, 95% CI 1.73–5.89; levonorgestrel-releasing IUD adjusted OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.10–3.76); not being trained in IUD insertion (copper IUD adjusted OR 4.72, 95% CI 2.32–9.61; levonorgestrel-releasing IUD adjusted OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.34–5.22); and nonavailability of IUDs on-site at their practice or clinic (copper IUD adjusted OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.20–3.95; levonorgestrel-releasing IUD adjusted OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.95–6.08). More than 60% of providers infrequently provided IUDs to nulliparous women. Nonavailability of IUDs on-site (copper IUD adjusted OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.01–3.14; levonorgestrel-releasing IUD adjusted OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.22–3.62) and provider misconceptions about safety (copper IUD adjusted OR 6.04, 95% CI 2.00–18.31; levonorgestrel-releasing IUD adjusted OR 6.91, 95% CI 3.01–15.85) were associated with infrequent IUD provision. CONCLUSION: Health care provider misconceptions about the safety of IUDs for nulliparous women are prevalent and are associated with infrequent provision. Improved health care provider education and IUD availability are needed to increase IUD use among nulliparous women. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III

HIV seroprevalence in street youth, St Petersburg, Russia

Background:Reliable data on HIV infection among Russian street youth are unavailable. The purpose of this study was to assess HIV seroprevalence among street youth in St Petersburg and to describe social, sexual, and behavioral characteristics associated with HIV infection. Methods:A cross-sectional assessment conducted during January–May 2006 included city-wide mapping of 41 street youth locations, random selection of 22 sites, rapid HIV testing for all consenting 15–19-year-old male and female street youth at these sites, and an interviewer-administered survey. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated using logistic regression, accounting for intracluster homogeneity. Results:Of 313 participants, 117 (37.4%, 95% confidence interval 26.1–50.2%) were HIV infected. Subgroups with the highest seroprevalences included double orphans (64.3%), those with no place to live (68.1%), those previously diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI; 70.5%), those currently sharing needles (86.4%), and those currently using inhalants (60.5%) or injection drugs (78.6%), including Stadol (82.3%) or heroin (78.1%). Characteristics independently associated with HIV infection included injecting drugs (AOR 23.0), sharing needles (AOR 13.3), being a double or single orphan (AOR 3.3 and 1.8), having no place to live (AOR 2.4), and being diagnosed with a STI (AOR 2.1). Most HIV-infected street youth were sexually active (96.6%), had multiple partners (65.0%), and used condoms inconsistently (80.3%). Discussion:Street youth aged 15–19 years in St Petersburg, Russia, have an extraordinarily high HIV seroprevalence. In street youth who are injection drug users, HIV seroprevalence is the highest ever reported for eastern Europe and is among the highest in the world.

Intrauterine device use among women with uterine fibroids: a systematic review ☆

BACKGROUND There are concerns that intrauterine device (IUD) use by women with uterine fibroids might increase their uterine bleeding or risk for device expulsion. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence concerning the safety and effectiveness of IUD use among women with uterine fibroids. Key questions included whether IUD use is associated with increased risk for uterine bleeding among women with uterine fibroids and whether the presence of uterine fibroids is associated with an increased risk for device expulsion among IUD users. STUDY DESIGN We searched the PubMed database for peer-reviewed articles relevant to IUD (copper or levonorgestrel-releasing) use and uterine fibroids published in any language from database inception through June 2009. We used standard abstract forms and a grading system to summarize and assess the quality of the evidence. RESULTS From 202 articles found in the database search, we identified 11 studies that met our inclusion criteria, all of which examined outcomes among users of the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (LNG-IUD). Evidence from 10 of 11 noncomparative studies (Level II-3, fair) suggests that LNG-IUD use among women with fibroids does not increase menstrual bleeding, and results from all 11 showed that menstrual blood loss decreased among women who continued to use the LNG-IUD through the end of the study period. Overall, serum levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and ferritin increased among LNG-IUD users in studies that assessed these outcomes. Several studies reported some occurrences of irregular bleeding. Findings from two cohort studies (Level II-2, fair to poor) showed rates of LNG-IUD expulsion to be higher among women with uterine fibroids (11% in each) than among women without uterine fibroids (0% and 3%); however, in one study the difference was not statistically significant, and in the other significance testing was not conducted. Six prospective noncomparative studies reported expulsion rates of 0-20% among women with uterine fibroids. CONCLUSIONS Most women with uterine fibroids are likely to have less menstrual blood loss and higher serum levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and ferritin after insertion of an LNG-IUD, despite some occurrences of irregular bleeding. LNG-IUD users with uterine fibroids may have higher rates of expulsion than those without fibroids.

Contraceptive use among women with a history of bariatric surgery: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Weight loss after bariatric surgery often improves fertility but can pose substantial risks to maternal and fetal outcomes. Women who have undergone a bariatric surgical procedure are currently advised to delay conception for up to 2 years. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a systematic review of the literature, from database (PubMed) inception through February 2009, to evaluate evidence on the safety and effectiveness of contraceptive use among women with a history of bariatric surgery. RESULTS From 29 articles, five met review inclusion criteria. One prospective, noncomparative study reported 2 pregnancies among 9 (22%) oral contraceptive (OC) users following biliopancreatic diversion, and one descriptive study reported no pregnancies among an unidentified number of women taking OCs following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Of two pharmacokinetic studies, one found lower plasma levels of norethisterone and levonorgestrel among women having had a jejunoileal bypass, as compared to nonoperated, normal-weight controls. The other study found no difference in plasma levels of D-norgestrel between women having a jejunoileal bypass of either 1:3 or 3:1 ratio between the length of jejunum and ileum left in continuity, but women with a 1:3 ratio had significantly higher plasma levels of D-norgestrel than extremely obese controls not operated upon. CONCLUSIONS Evidence regarding OC effectiveness following a bariatric surgical procedure is quite limited, although no substantial decrease in effectiveness was identified from available studies. Evidence on failure rates for other contraceptive methods and evidence on safety for all contraceptive methods was not identified.

Methamphetamine Use Is Independently Associated with Recent Risky Sexual Behaviors and Adolescent Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Lifetime methamphetamine use among adolescents is estimated to be between 5% and 10%. Youth substance use in general is known to be associated with risky sexual behaviors, but the effect of methamphetamine use on recent risky sexual behaviors and adolescent pregnancy has received little attention. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the association between lifetime methamphetamine use and recent (past 3 months) risky sexual behaviors and lifetime adolescent pregnancy, adjusting for other substance use. METHODS We analyzed data from the 2003 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a school-based paper-and-pencil survey that assesses risky health behaviors among a nationally representative sample of 9th- to 12th-grade students. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) to examine the association between methamphetamine use and being recently sexually active, having 2 or more recent sex partners, and ever being pregnant or getting someone pregnant. RESULTS Lifetime methamphetamine use was reported by 7.6% of students. After adjustment for demographic covariates and lifetime use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drugs, lifetime methamphetamine use was associated with recent sexual intercourse (AOR = 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-2.3), having 2 or more recent sex partners (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI = 2.2-4.2), and ever being pregnant or getting someone pregnant (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 2.1-3.9). CONCLUSIONS Adolescent methamphetamine use is common and is associated with recent risky sexual behaviors and adolescent pregnancy. Prevention strategies for high school students should integrate education on substance abuse, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and human immunodeficiency virus.

U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 2016

The 2016 U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (U.S. SPR) addresses a select group of common, yet sometimes controversial or complex, issues regarding initiation and use of specific contraceptive methods. These recommendations for health care providers were updated by CDC after review of the scientific evidence and consultation with national experts who met in Atlanta, Georgia, during August 26-28, 2015. The information in this report updates the 2013 U.S. SPR (CDC. U.S. selected practice recommendations for contraceptive use, 2013. MMWR 2013;62[No. RR-5]). Major updates include 1) revised recommendations for starting regular contraception after the use of emergency contraceptive pills and 2) new recommendations for the use of medications to ease insertion of intrauterine devices. The recommendations in this report are intended to serve as a source of clinical guidance for health care providers and provide evidence-based guidance to reduce medical barriers to contraception access and use. Health care providers should always consider the individual clinical circumstances of each person seeking family planning services. This report is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice for individual patients. Persons should seek advice from their health care providers when considering family planning options.

Contraceptive use among women with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND There are theoretical concerns that use of hormonal contraceptives by women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) might increase disease relapse and risk of other adverse health outcomes, including thrombosis. In addition, there are concerns that IBD-related malabsorption might decrease the effectiveness of orally ingested contraceptives. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence on the safety and effectiveness of contraceptive use among women with IBD. STUDY DESIGN We searched the PubMed database for peer-reviewed articles relevant to contraceptive use and IBD that were published in any language from inception of the database through February 2009. We used standard abstract forms and grading systems to summarize and assess the quality of the evidence. RESULTS From 207 articles, we identified 10 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Evidence from five cohort studies (Level II-2, fair to good) suggests no increased risk of IBD relapse with use of oral contraceptives. Evidence from two pharmacokinetic studies (not graded) suggests that women with mild ulcerative colitis and those with an ileostomy following a proctocolectomy with small ileal resections have plasma concentrations of steroid hormones after oral ingestion of higher doses of combined oral contraceptives that are similar to the plasma concentrations among healthy volunteers. No studies were found that examined the risk of thrombosis among women with IBD who used hormonal contraceptives. CONCLUSIONS Limited evidence suggests there is no increased risk of disease relapse among women with IBD who use oral contraceptives, and there seem to be no differences in the absorption of higher-dose combined oral contraceptives between women with mild ulcerative colitis and small ileal resections and healthy women.

HIV seroprevalence among orphaned and homeless youth: no place like home.

Objectives:We evaluated the combined influences of orphaned status and homelessness on HIV seroprevalence and risk among street-involved Ukrainian youth in 2008. Design:Systematic, multicity, community-based, cross-sectional assessment. Methods:Time-location sampling was used to identify eligible youth aged 15–24 after city-wide mapping of 91 sites where street-involved youth gathered in Odessa, Kiev, and Donetsk. Universal sampling identified 961 youth in 74 randomly selected sites; 97% consented. Youth reporting one or both parents dead were classified as orphaned; those without a stable residence or sleeping outside their residence at least two nights per week were classified as homeless. Trained staff provided HIV counseling and rapid testing via mobile vans. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were calculated using logistic regression, accounting for intracluster homogeneity. Results:We found 32% (300 of 929) were both orphaned and homeless; 48% either (but not both) homeless [37% (343 of 929)] or orphaned [11% (104 of 929)]; and [20% (182 of 929)] neither orphaned nor homeless. HIV seroprevalences were 7% for neither orphaned/homeless; 16 and 17%, respectively, for either orphaned/homeless; 28% for both orphaned/homeless (P for trend <0.0001). AORs for HIV infection were 1 for neither; 2.3 and 2.4 for either homeless [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–2.9] or orphaned (CI 1.8–3.3); 3.3 for both orphaned/homeless (CI 2.3–4.4). Ever-use of injection drugs increased from 15 to 32 to 48% for those who neither, either, or both orphaned and homeless, respectively (P for trend <0.0001). Conclusions:One of four youths who were both homeless and orphaned was HIV-infected; these youths were significantly more likely to be HIV infected and to report injection drug use than those with adequate housing and living parents.

Contraceptive counseling and postpartum contraceptive use

OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to examine the associations between prenatal and postpartum contraceptive counseling and postpartum contraceptive use. STUDY DESIGN The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System 2004-2008 data were analyzed from Missouri, New York state, and New York City (n = 9536). We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the associations between prenatal and postpartum contraceptive counseling and postpartum contraceptive use, defined as any method and more effective methods (sterilization, intrauterine device, or hormonal methods). RESULTS The majority of women received prenatal (78%) and postpartum (86%) contraceptive counseling; 72% received both. Compared with those who received no counseling, those counseled during 1 time period (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65-2.67) and both time periods (AOR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.87-2.89) had significantly increased odds of postpartum use of a more effective contraceptive method (32% vs 49% and 56%, respectively; P for trend < .0001). Results for counseling during both time periods differed by type of health insurance before pregnancy, with greater odds of postpartum use of a more effective method observed for women with no insurance (AOR, 3.51; 95% CI, 2.18-5.66) and Medicaid insurance (AOR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.98-7.06) than for those with private insurance (AOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.44-2.43) before pregnancy. Findings were similar for postpartum use of any contraceptive method, except that no differences by insurance status were detected. CONCLUSION The prevalence of postpartum contraceptive use, including the use of more effective methods, was highest when contraceptive counseling was provided during both prenatal and postpartum time periods. Women with Medicaid or no health insurance before pregnancy benefited the most.