Bacterial vaginosis
Shiv Shanker Pareek in The Pictorial Atlas of Common Genito-Urinary Medicine, 2018
Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition affecting the vagina, in which the balance of normally occurring bacteria becomes altered resulting in abnormal discharge. The condition is associated with an increase in vaginal pH, making it more alkaline, which is due to a decrease in lactobacilli – bacteria naturally present in the vagina which produce lactic acid – allowing other bacterial species to overgrow. It is not clear why the bacterial balance of the vagina changes but several factors may be involved, including: sexual activity – sexually active females are more prone to bacterial vaginitis, Smoking and presence of intrauterine device. Many cases of bacterial vaginosis are asymptomatic. Pregnant women may be more likely to miscarry late in the pregnancy or undergo premature delivery, and suffer postpartum endometriosis. Douching with scented and antiseptic soaps or gels should be avoided. Clindamycin 2% cream should be used for women allergic to metronidazole and those breastfeeding.
Breast Health: Lifestyle Modification for Risk Reduction
James M. Rippe in Lifestyle Medicine, 2019
Technological advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer have led to a decline in deaths from breast cancer but the disease prevalence is increasing. Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women worldwide and the most common cause of cancer. Today’s advanced gene panel testing combined with genetic counseling will assess risk levels and improve patient surveillance and personalized risk-reduction strategies. Risk factors for carrying a breast and ovarian cancer gene include: breast cancer diagnosed before age 50; ovarian cancer at any age; and male breast cancer at any age. Hormone replacement therapy has been used for years to treat the “symptoms” of menopause. An important study in 2017 concluded that women using oral contraceptives or implanted intrauterine devices that contained the hormone progestin overall experienced a 20% increase in the relative risk of breast cancer compared to nonusers. Tamoxifen is approved for prevention in premenopausal women at high risk.
The intrauterine device (IUD)
Suzanne Everett in Handbook of Contraception and Sexual Health, 2020
This chapter addresses the intrauterine device (IUD) and the range of IUDs. It examines IUDs’ efficacy; UKMEC categories; risks, disadvantages and advantages; counselling; loss of efficacy and drug interaction; problems encountered with the method; and fitting and removal of the IUD. With the commencement of chlamydia screening IUDs have been given a new lease of life. The development of the intrauterine system, a progestogen-releasing intrauterine device, has meant that the choice of contraception has widened. The decision of which IUD to insert will depend on the woman and the size of her uterus. Complications are most likely to occur at the insertion of an IUD. Perforation of the uterus, vasovagal shock, expulsion of the IUD, pelvic infection, pain and bleeding may occur following insertion or in the first year of use. An IUD is usually inserted at the end of a menstrual period as the cervix is slightly opened at this time, making insertion easier.
A Comparison of the Menstrual Cup and the Intrauterine Device: Attitudes and Future Intentions
Published in Women's Reproductive Health, 2019
Jessica M. Milne, Jessica L. Barnack-Tavlaris
Stigma can affect the types of products women know about and feel comfortable using. In the present study, we examined the extent to which message framing, prior awareness, attitudes toward one’s own menstruation, and self-objectification predict attitudes toward two lesser-known reproductive health products: the menstrual cup and the intrauterine device (IUD). Female undergraduates (N = 128) were presented with either basic information or benefit-framed information about the menstrual cup or IUD, then asked questions about their attitudes toward the product, likelihood to use or recommend the product, attitudes toward menstruation, and self-objectification. Participants had significantly more positive attitudes toward the IUD than the menstrual cup. For both products, the benefit-framed information and prior awareness were associated with more positive attitudes. Positive emotions about menstruation predicted more positive attitudes toward the menstrual cup, but not the IUD. These findings have implications for how to increase positive attitudes and intentions toward lesser-known reproductive health products.
Examining long-acting reversible contraception non-use among Australian women in their 20s: findings from a qualitative study
Published in Culture, Health & Sexuality, 2019
Jacqueline Coombe, Melissa. L. Harris, Deborah Loxton
Australian women use less effective, short-term methods of contraception more often than any other method, despite the availability of much more effective long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Although research examining the low uptake of LARC among Australian women has increased over the past few years, we still know little about the factors influencing this phenomenon. Using data from semi-structured telephone interviews with 15 Australian women in their 20s, this paper explores contraceptive experience to better understand the non-use of LARC. Findings highlight the ubiquity of the use of the oral contraceptive pill and perceptions of LARC as a more serious contraceptive choice. Among participants, the intrauterine device (IUD) was viewed particularly unfavourably. Furthermore, LARC was shown to be only considered for use after dissatisfaction with shorter-term methods (usually the Pill) if at all. Overall, these findings suggest further education in dispelling myths and discomfort around LARC use, while simultaneously recognising and respecting women’s decisions to not use LARC methods.
Can uterine artery Doppler parameters predict copper intrauterine device-induced side effects?
Published in The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 2014
Ilknur Mutlu, Ahmet Demir, Mehmet Firat Mutlu
Objectives To evaluate the predictive value of uterine artery Doppler characteristics in predicting copper intrauterine device (IUD)-induced side effects such as dysmenorrhoea and menorrhagia, and worsening of dyspareunia. Methods One hundred and twenty regularly menstruating women were enrolled in the study. All underwent transvaginal uterine artery Doppler analysis in the early follicular phase, on two occasions: before insertion of the IUD, and six months after insertion. Pre- and post-insertion resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices of the uterine arteries were measured. Doppler parameters were compared between subjects experiencing an increase in IUD-mediated side effects and those reporting no change. Results RI and PI of all participants before and after IUD insertion were not significantly different (0.75 ± 0.06 vs. 0.74 ± 0.09, p = 0.49; 1.81 ± 0.55 vs. 1.83 ± 0.70, p = 0.7, respectively). No significant difference was found in the comparison of pre- and post-insertion PI and RI values of women who had increased- and those who experienced no change in dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia and duration/amount of menstruation. Conclusions No major changes in uterine blood flow were observed in women experiencing increased menstrual bleeding, dyspareunia or dysmenorrhoea after insertion of a copper IUD. The occurrence of these effects cannot be predicted by prior Doppler flow analysis.
Related Knowledge Centers
- NSAIDs
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- Female Contraceptive Devices
- Paragard
- Intrauterine System
- Breastfeeding
- Sexually Transmitted Disease