Despite increased access to contraceptive methods (CM), the United States still has the highest rate of adolescent pregnancy among industrialized nations, and adolescents from historically marginalized groups are disproportionately affected. In this study, we sought to (1) understand if differences in CM usage were associated with differential percentages of new pregnancies among adolescents and young adult patients attending a family planning (FP) clinic at an urban community practice and (2) identify areas of improvement in our FP counseling.
Mixed-methods study design consisting of (1) a 12-month retrospective chart review and (2) a self-answered cross-sectional survey of FP patients. Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, and risk ratio were performed to analyze the percentage of new pregnancies according to CM usage.
The percentage of new pregnancies was 11 among our FP patients (N = 555) during this study period. As anticipated, pregnancy was associated with no CM use, CM discontinuation, and, interestingly, multiple CM changes (P < .001). The probability of no-pregnancy significantly decreased among patients on no method, who discontinued their CM or made multiple CM changes compared to those with continuous CM use. There was no association between the percentage of new pregnancies and any particular CM type.
Despite adequate access to FP patient services and high patient satisfaction levels, our findings indicate a need to adopt a more patient-centered approach in our FP counseling that addresses patient's reproductive life plans, preferences, and method side effects to increase CM uptake and satisfaction and decrease frequency of CM changes which is associated with increased risk of mistimed pregnancy during method switching.
Omphalocele is an abnormality in which fetal abdominal organs protrude through the abdominal wall.
We report the case of a 13-year-old female with a history of omphalocele repair who presented with acute periumbilical pain, nausea, and vomiting. A computed tomography scan showed a para-ovarian cyst and mild dilation of the small bowel. During laparoscopy, the right ovary and fallopian tube were detached from the uterus and located behind the cecum. Despite this displacement, the ovary appeared to have retained functionality with intact blood supply. We hypothesize that surgical repair led to pelvic adhesion that caused torsion and avulsion of the fallopian tube and utero-ovarian ligament that led to the displacement.
This anatomical change should be considered in surgical patients with a history of omphalocele repair.
According to the American Medical Women's Association, period poverty refers to “inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education, including but not limited to sanitary products, washing facilities, and waste management.” A component of period poverty in the US can be attributed to the neglect of menstrual education and lack of menstrual health and hygiene tools in schools. This scoping review aims to examine the educational methods employed to improve menstrual knowledge in middle and high school menstruating students in both school and clinical settings. It also highlights gaps and barriers in equitable access to menstrual hygiene products. The five-stage framework by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and the updated Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guide were used to guide the review. Six studies were retained for analysis. Two-thirds of menstruating students reported using at least one of the school's resources to obtain period products, and one-third of the participants reported missing school due to a lack of period products. Nearly half of the students needed period products at least once in the past school year but lacked the financial resources to purchase such products. Menstruating students reported embarrassment and a need for secrecy when accessing school bathrooms since the social and physical environments of school bathrooms heightened their discomfort while menstruating. Although a majority of adolescent students had basic knowledge of menstrual periods prior to menarche, the depth of their understanding of menstruation was limited. Findings from this review can inform the future development of evidence-based educational interventions to improve the overall menstruation experience for US menstruating adolescents.
Multiparous teens, compared to primiparous teens, are at increased risk for adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is infrequently used among postpartum teens. This study identifies predictors of teens’ intentions to use LARC postpartum when it is widely available.
Colorado teens who were patients during their pregnancy in an adolescent-centered clinic where all common methods of contraception were easily accessible were surveyed in clinic during their third trimester and following delivery regarding life circumstances (relationships, stress, and family function) and intended method of postpartum contraception. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to examine predictors of intended postpartum contraceptive method: LARC, non-LARC effective (condoms, birth control pills, shot, patch, or ring), or low-effective method or no contraception (abstinence, no method, or undecided).
A total of 1203 patients were enrolled. Greater life stress was associated with greater likelihood of intending to use low-effective contraception versus LARC postpartum. Teens in a longer relationship with their baby's father (versus those never in a relationship with the baby's father) were less likely to intend to use low-effective contraception or non-LARC effective methods and more likely to intend to use LARC postpartum.
When structural barriers are minimized, non-clinical factors such as relationship context and life stress are most associated with postpartum LARC use intentions. Health care providers can help teen patients obtain the postpartum contraception the patients believe is best by employing developmentally appropriate, person-centered care that is sensitive to life stressors and relationship context.
Mullerian duct anomalies are common in females with anorectal malformations (ARMs), although there are no universally recommended screening protocols for identification. Historically, at our institution, we have recommended a screening pelvic ultrasound (PUS) 6 months after thelarche and menarche. We aimed to evaluate outcomes associated with our post-thelarche screening PUS in females with ARMs.
An institutional review board–approved retrospective chart review was performed for all female patients 8 years old or older with ARMs and documented thelarche. Data were collected on demographic characteristics and clinical course. The primary outcome was adherence to the recommended PUS. Secondary outcomes included imaging correlation with suspected Mullerian anatomy and need for intervention on the basis of imaging findings.
A total of 112 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of them, 87 (77.7%) completed a recommended post-thelarche screening PUS. There were no differences in completion on the basis of age, race, establishment with a primary care provider, insurance status, or type of ARM. Nine patients (10.3%) had findings on their PUS that did not correlate with their suspected Mullerian anatomy; five (5.7%) required intervention, with two requiring menstrual suppression, two requiring surgical intervention, and one requiring further imaging.
Most patients completed the recommended post-thelarche screening PUS. In a small subset of patients, PUS did not correlate with suspected Mullerian anatomy and generated a need for intervention. Post-thelarche PUS can be a useful adjunct in patients with ARMs to identify gynecologic abnormalities.
The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to assess postoperative narcotic use after pediatric gynecologic surgeries and establish standard postoperative opioid dosing. Through standard dosing, we hoped to decrease variability in postoperative opioid prescriptions and decrease excess opioid doses in the community.
This quality improvement project was approved by the Children's Minnesota institutional review board. Counseling on postoperative pain management was provided pre- and postoperatively. At the 2-week postoperative visit, patients were asked about the number of opioid doses used and pain control satisfaction. Baseline data were collected for 6 months, with surgeons prescribing the number of opioid doses on the basis of their personal preference. After reviewing the prescribing practices and number of doses used, standard opioid doses were established, and data collection was repeated.
Complete data were recorded for 30 cases before implementation of standard doses and for 29 cases after implementation. Standardized opioid dosing resulted in a 30% decrease in total opioid doses in circulation (252 to 176 doses; P = .014) and a 15% reduction in excess doses in circulation (162 to 137 doses). Forty-three percent of patients did not use any opioid doses. There was no significant difference (P = .8818) in patient pain control satisfaction rating.
Standard opioid dose prescribing is feasible for common pediatric gynecologic surgeries without affecting patient pain control satisfaction. Opioid dose standardization may decrease opioid circulation within the community. Approximately 2 of every 5 patients used 0 opioid doses, which suggests that a further reduction in the standard dose prescriptions is possible.
Endometriosis typically presents in postmenarchal patients with cyclic and acyclic pelvic pain. However, there are reports of endometriosis in premenarchal patients.
We report a 10-year-old individual with 46,XY difference of sex development who was found to have endometriosis at the time of laparoscopic gonadectomy for gonadoblastoma.
Although rare, endometriosis can occur in 46,XY individuals prior to puberty, highlighting the complex origin of the disease.