Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to investigate the use and efficacy of fertility tracking applications as a natural contraceptive method since there has been a worldwide increase in the development and use of applications that monitor the menstrual cycle and fertility window. An anonymous online survey had been conducted in order to achieve this goal, and a total of 375 married women from Jordan responded to our survey.
Recent findings: Topics discussed include fertility awareness-based methods (FAM) of contraception in which mobile applications fall into, and their efficacy and failure rates, comparing them with other methods of contraception while taking into account the typical and perfect use of each method. Motivation has also been looked at as a factor affecting the efficacy of FAM and advantages/disadvantages of this method were discussed. The prevalence of mobile applications that monitor fertility signs and their expected increased use over the next years was also discussed.
Summary: The use of fertility tracking applications is not uncommon amongst sexually active women in reproductive age, and the majority of users rely on them to track their fertility window. However, the efficacy of such applications as a method of contraception is not high and there is a significant failure rate especially if used alone. It is worth noting that 50% of women who reported failure relied solely on mobile applications and fertility window assessment without using other methods of contraception, and thus we advise women to use more reliable methods of contraception and not rely solely on such applications.
Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of gender-affirming hormone therapy, including the various hormone regimens available, the efficacy and potential risks of these treatments, and considerations for surveillance and long-term care.
Recent findings: Recent studies reaffirm that hormone therapy has positive physical and psychological effects for many transgender individuals. The overall risks of treatment are low. Transgender women may have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and breast cancer based on recent cohort studies, but these findings have yet to be confirmed with randomized controlled trials. Important long-term considerations include metabolic, cardiovascular, and skeletal health.
Summary: High-quality, long-term studies on the effectiveness and safety of various gender-affirming hormone treatment regimens are lacking, but the currently available evidence suggests that it is overall safe and effective with appropriate oversight.
Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to discuss the most up to date research on endometriosis and chronic disease risk, highlighting the role treatments for endometriosis may play in these associations.
Recent findings: Previous studies have shown a consistent association between endometriosis and risk for epithelial ovarian cancer but the association with other cancers is less clear. Current research indicates that endometriosis may in be associated with risk of systemic lupus erythematosus, and potentially other autoimmune diseases. Limited evidence is also present for the association between endometriosis and cardiovascular disease and related conditions (e.g,. hypertension, hypercholesterolemia). A potential explanation for a portion of the increased risk of chronic diseases among women with endometriosis may relate to treatments for endometriosis impacting these outcomes.
Summary: Given the prevalence of endometriosis, understanding the relation between endometriosis and other chronic diseases has the potential to impact the health of many women. However, few high-quality studies with limited biases and adequate follow-up currently exist. Future multi-disciplinary research in prospective cohorts, with ample follow-up time, and detailed information on endometriosis characteristics and treatment is critical to advancing our understanding of this disease and its consequences.
Purpose of review: Hormonal contraception provides women living with HIV the ability to control their fertility and avoid pregnancy-related morbidity. Due to shared metabolic pathways, there has been concern over drug-drug interactions between hormonal contraception and anti-retroviral therapy, which may affect the drugs' safety and efficacy. This article aims to provide an updated review of the most recent data around hormonal contraceptives and anti-retroviral therapy.
Recent findings: Prior data have suggested possible pharmacologic interactions between certain hormonal contraceptives and anti-retroviral therapy. The most significant interactions implicated include those between progestin-based contraceptive implants and efavirenz as well as between combined hormonal contraceptives and protease inhibitors. Most past studies, however, feature small sample sizes with few clinical outcomes reported.
Summary: Recent data since 2017 have largely affirmed prior studies on this topic, showing possible pharmacokinetic relationships between certain contraceptives and anti-retrovirals. Notably, while the effectiveness of progestin-based contraceptives, specifically the implant, appears reduced with efavirenz use, the overall effectiveness may remain higher than most other contraceptive methods. Larger studies are needed to provide further guidance before contraceptive-prescribing recommendations can be changed.
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