Hypothesis / aims of study Sex hormones have a pronounced effect on arginine vasopressin (AVP), and therefore on the diurnal water homeostasis. The structural resemblance of oxytocin to AVP has likewise led to speculations of a possible additive antidiuretic effect of oxytocin (1). Prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) counteracts the effect of AVP on water reabsorption and will be elevated when the concent...

Since the recent publication of our study on the comparative effectiveness of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) in relation to progestogen type, length of pill-free interval and body mass index (BMI) during typical clinical use,1 we have received requests for further information. Specifi cally, we were asked if adolescents, who are known to have higher missed pill rates and thus higher uninte...

OBJECTIVE To test the effect of oral contraceptives (OCs) in combination with interferon β (IFN-β) on disease activity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). METHODS One hundred fifty women with RRMS were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive IFN-β-1a subcutaneously (SC) only (group 1), IFN-β-1a SC plus ethinylstradiol 20 μg and desogestrel 150 μg (group 2), or IFN-β...

PURPOSE Due to the scarce information available in Brazil in relation to the number of women who initiated the use of combined oral contraceptives and prematurely discontinued, the objective was to assess the reasons for discontinuation of the use of several combined oral contraceptives among Brazilian women living in urban areas. METHODS A cross-sectional study with 400 gynecologists registe...

OBJECTIVE To compare the risk of non-fatal venous thromboembolism in women receiving oral contraceptives containing drospirenone with that in women receiving oral contraceptives containing levonorgestrel. DESIGN Nested case-control and cohort study. SETTING The study was based on information from PharMetrics, a United States based company that collects information on claims paid by managed ...

The cell-mediated immune system function was studied both in vitro and in vivo in 20 healthy women who had been taking combined oral contraceptives for an average of 2.8 years. All patients received intradermal injections of a 1/100 dilution of Candida albicans, a 1/100 dilution of mumps skin test antigen, a 1/10 dilution of tetanus toxoid fluid, and a 1/200 dilution of phytohemagglutinin-P. ...

Combined oral contraceptives (COC) are the most often used treatment modality for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Undisputedly, COC suppress androgen production, thus ameliorating skin androgenic symptoms and improving menstrual dysfunction. On the other hand, there are still many unresolved issues concerning their metabolic effects. COC could decrease insulin sensitivity and deteriorate gluc...

Since the recent publication of our study on the comparative effectiveness of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) in relation to progestogen type, length of pill-free interval and body mass index (BMI) during typical clinical use,1 we have received requests for further information. Specifi cally, we were asked if adolescents, who are known to have higher missed pill rates and thus higher uninte...

Background Adoption of contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices has been less than might be expected given their superior efficacy and convenience. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge and beliefs held by women, which may influence their contraceptive choices and theirongoing utilization of contraceptive methods. Methods English speaking, nonpregnant, reproductive-age wome...