EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CONTRACEPTION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE

Rejecting the contraceptive pill. Times are changing faster than physicians' minds: Gen Z's pledge to be listened to
Cetera GE, Punzi MC and Boero V
The conflict between Gen Zs and Baby Boomers is becoming evident also in the choice of contraception. In the last decades Western countries have witnessed a considerable drop in the number of women taking combined oral contraceptives and a simultaneous surge in the use of non-hormonal methods of contraception. Authors have attributed such trend to the dissatisfaction with side effects of hormonal contraceptives as well as to hormone hesitancy, which appears to be amplified by social media. However, blaming unscientific sources of information, as well as the supposed reduced literacy of those who resort to such polarised and incomplete evidence, may be a form of simplification. We believe there exists a number of literate young women who are far from 1) the recent far-right backlash against hormonal contraception; 2) online promoters of 'hormonophobia'; and 3) advocates of excessive 'healthism'; women who are no longer keen to endure the impact hormonal contraception has on their body for the sole sake of preventing pregnancy. Boomers' daughters are asking for a type of effective contraception which 1) is free of disturbing side effects on mental health and sexuality, which probably the previous generation was willing to endure in the name of self-determination; 2) has less of an impact on women's bodies' functioning. It is urgent physicians start taking into account the needs of this generation. Personalising treatment and empathising with their critical view may promote research towards forms of contraception that are perceived by women as less invasive and aligned with their values.
High inhibition ratio and transformation index of 2 mg dienogest: further evidence for its use in endometriosis treatment
Pinto PV, Barretta M and Grandi G
Endometriosis is a common, chronic disease with a high burden for women, characterised by the implantation of endometrial cells outside the uterus. Many different treatments have been proposed for this disease, mainly hormonal, with the objective of inducing amenorrhoea and a hypoestrogenic environment. Dienogest (DNG), a fourth-generation progestin, has received approval for the treatment of endometriosis in many countries. Its pharmacological properties make it especially attractive for the treatment of this disease. Several trials demonstrated the clinical efficacy in managing endometriosis-associated pain, preventing symptoms, and reducing lesion recurrence. Its efficacy has been proven both for deep infiltrative endometriosis and ovarian endometriosis, and its long-term safety and tolerability are also well established. Recently, the inhibition ratio and the transformation index for progestins have been proposed. DNG at the used dose of 2 mg/daily, with a transformation index of around 933% and a cyclical inhibition ratio of 200%, appears to have very specific progestin properties, unique among different molecules of the same groups, reinforcing its leading role in the treatment of endometriosis.
Exploring the dual potential of Novel vaginal contraceptive pH regulator spermicide for STI prevention
Dilbaz B and Ates C
Consensus conference results on contraception in women beyond 40 years of age
Cagnacci A, Fruzzetti F, Bruni V, Gambera A, Guida M, Bonaccorsi G, Londero AP and
The objective is to develop expert consensus to inform clinical decision-making in the use of hormonal contraceptives in women over 40 years of age. A multidisciplinary panel organised by the Italian Society of Contraception performed a systematic literature review up to October 2024, defining the priorities in the choice of a contraceptive and its effects on cardiovascular risk, menstrual bleeding, bone health, and sexual function associated with hormonal contraception in women over 40. Statements summarising the findings were discussed and refined in a dedicated expert meeting. Final statements were presented and subjected to anonymous voting at a national congress, where consensus was defined as a minimum of 75% agreement. Ninety-five to ninety-nine percent of participants endorsed seven consensus statements. Cardiovascular safety is recognised as the primary factor in the selection of contraceptives. The use of progestogen-only methods is considered safe for cardiovascular risk. Combined hormonal contraceptives utilising natural oestrogens or 20 mcg ethynylestradiol in conjunction with non-androgenic progestins are considered more advantageous for the cardiovascular risk profile. The levonorgestrel intrauterine device, oestradiol valerate/dienogest, and the combined contraceptive vaginal ring are identified as the most effective options for menstrual management. The type of hormone and its route of administration can influence sexual function, with implants and vaginal rings showing positive effects. Combined hormonal contraceptives demonstrate protective effects on bone density, whereas progestogen-only methods exhibit a neutral impact. This Italian consensus provides evidence-based guidance on hormonal contraceptive choices for women over 40, incorporating non-contraceptive effects to support individualised care during perimenopause.
Conservative management of enhanced myometrial vascularity (EMV) after a first trimester miscarriage or termination of pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study
Bertucci E, Sileo FG, Tramontano AL, Varliero F, Danieli A, Grandi G, Alboni C, La Marca A and Savelli L
To evaluate the spontaneous resolution time, need for rehospitalization or surgical management during conservative management in women diagnosed with Enhanced Myometrial Vascularity (EMV) after first-trimester miscarriage or termination of pregnancy (TOP) and to evaluate the different evolution between women with or without associated retained products of conception (RPOC).
Asked but not received: postpartum contraception access in opioid-using pregnant patients
Root ER, Farabee EA, Byrket KB, Jatczak JM, Franklin T, Kline J, Tonismae T and Miller EE
To identify differences between desired and received postpartum contraception in opioid-using pregnant patients.
Inpatient postpartum contraception provision among individuals with opioid use disorder in Maine, 2016-2023
Gelsinger C, O'Connor AB and Ahrens KA
To compare trends in inpatient postpartum (IPP) long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and permanent contraception provision among women with and without opioid use disorder (OUD) in Maine, which has recently seen a decrease in prevalence of maternal OUD.
Young women's experiences with their first contraceptive consultation in general practice: a Dutch mixed methods study
Olofsen S, Knibbeler R, Barnhoorn PC, van der Vlugt I and van Ditzhuijzen J
This mixed-methods study investigated young women's experiences with the first contraception consultation with their general practitioners (GPs), including their expectations beforehand.
One-year clinical experience on the thromboembolic safety profile of the first prolonged release combined oral contraceptive containing 2 mg dienogest and 0.02 mg ethinyl-oestradiol
Grandi G, Wiegratz I, Muñoz A, Colli E, Angulo A and Regidor PA
The introduction of a prolonged-release combined oral contraceptive (COC) with 2 mg dienogest (DNG) and 0.02 mg ethinyl-oestradiol (EE) in a 24/4 daily regimen in over 17 countries between 2024 and 2025 has been the result of extensive pharmaceutical research and clinical development. The high level of acceptability of this novel formulation is due to its reliable contraceptive efficacy and cycle control.
Improving access to postpartum contraception - a review of global guidelines with ESCRH consensus recommendations for Europe
Bombas T, Cameron S, Farris M, Furau C, Banovic M, Quílez JC and Grandi G
Contraceptive counselling should be an integral component of pregnancy care. The antenatal period represents a critical window of opportunity to discuss postpartum contraceptive options, enabling women to make informed reproductive health decisions. The evidence clearly demonstrates the importance of timely counselling and provision of effective postpartum contraception to optimise interpregnancy intervals and prevent unintended pregnancies and abortions. Routine antenatal counselling has been shown to be a feasible and effective alternative to traditional postnatal follow-up - which typically occurs several weeks after childbirth, often within the primary care setting -, and the woman's preferred contraceptive method should be provided before hospital discharge following delivery whenever possible. This study provides a narrative review and comparison of the most recent global guidelines on postpartum contraception and proposes recommendations for Europe based on a European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESCRH) consensus.
Hypertension and smoking as contraindications to combined hormonal contraception but not to postmenopausal hormone therapy: but natural oestrogens (oestradiol and estetrol) are the same!
Grandi G and Versailles JBE
Contraception for adolescent and young women. A consensus conference results
Fruzzetti F, Cagnacci A, Farris M, Dei M, Caruso S, Fidecicchi T, Di Paolo G, Londero AP and
This consensus aimed to establish a consensus on hormonal contraception for adolescents and young women by synthesising current evidence and expert opinions, ultimately forming an evidence-based framework to guide clinical decision-making for methods approved in Italy.
Contraceptive implants removal: a simple and quick procedure in a nonspecialized family planning clinic
Soares JTP, Marcelino AC, da Cunha Pereira P, Espejo-Arce X, Bahamondes L and Juliato CRT
Most studies on contraceptive implant removal come from specialised centres, with limited data from general clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate difficulties in single-rod implant removal in a nonspecialized clinic.
Gaps in person-centered abortion care in Italy: a cross-sectional study of women's experiences
Obwegs A, Brioschi M, Rossato G, Rizzi M, Brigo F, Turcato G and Zaboli A
Induced abortion (IA) is a key aspect of healthcare, yet women often face barriers related to access and quality of care. This study explored the care needs and perceptions of women who underwent non-therapeutic medical or surgical IA within 12 + 6 weeks of gestation in Italy.
Outcomes of medical abortion with an intrauterine device a retrospective review
Marsh K and Cameron ST
There is a lack of evidence on the outcomes of medical abortion with an intrauterine device (IUD) . Guidelines recommend IUD removal prior to medical abortion, but retrieval is not always possible. This study examines the outcomes of medical abortion (< 12 weeks) in women where the IUD was removed prior to abortion and those where it remained .
From hesitancy to hope: charting India's path to widespread HPV immunisation
Khastgir G, Saha PK and Bagga R
Cervical cancer remains the leading gynaecological malignancy in India, with a disproportionate burden among underserved populations. Although HPV vaccines have been available since 2008, national coverage has been hindered by safety concerns, misinformation, sociocultural resistance, and logistical barriers.
Family planning and contraception in women of reproductive age with systemic lupus erythematosus: a narrative review
de Almeida Pereira M, Skare T and Nisihara R
Systemic lupus erythematosus primarily affects women of reproductive age and is associated with increased maternal and foetal risks. Effective family planning is essential to prevent unplanned pregnancies and optimise outcomes. This narrative review aims to analyse the impact of SLE and its treatments on menstrual function, fertility, and contraceptive safety.
Advancing access, evidence, and equity in abortion care
Gemzell Danielsson K
The impact of hormonal intrauterine device use on health-related quality of life in women with a history of venous thromboembolism: a systematic review
Chagas J, Almeida Oliveira J, Oliveira ECF, Braga Andrade Martins G, Ribeiro de Oliveira F, Ribeiro DD and Rocha ALL
To systematically review the available evidence on changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for contraception or menstrual bleeding management in women with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), regardless of anticoagulant use.
Improving the quality of life for patients undergoing treatment for venous thromboembolism is essential
Londero AP, Bariallari G and Cagnacci A
Emergency contraception in Swiss pharmacies - clients' experiences and needs
Spinatsch E, Schwitter C, Kälin J and Allemann SS
This study examines women's experiences and needs regarding oral emergency contraception (EC) counselling and dispensing in Swiss pharmacies, a key service to prevent unplanned pregnancies after unprotected sexual intercourse.