Introduction. Teen pregnancy in the Philippines is a public health concern. Contraception is viewed as key in controlling teen pregnancy brought by early sexual initiation. Unfortunately, among sexually active teenage girls, 68.7% are not using any form of contraception. Objectives. The study determined the predictors of Family Planning practice among teen mothers in Manila; specifically, regarding knowledge and attitude towards family planning, and social and informational support. Methods. The study utilized a descriptive correlational design. Purposive sampling was used for a target sample size of 188 teenage mothers from the City of Manila. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Multiple regression was employed to determine predictors of FP practice. Results. Of the 163 teenage mothers who participated, less than one-third (30.7%) were currently using a family planning method. Teen mothers who had two or more pregnancies were four times more likely to report FP practice, and those who received informational support on FP were six times more likely to report FP practice. Conclusion. The rate of FP practice among teen mothers is low. A comprehensive assessment of the physical, psychosocial, and environmental factors that impact teen mothers should be further studied.
Pregnancy in Adolescence ; Adolescent ; Family Planning Services ; Contraception

Female ; Pregnancy ; Humans ; Abortion, Induced ; Abortion, Spontaneous ; Contraception ; Telemedicine

Introduction: Unsafe abortion is one of the major medical and public health problems in developing countries. However, there is a lack of up‑to‑date and reliable information on induced abortion distribution and its determinant factors in the country Objectives: This study determined the sociodemographic and clinical profile of women admitted for abortion at a tertiary government hospital in Cebu city from 2013‑2017 Methods: This study reviewed the charts in medical records of women diagnosed with abortion admitted at a government tertiary hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 with key words “abortion” in the final diagnosis Results: The results of this study showed that 86% of patients who had induced abortion discharged improved from this institution, 2 patients died due to medical complications and 12% were discharged against medical advice. Majority of abortions were within early ages of gestation. Primigravidas and primiparas had the highest incidence of induced abortion 20.44% and 27.73%respectively. Of the treatments employed, the major method of abortion employed was mechanical. Majority of induced abortions did not develop septic complications Conclusion The trend in admission of induced abortions from 2013 to 2017 showed a downward trend. This decrease in incidence may be attributed to improved access to family planning methods since the Reproductive Health Law was implemented in 2014 and the introduction of the Maternal Perinatal Statistics quarterly conferences headed by Department of Health (DOH) Region 7 and the different DOH‑retained hospitals as well as BEMONC/SEMONC facilities in Cebu Province. 17. These statistical events focuses the spotlight on the importance of health education and further improvement in the provision of health care in the local setting. Moreover, further improvement in post abortive care and adequate coverage should be provided to patients with abortion to reduce the incidence of complications and potential mortality
Contraception ; Abortion, Induced

Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecologic condition in women during the reproductive period. Severe dysmenorrhea pain affects their social activities, sleep, and quality of life. Nevertheless, the proportion of women with dysmenorrhea do not receive adequate medical counseling or pharmacological treatments. Primary dysmenorrhea is diagnosed clinically, and the secondary causes that can cause pelvic pain should be identified. The treatment of choice for primary dysmenorrhea is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In order to maximize the therapeutic effect, it is necessary to ensure that the appropriate medication is administered in a proper way. NSAIDs can cause adverse effects, including gastrointestinal disorders. If side effects occur or are anticipated with NSAIDs, the use of hormonal contraceptives may be recommended when contraception is considered. In addition to these pharmacological treatments, heat, dietary, and behavioral therapies have been tried and reported to have some effects. However, further research is required for robust conclusions.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; Contraception ; Contraceptive Agents ; Counseling ; Dysmenorrhea ; Female ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Menstruation ; Pelvic Pain ; Quality of Life ; Reproduction

Testosterone has a variety of functions and is commonly used in older men to treat symptoms of hypogonadism, such as decreased libido, decreased mood and erectile dysfunction. Despite its positive effects on sexual function, it has a negative effect on fertility. Exogenous testosterone therapy can negatively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis and inhibit the production of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. The purpose of this review is to discuss the contraceptive properties of testosterone therapy and to discuss strategies to increase testosterone in men with the desire to preserve fertility.
Contraception ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Family Planning Services ; Fertility* ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; Gonads ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; Infertility ; Libido ; Luteinizing Hormone ; Male ; Testosterone*

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is secreted from the hypothalamus and anti-GnRH antibodies are not formed under normal conditions. However, administration an excess of recombinant GnRH protein results in the formation of anti-GnRH. We evaluated the efficacy of the recombinant Salmonella typhimurium flagellin fljB (STF2)-GnRH vaccine in inducing infertility in 17 intact male cats. The first vaccination and a boosting vaccine was injected for examination. Serum was obtained from blood collected at monthly intervals and anti-GnRH antibodies and testosterone concentrations were determined. Six months after the vaccination, testicular samples are obtained and used for histological examination. Compared with sham control group, the injection groups showed an increase in anti-GnRH antibody titers and testosterone concentrations tended to be reduced in the injection groups and increased in the control group. Histological evaluations and Johnsen's testicular biopsy scores revealed testicular hypoplasia in the 2 injection groups. Consequently, normal sexual maturation with sperm production was observed in the control group. In contrast, the cats that received the GnRH vaccine showed weak (2 of 7 cats) or moderate (4 out of 7 cats) dose-dependent infertility effects. On the basis of the results, the STF2-GnRH vaccine was identified to be effective in inducing infertility in male cats. The results of this study thus indicate the possibility of immunological castration targeting feral cats.
Animals ; Antibodies ; Biopsy ; Castration ; Cats ; Contraception, Immunologic ; Fertility Agents ; Flagellin ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone ; Humans ; Hypothalamus ; Infertility ; Male ; Salmonella typhimurium ; Sexual Maturation ; Spermatozoa ; Testis ; Testosterone ; Vaccination ; Vaccines

OBJECTIVE: This study attempts to gauge the necessity of contraceptive education for women defecting from North Korea (NKDWs). METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with six NKDWs who had lived in the Republic of Korea (ROK) for more than three years, to understand the subjects' perceptions, experiences, and opinions regarding contraception. Thematic analyses were performed using qualitative data provided in the survey results. RESULTS: Before their defections from North Korea, none of the NKDWs had received any sex education. Loop is the only contraceptive method available to married women in ROK. After defection, NKDWs were provided information about contraceptive options available in China, but they could not fully understand this information. Furthermore, the information they received was not accurate. Thus, NKDWs had a high need for contraceptive sex education. As per our survey, their preferred education method was at least 3 lessons plus 1 : 1 counseling, as necessary. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that a necessity exists for development of a sex education program for NKDWs to enhance their contraceptive knowledge. Thus, government and health managers have a role to play in developing such a program.
China ; Contraception ; Contraceptives, Oral ; Counseling ; Democratic People's Republic of Korea ; Education ; Female ; Humans ; Methods ; Republic of Korea ; Sex Education ; Women's Health

PURPOSE: To determine association of contraceptive knowledge, sexual double standard, and contraceptive self-efficacy among unmarried women in their 30s and 40s. METHODS: With a survey design, data were collected from 119 unmarried women in their 30s and 40s in G city of Korea from September 2017 to March 2018. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: Contraceptive knowledge, sexual double standard, and contraceptive self-efficacy scores of participants were 8.97±2.22, 18.54±5.57, and 45.84 ± 6.90, respectively. Contraceptive self-efficacy was negatively correlated with sexual double standard. Factors influencing contraceptive self-efficacy were sexual double standard (β =−.26, p=.003), existence of boyfriend (β=.25, p=.004), and contraceptive education need for adults (β=.17, p=.044). They explained 19% of contraceptive self-efficacy of participants. CONCLUSION: To increase contraceptive self-efficacy of unmarried women in their 30s and 40s, lowering sexual double standard and developing customized contraceptive education according to age and knowledge level are needed. Research on factors related to contraceptive self-efficacy of unmarried women in their 30s and 40s from various regions are also needed in the future.
Adult ; Contraception ; Education ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Self Efficacy ; Single Person

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and determinants of folic acid supplementation among women referred to community health centers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 325 women referred to community health centers. The subjects were selected from 8 community health centers, using a stratified sampling technique. Data regarding demographics, socioeconomic status, obstetrics, folic acid supplementation status, and household food security status were obtained via questionnaires. The data was analyzed in SPSS v22. RESULTS: The prevalence of folic acid supplementation both before and during pregnancy was 54.5%. The results of the study showed that folic acid supplementation had a significant positive association with education level (odds ratio [OR],0 .441; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.199–0.977; P<0.05), being employed (OR, 0.353; 95% CI, 0.148–0.840; P<0.05), and planned pregnancy (OR, 18.113; 95% CI, 7.371–44.51; P<0.001). However, other variables, including age, husband's age, husband's education and employment status, the number of prior pregnancies, economic satisfaction, and household food security, were nonsignificant factors affecting folic acid supplementation. CONCLUSION: Women with lower socioeconomic status are less likely to take folic acid supplements, and more effort should be made to increase their awareness of the importance of supplementation. Unplanned pregnancy is another strong risk factor for not supplementing with folic acid, and thus should be avoided.
Community Health Centers ; Contraception ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Demography ; Education ; Employment ; Family Characteristics ; Family Planning Services ; Female ; Folic Acid ; Food Supply ; Humans ; Obstetrics ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Unplanned ; Prevalence ; Referral and Consultation ; Risk Factors ; Social Class

PURPOSE: To determine associations of traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with sexual autonomy and identify factors influencing sexual autonomy among female university students of North Korean defectors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed with a total of 103 female students who completed a structured online self-report survey from January 7 to March 31, 2018. This study was conducted using questionnaires on interpersonal trauma scale, the Traumatic Scale for North Korean Refugees (TSNKR), and sexual autonomy measurement for college students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression with SPSS WIN 23.0 program. RESULTS: Traumatic events, PTSD, and sexual autonomy scores were 3.96±3.07, 31.47±10.75, and 52.66±6.89, respectively. PTSD was positively correlated with traumatic events (r=.22, p=.030). Sexual autonomy was inversely correlated with PTSD (r=−.25, p=.010). Contraceptive use, PTSD, and voluntary sexual debut explained 26% of sexual autonomy of participants. CONCLUSION: To improve sexual autonomy of young women from North Korea, reproductive intervention programs including contraception, sexual assertiveness training, and psychoeducation to reduce PTSD need to be developed and implemented.
Assertiveness ; Contraception ; Democratic People's Republic of Korea ; Female ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Personal Autonomy ; Refugees ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic ; Stress Disorders, Traumatic