Thinking outside the box: meeting the sexual health needs of women presenting for emergency contraception.
This was a retrospective audit of sexual health screening and advice for long-term contraception in 174 and 993 women attending genitourinary (GU) medicine and contraceptive services (CS), respectively, for emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) over a 21-month period (April 2007-September 2008). Assessment and screening for sexually transmitted infection (including HIV) were more comprehensive at GU medicine (78% offered screening at GU medicine versus 17% at CS) while contraceptive management was more complete at CS (ongoing contraception discussed in 99% at CS versus 78% at GU medicine). Follow-up was seldom recommended or attended. Local HIV prevalence necessitates a more pro-active approach to HIV testing. Women requesting EHC present to a variety of clinical settings, each with their own areas of expertise. In an age of integrated sexual and reproductive health, these women deserve a holistic approach to care.
Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester, NHS Trusts, Leicester, UK. janetmekong@yahoo.co.nz
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Garley
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MacNamara
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Moses
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Oloto
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D034121:Reproductive Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control