Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology
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J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol · May 2000
Do they, don't they, or why haven't they?. Contraceptive use patterns among inner-city sexually active female adolescents
Background: Female adolescents frequently practice unprotected vaginal intercourse leading to nearly 1 million unintended pregnancies and 3 million sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) a year. Qualitative reasons for three contraceptive use patterns were explored. Contraceptive use patterns were quantified and correlated with gynecologic history. ⋯ However, those subjects who stopped taking the pill reported "kept forgetting" and "they made me sick" as other reasons for stopping. "Prevent pregnancy" was by far the most common reason for still using pills and Depo-Provera, while for condoms "prevent STDs" was cited with equal frequency to "prevent pregnancy." Having regular or no periods were frequent reasons for ongoing use of pills and Depo-Provera, respectively. Depo-Provera users also reported "don't have to worry about missing a pill" as a major reason for continuing use. Conclusions: Understanding the reasons why adolescents never use, stop using, or continue to use a particular method of contraception may provide a focus for more effective counseling.
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J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol · May 2000
47,Xxx in an adolescent with premature ovarian failure and autoimmune disease
Background: Premature ovarian failure (POF) is often associated with autoimmune disorders. The 47,XXX karyotype has also been associated with POF and other genitourinary abnormalities. Following is a case of a 17 year old with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), POF, 47, XXX and a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA). ⋯ To date, she has developed no further symptoms, and does not meet criteria for a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosis. Conclusions: A 47,XXX karyotype was found in a 17 year old with POF and ITP with a positive ANA. The presence of known autoimmune disease in a woman with POF should not dissuade the physician from evaluating for a potential genetic cause.