No images? Click here In This Issue - February 2020
MESSAGE: Dr. Gayane Hovhannisyan, MD, MPH, PhD, FRCPC, Acting Associate Medical Officer of HealthIn this issue, we would like to highlight emergency contraception (EC). About half of all pregnancies in Canada remain unplanned despite the wide availability of contraceptive methods. EC is used to prevent an unplanned pregnancy and should be used as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse (UPSI). There are two main methods of EC: hormonal emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) and post-coital insertion of a copper intrauterine device (IUD).
Intrauterine Device Copper IUD is the most effective method of EC, and should be recommended as a first-line option for most women, including those who have never given birth and adolescents.
Contraindications for insertion of Copper IUD as an EC are the same as for the routine insertion of intrauterine devices. Copper IUD has an additional benefit of ongoing contraceptive protection. Hormonal ECP Hormonal ECPs are easier to access; however, they are less effective than copper IUD. Both UPA and LNG work best if taken shortly after UPIC. They are not effective if given at the time of or after ovulation. Use of UPA is not recommended in women seeking EC because they missed their regular hormonal contraceptive pills. Women should not be discouraged from taking LNG or UPA if emergency IUD insertion is not an option. Additional Information
UPDATE: Syphilis, Chlamydia & GonorrheaChlamydia & Gonorrhea Testing Sites
Syphilis Treatment Guidelines & Medication
For more information please review the STI Resources for Health Care Providers. UPDATE: Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) & Emergency ContraceptionIntrauterine System (IUS) and Intrauterine Device (IUD) There has been an increase in request for LARC at Niagara Region Public Health’s Sexual Health Centres. LARC have higher efficacy, continuation rates and satisfaction rates with little complications and are safe for adolescents. To promote the use of LARC, the sexual health centres are selling IUDs/IUS at reduced cost. IUS is publicly funded for young adults and adolescents under OHIP+. Emergency Contraception Public Health’s Sexual Health Centres offer the following reduced-cost emergency contraception (EC):
For more information or to consult with a Public Health Nurse around diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, please contact the Sexual Health Centre at 905-688-3817. UPDATE: Now Available - Vaping, E-Cigarettes & Cannabis Evidence SummariesOntario Health recently released Evidence Summaries for Cannabis, cannabinoids and vaping products, including e-cigarettes for primary care providers. The evidence summaries provide key messages and summarize the current available evidence on cannabis and vaping. REVIEW: Respiratory SurveillanceSurveillance Update: Moderate Influenza Activity
For more detail or the most recent data, please visit Public Health Ontario’s page for the Ontario Respiratory Pathogen Bulletin. MEDICAL ADVISORIES & MEMOS: February 2020 Medical Advisories:
Receive Medical Advisories and Memos electronically from Niagara Region Public Health - subscribe here. |