A report on Deborah Bateson’s presentation “ASHA Oration – Distinguished Services Awardee Presentation”
This presentation outlined some very innovative contraceptive options that may be used soon. Examples are smaller IUD’s for smaller women; self-injected sub-cutaneous Depo; male contraception; and a microchip that lasts for 16 years and can be turned on and off depending on fertility desires!
Another interesting potentiality is a monthly pill taken towards the end of the menstrual cycle that has different actions dependent on the whether the woman is pregnant or not. If the woman is not pregnant then she would have a normal monthly period, however if she is pregnant then this pill would terminate the pregnancy at the very early stage, even before a woman is aware that she is pregnant. These contraceptives are not yet approved for use in Australia and some will likely meet many obstacles to becoming available.
A report on Simon Comben's presentation "Stratifying Anal Cancer Risk in Gay and Bisexual Men"
The Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer (SPANC) found that of 312 participants screened, 30-40% had High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) at baseline. Screening included anal swab for cytology and HPV DNA, followed by High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) and directed biopsy of any visual abnormalities.
A report on Deborah Williamson's presentation "Dissecting STI Transmission using Genomics"
It was fascinating to attend Dr Williamson’s presentation on using genomics to look at infections and whether they are linked to a particular outbreak by their unique DNA sequencing. Of particular concern was that Shigellosis has now been linked to a number of MSM sexual transmissions in Australia. It is caused by 2 Shigella bacteria that cause severe diarrhoea and in the past have been transmitted via the food or water in developing countries. However, there has been a change in the epidemiology in the last 15 years and it is has been found to be linked to travel and MSM sexual behaviours. Using genomics to dissect these cases in Australia, it was found that 120 cases were linked to the 1 outbreak.
A report on Lenka Vodstrcil's presentation "Sexual Behaviours and Past Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Contribute Significantly to BV Recurrence in Women Randomised to the Oral-Contraceptive Pill"
Such an interesting presentation on Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) which is a common presentation for women with symptoms in sexual health services. I have encountered many women over the years who complain of BV symptoms which often return time and time again despite being treated.
