Bio

Bio

Dr. Goldthwaite specializes in family planning, contraception, early pregnancy management, and general gynecology. She has a particular interest in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. She is involved in medical education and clinical research. Her practice philosophy is patient centered care with a drive to help each of her patients meet their general and reproductive health goals.

Clinical Focus

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Family Planning
  • Contraception
  • Long acting reversible contraception
  • Contraceptive IUD
  • Miscarriage management
  • Early pregnancy management
  • General gynecology
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Postmenopausal bleeding
  • Preventive healthcare
  • Colposcopy
  • Hysteroscopy

Academic Appointments

Administrative Appointments

  • Co-chair of the Stanford Department of Ob/Gyn Quality Council, Stanford University School of Medicine (2018 - Present)
  • Department of Ob/Gyn Physician Improvement Leader, Stanford Improvement Capability Development Program (2017 - Present)
  • Director of the Ryan Residency Training Program in Family Planning, Stanford University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2015 - Present)

Honors & Awards

  • Award for Excellence in Faculty Teaching, Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2019)
  • Award for Outstanding Resident Teaching, Stanford University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2017)
  • Award for Outstanding OB/GYN Fellow, University of Colorado Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2015)
  • Award for Best Resident Clinical Research, Portland Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2012)
  • Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, Oregon Health and Science University (2009)

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations

  • Member, Society of Family Planning (2013 - Present)
  • Member, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2009 - Present)

Professional Education

  • Board Certification: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology (2017)
  • Fellowship: University of Colorado School of Medicine (2015) CO
  • Residency: Oregon Health and Science University (2013) OR
  • Internship: Oregon Health and Science University (2010) OR
  • Medical Education: Oregon Health and Science University (2009) OR

Contact

  • Stanford Gynecology Clinic 900 Blake Wilbur Dr Garden Level Palo Alto, CA 94304
    • Tel: (650) 725-6079
    Fax: (650) 723-6046
  • Comprehensive Women's Health Center 8011 E. Lowry Blvd. Denver, CO 80230
    • Tel: (720) 810-5442
    Fax: (303) 724-2056

Links

Publications

All Publications

  • Management of bothersome bleeding associated with progestin-based long-acting reversible contraception: a review. Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology Henkel, A., Goldthwaite, L. M. 2020

    Abstract

    PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe common bleeding patterns and treatment strategies to minimize bothersome bleeding in users of progestin-based long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).RECENT FINDINGS: Most levonorgestrel intrauterine device users will establish a favorable bleeding pattern within a year; NSAIDs are the most effective bridge to help with bothersome bleeding during that time period. Early follicular phase insertion and fundal placement are associated with more favorable early bleeding profiles. Recent studies exploring tranexamic acid, mifepristone, and tamoxifen's adjunct role show modest or no benefit. The progestin implant is associated with more persistent unpredictable bleeding disproportionately affecting women with higher etonogestrel serum levels; recent studies indicate that oral contraceptives, ulipristal acetate, and tamoxifen may all provide temporary relief.SUMMARY: Women's healthcare providers can offer patients adjunct medical therapies to minimize bothersome bleeding associated with progestin LARC use, which may result in increased satisfaction and continuation rates of these effective forms of contraception.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000664

    View details for PubMedID 32889971

  • Postpartum LARC Among the Privately Insured-Use After Preterm and Term Births Goldthwaite, L., Maric, I., Shaw, K. A., Stevenson, D. K., Shaw, G. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2020: 108S?109S

    View details for Web of Science ID 000554572900377

  • Postabortion and Postpartum Intrauterine Device Provision for Adolescents and Young Adults. Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology Peterson, S. F., Goldthwaite, L. M. 2019; 32 (5S): S30?S35

    Abstract

    Adolescents are at high risk for unintended pregnancy and rapid repeat pregnancy, both of which can be associated with negative health and social outcomes. Intrauterine device (IUD) use has been shown to decrease unintended pregnancy and rapid repeat pregnancy. Evidence supports IUD insertion postabortion and postpartum as safe and practical for nearly all women, including adolescent and young adult women. Providers of adolescent gynecology can play an important role in decreasing repeat and unintended pregnancy among adolescents by increasing access to IUDs, reducing barriers to care, and providing IUDs immediately postabortion and postpartum.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jpag.2019.05.012

    View details for PubMedID 31585616

  • Comparing bleeding patterns for the levonorgestrel 52 mg, 19.5 mg, and 13.5 mg intrauterine systems CONTRACEPTION Goldthwaite, L. M., Creinin, M. D. 2019; 100 (2): 128?31

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.contraception.2019.03.044

    View details for Web of Science ID 000476691300008

  • Injectable contraception: emerging evidence on subcutaneous self-administration. Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology Lerma, K., Goldthwaite, L. M. 2019

    Abstract

    Injectable contraception is a widely available and popular family planning method globally. It has evolved to allow for subcutaneous self-injection (DMPA-SC, Depo medroxyprogesterone acetate-subcutaneous). In this review, we will focus on research evaluating DMPA-SC, with specific regard to continuation rates, safety, and satisfaction among users.Emerging evidence from the United States, Malawi, Uganda, and Senegal has established safety and higher continuation rates among self-inject users, compared with provider-inject users. Continuation is 10-28% higher among DMPA-SC self-inject users. Self-inject users across studies were highly satisfied and reported DMPA-SC was easy to use. Studies indicate continuation is likely to be attributable to self-administration and user autonomy, rather than inherent properties of the DMPA-SC injection.DMPA-SC should be made available in high-resource and low-resource settings. Future efforts should be focused on implementation and evaluating how to best add DMPA-SC to the method mix. Cost-benefit analyses will need to evaluate the up-front costs of DMPA-SC for clients, facilities, and health systems compared with the higher continuation rates and saved opportunity-costs over time. Task-shifting strategies and development of mobile phone technologies to assist users in adherence should be considered in future service scale-up.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000574

    View details for PubMedID 31567445

  • Postpartum intrauterine devices: clinical and programmatic review AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Goldthwaite, L. M., Cahill, E. P., Voedisch, A. J., Blumenthal, P. D. 2018; 219 (3): 235?41

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.07.013

    View details for Web of Science ID 000443000400003

  • Simulation training for family planning procedures CURRENT OPINION IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY Goldthwaite, L. M., Tocce, K. 2017; 29 (6): 437?42

    Abstract

    To review the current evidence for use of simulation in family planning procedural training.A variety of simulation models exist for abortion, contraception, and sterilization procedures, ranging from low to high fidelity. Most models for abortion and contraception are low fidelity, inexpensive, and provide opportunities for acquisition and practice of procedural skills. Hysteroscopic and laparoscopic simulation models for sterilization procedures are generally higher fidelity, and their use has been shown to increase knowledge, skill performance, and procedural comfort.Existing evaluation of family planning simulation education shows consistently positive results related to improved procedural knowledge and comfort. Although some studies have shown increased provision of family planning services following simulation-training interventions, further evaluation is needed to determine the impact on clinical outcomes.

    View details for PubMedID 28915158

  • Postplacental intrauterine device expulsion by 12 weeks: a prospective cohort study AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Goldthwaite, L. M., Sheeder, J., Hyer, J., Tocce, K., Teal, S. B. 2017; 217 (6): 674.e1?674.e8

    Abstract

    An intrauterine device placed immediately following a delivery can serve as an effective and safe contraceptive strategy in the postpartum period. There is limited evidence that the levonorgestrel intrauterine system may have a higher rate of expulsion compared to the copper intrauterine device; however, rates of expulsion for these 2 intrauterine device types have not been compared directly.We sought to compare expulsion rates by 12 weeks' postpartum for the levonorgestrel intrauterine system and copper intrauterine device.We enrolled women who received postplacental intrauterine devices at 2 urban hospitals. Eligible women were ?18 years old, English- or Spanish-speaking, with singleton vaginal delivery at ?35 weeks' gestation. Intrauterine devices were inserted within 10 minutes of placental delivery by trained providers using ring forceps or the operator's hand. Intrauterine device location was evaluated via abdominal ultrasound at 24-48 hours' postpartum, and via transvaginal ultrasound 6 and 12 weeks later, categorizing position of the intrauterine device at the fundus, below the fundus but above the internal os, any part of the intrauterine device below the internal os (partial expulsion), or no intrauterine device visualized. Outcomes included intrauterine device expulsion and method continuation. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with expulsion.We enrolled 123 women ages 18-40 years. Of these, 68 (55%) initiated levonorgestrel intrauterine system and 55 (45%) initiated copper intrauterine device. Groups were similar except more copper intrauterine device users were Hispanic (66% vs 38%) and fewer were primiparous (16% vs 31%). Among the 96 (78%) with 12-week follow-up, expulsion was higher for levonorgestrel intrauterine system users (21/55 or 38%) than for copper intrauterine device users (8/41 or 20%) (odds ratio, 2.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-6.55; P = .05). At 24 hours' postpartum, there was no significant difference in median distance from the intrauterine device to the fundus between intrauterine device types or between those who did or did not experience expulsion. Of expulsions, 86% occurred ?6 weeks' postpartum. All complete expulsions were clinically identified, but of the partial expulsions, only 4/10 (40%) were clinically suspected prior to ultrasound. The only independent predictor of expulsion was intrauterine device type. Including reinsertions, intrauterine device use at 12 weeks was not significantly different for levonorgestrel intrauterine system and copper intrauterine device users (80% vs 93%; P = .14).Women initiating postplacental levonorgestrel intrauterine system are more likely to experience complete expulsion than those initiating copper intrauterine device. Using sonographic criteria results in higher expulsion rates than previously reported. It is unclear if such high expulsion rates would be identified following standard clinical practice.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.08.001

    View details for Web of Science ID 000416950700011

    View details for PubMedID 28826801

  • Family planning and the Zika era. Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology Goldthwaite, L. M., Velasquez, G. 2016; 28 (6): 499-503

    Abstract

    To review the current evidence regarding the impact of the Zika virus epidemic on pregnancy and the implications for family planning and reproductive health services for women in affected countries.In the past 2 years, over the course of the Zika epidemic, much has been learned about the virus. Specifically in regard to pregnancy, a causative relationship has been established between the Zika virus and adverse fetal outcomes, and sexual transmission of the virus has been documented. Broad recommendations by government agencies and public health officials regarding avoidance of pregnancy for women at risk of acquiring the Zika virus have theoretical and documented implications for abortion and contraception demand and access.Additional research is needed to better understand the impact of Zika virus health recommendations and advisories on women's decision making around pregnancy, as well as their impact on demand, access and safety of family planning services.

    View details for PubMedID 27787288

  • Comfort With Skills and Knowledge After Immediate Postpartum Intrauterine Device Training. Obstetrics and gynecology Goldthwaite, L. M., Sheeder, J., Teal, S. B., Tocce, K. M. 2016; 128: 6S-11S

    Abstract

    To estimate whether a standardized immediate postpartum intrauterine device (IUD) simulation results in sustained improvement in perceived comfort with procedural skills.From November 2013 to April 2015, obstetric health care providers at two teaching hospitals participated in a 30-minute immediate postpartum IUD simulation workshop and program evaluation. We assessed knowledge of indications, insertion technique, safety, and comfort with knowledge and skills preintervention immediately after and 6 months posttraining.Training participants (N=84) included 39 residents and 45 attendings (25 certified nurse-midwives and 20 obstetrician-gynecologists). Fifty-seven participants (68%) completed the 6-month assessments. Many participants had placed immediate postpartum IUDs before the training (54% of residents compared with 64% of attendings, P=.32); 60% were comfortable with their knowledge and 52% with their insertion skills defined by self-assessment of 7 or greater on a 10-point scale. On the pretest, 77% answered 80% or greater of the knowledge-based questions correctly; this proportion rose to 95% and 97% on the immediate and 6-month assessments, respectively, and were similar between residents and attendings. Immediately posttraining, 94% of participants rated their comfort with knowledge at 7 or greater out of 10; this fell to 86% by 6 months. Likewise, 87% and 74% scored their comfort with skills at 7 or greater out of 10 immediately and at 6 months, respectively. By 6 months, 81% reported placing one or more immediate postpartum IUDs(92% of residents and 71% of attendings, P=.05).Residents and attendings demonstrate sustained improvement in knowledge and comfort with immediate postpartum IUDs 6 months after a standardized simulation workshop.

    View details for PubMedID 27662005

  • Immediate postpartum provision of long-acting reversible contraception. Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology Goldthwaite, L. M., Shaw, K. A. 2015; 27 (6): 460-464

    Abstract

    The objective of this review is to describe current literature regarding the role and characteristics of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) used immediately postpartum.Copper and levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (IUDs) inserted immediately postpartum at the time of both vaginal and cesarean deliveries are associated with higher rates of continuation at 6-12 months when compared with IUDs placed at the postpartum visit (4-8 weeks after delivery), despite higher rates of expulsion. IUDs and contraceptive implants are cost-effective when used immediately postpartum, and they are associated with longer interpregnancy intervals. There is limited evidence regarding the effects of immediate postpartum LARC on breastfeeding.Use of LARC methods in the immediate postpartum period is both effective and safe, and could reduce unmet need for contraception during this time. More research is needed to explore various immediate postpartum IUD insertion methods and the effects of immediate postpartum progestin-containing LARC on breastfeeding.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000224

    View details for PubMedID 26536209

  • Insertion characteristics of intrauterine devices in adolescents and young women: success, ancillary measures, and complications AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Teal, S. B., Romer, S. E., Goldthwaite, L. M., Peters, M. G., Kaplan, D. W., Sheeder, J. 2015; 213 (4): 515.e1?5

    Abstract

    The objective of the study was to evaluate success and safety of intrauterine device (IUD) placement in a large cohort of adolescents.We examined the medical records of patients aged 13-24 years at the Children's Hospital Colorado Adolescent Family Planning Clinic with at least 1 attempt at IUD placement. We abstracted demographic, reproductive, and procedural variables. The primary outcome was successful placement at first IUD insertion visit. We compared nulliparous with parous adolescents and patients younger than 18 years with those 18 years of age and older.Between April 2009 and December 2011, 1177 adolescent women aged 13-24 years (mean age 20.8 ± 2.5 years) had an attempted IUD placement, 1012 (86%) of which were with an advanced practice clinician. The first attempt was successful for 1132 women (96.2%). The first-attempt success rate was 95.8% for nulliparous women and 96.7% for parous women (P = .45). The first-attempt success rate was 95.5% (n = 169) for women aged 13-17 years compared with 96.3% (n = 963) for women aged 18-24 years (P = .6). Only 1.8% (n = 21) of all first-attempt successful insertions required ancillary measures. Of the 45 patients with a failed first insertion attempt, 40% (n = 18) had a second attempt with a physician, of which 78% (n = 14) were successful. Within the first 6 months of IUD placement, no perforations were identified and 24 patients (3.0%) expelled the IUD. Insertion failures and IUD expulsions were not related to IUD type, age, or parity.Intrauterine devices can be inserted in nulliparous adolescents of any age with similar success to parous adolescents, by both physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Inability to provide ancillary measures such as paracervical block or cervical dilation should not limit access to this first-line contraceptive method.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.049

    View details for Web of Science ID 000361879400016

    View details for PubMedID 26116873

  • Adverse Birth Outcomes in Colorado: Assessing the Impact of a Statewide Initiative to Prevent Unintended Pregnancy AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH Goldthwaite, L. M., Duca, L., Johnson, R. K., Ostendorf, D., Sheeder, J. 2015; 105 (9): E60?E66

    Abstract

    We assessed whether living in counties with Title X clinics and increased use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in Colorado are associated with decreased risk of adverse birth outcomes.We linked Title X clinic counties to the Colorado birth data set by using the mother's county of residence. We compared low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) in 2008 and 2012, in counties with and without Title X clinics. We compared the relationship between LARC use and the incidence of LBW or PTB in 2012 for women living in counties with Title X clinics.For women living in counties with Title X clinics, the odds of PTB were significantly lower in 2012 compared with 2008 (odds ratio = 0.85; 95% confidence interval = 0.81, 0.89; interaction P = .02). For women living in Title X clinic counties in 2012, a higher proportion of LARC use (> 12.4%) was significantly associated with decreased risk of PTB (P = .02) compared with a low proportion of LARC use (? 4.96%).Improved access to family planning services and increased use of LARC are associated with lower risk of PTB.

    View details for DOI 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302711

    View details for Web of Science ID 000364322600016

    View details for PubMedID 26180990

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4539832

  • Intrauterine Device Insertion During Cesarean Delivery: The Rising Tide of the Postdelivery Intrauterine Device. Obstetrics and gynecology Blumenthal, P. D., Goldthwaite, L. M. 2015; 126 (1): 1-2

    View details for DOI 10.1097/AOG.0000000000000944

    View details for PubMedID 26241248

  • Controversies in family planning: pregnancy termination in women with uterine anatomic abnormalities CONTRACEPTION Goldthwaite, L. M., Teal, S. B. 2014; 90 (4): 460?63

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.contraception.2014.05.007

    View details for Web of Science ID 000342118000016

    View details for PubMedID 24958107

  • Early Hysteroscopic Removal of Intratubal Microinserts With Urologic Stone Retrieval Forceps OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Goldthwaite, L. M., Edwards, L., Tocce, K. 2014; 124 (2): 441?44

    Abstract

    Nickel hypersensitivity reactions can be an indication for the removal of intratubal microinserts used for hysteroscopic sterilization. Although early removal can be attempted hysteroscopically, hysteroscopic grasping forceps may be inadequate to grasp deeply positioned inserts.Three days after hysteroscopic sterilization, the patient presented with a rash consistent with a nickel hypersensitivity reaction. Ten days after placement, we successfully performed hysteroscopic removal of an intratubal microinsert with tri-prong urologic stone retrieval forceps after standard hysteroscopic grasping forceps was unable to reach the deeply positioned device. Within 36 hours of bilateral microinsert removal, all symptoms resolved.In difficult cases, 1-mm tri-prong urologic stone retrieval forceps can be useful for early hysteroscopic removal of intratubal microinserts.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/AOG.0000000000000338

    View details for Web of Science ID 000209601900013

    View details for PubMedID 25004312

  • Comparison of interventions for pain control with tenaculum placement: a randomized clinical trial CONTRACEPTION Goldthwaite, L. M., Baldwin, M. K., Page, J., Micks, E. A., Nichols, M. D., Edehnan, A. B., Bednarek, P. H. 2014; 89 (3): 229?33

    Abstract

    Although previous studies have demonstrated that a variety of local anesthetics are effective to decrease pain associated with tenaculum placement, no studies directly compare an injection with a topical anesthetic. The objective of this study was therefore to compare mean pain scores with tenaculum placement after an intracervical lidocaine injection or topical lidocaine gel.A randomized, single-blinded trial of women presenting for office gynecologic procedures that required a tenaculum. Women aged 18 years or older were randomized to receive either a 1% lidocaine intracervical injection or topical application of 2% lidocaine gel to the cervix immediately prior to tenaculum placement. The primary outcome was pain at the time of tenaculum placement, measured on a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale. Secondary outcomes included pain with the intervention and satisfaction with tenaculum placement.Seventy-four women were enrolled and randomized; 35 subjects in each group met criteria for analysis. The two groups had similar socio-demographic characteristics. Women who received the injection had lower mean pain levels at tenaculum placement [12.3 mm (S.D. 17.4 mm) versus 36.6 mm (S.D. 23.0 mm), p<.001] but higher mean pain levels with study drug application [20.4 mm (S.D. 19.4 mm) versus 5.9 mm (S.D. 8.6 mm), p<.001]. Satisfaction with tenaculum placement was similar for the two groups.Mean pain with tenaculum placement is lower after receiving a lidocaine injection than after receiving a topical lidocaine gel. Satisfaction with tenaculum placement is similar with both interventions.

    View details for PubMedID 24405796

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