M J Rosenberg1, M S Waugh. 1. Health Decisions, Inc., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27514, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to define the frequency and reasons for oral contraceptive discontinuation and subsequent contraceptive behavior. STUDY DESIGN: A nationwide prospective study of 1657 women initiating or switching to the use of a new contraceptive from private practices, clinics, and a health maintenance organization was performed. RESULTS: Six months after a new oral contraceptive prescription, 68% of new starts and 84% of switchers still used oral contraceptives. Of women who discontinued, 46% did so because of side effects, whereas 23% had no continuing need. More than four fifths of women who discontinued oral contraceptives but remained at risk of unintended pregnancy either failed to adopt another method or adopted a less effective method. Fifteen percent of women who discontinued oral contraceptives resumed their use within the 7-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Counseling should emphasize the possibility of side effects, stressing the fact that most will be transient, and the need to identify a backup method. Follow-up visits should be scheduled for 1 to 2 months after a prescription is written.
OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to define the frequency and reasons for oral contraceptive discontinuation and subsequent contraceptive behavior. STUDY DESIGN: A nationwide prospective study of 1657 women initiating or switching to the use of a new contraceptive from private practices, clinics, and a health maintenance organization was performed. RESULTS: Six months after a new oral contraceptive prescription, 68% of new starts and 84% of switchers still used oral contraceptives. Of women who discontinued, 46% did so because of side effects, whereas 23% had no continuing need. More than four fifths of women who discontinued oral contraceptives but remained at risk of unintended pregnancy either failed to adopt another method or adopted a less effective method. Fifteen percent of women who discontinued oral contraceptives resumed their use within the 7-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Counseling should emphasize the possibility of side effects, stressing the fact that most will be transient, and the need to identify a backup method. Follow-up visits should be scheduled for 1 to 2 months after a prescription is written.
Entities:
Keywords:
Americas; Contraception; Contraception Termination--women; Contraceptive Methods; Contraceptive Usage--women; Developed Countries; Family Planning; North America; Northern America; Oral Contraceptives; Research Report; United States; Women
Authors: Huib A A M Van Vliet; David A Grimes; Laureen M Lopez; Kenneth F Schulz; Frans M Helmerhorst Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2011-11-09
Authors: Laura B Epstein; Karen Sokal-Gutierrez; Susan L Ivey; Tina Raine; Colette Auerswald Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2008-03-10 Impact factor: 5.012