Perception of oral contraception – do women think differently from gynaecologists?: The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care: Vol 0, No 0

Purpose

This study aims to assess the experience and satisfaction with contraceptives and the use of Combined Oral Contraceptives (COC) by women and compare their views with gynecologists.

Method

This is a multicentre survey study conducted in Portugal, in April and May, 2021 among women using contraceptives and gynecologists. Online quantitative questionnaires were conducted.

Results

A total of 1508 women and 100 gynecologists were included. Cycle control is the pill non-contraceptive benefit most valued by gynecologists and women. For gynecologists, the main concern with the pill is the risk of thromboembolic events, but they believe that weight gain is the main concern for their patients. The pill is the most used contraceptive (70%) and women are mostly (92%) satisfied. The pill was associated with health risks for 85% of users, mainly thrombosis (83%), weight gain (47%), and cancer (37%). The characteristics of the pill most valued by women are contraceptive efficacy (82%), followed by low risk of thromboembolic events (68%), good cycle control (60%), does not interfere with libido and mood (59 %) and weight (53%).

Conclusion

Most women use the contraceptive pill and are generally satisfied with their contraceptive. Cycle control is the most important non-contraceptive benefit for gynecologists and women, agreeing with physicians’ beliefs about women. On the other hand, contrary to the beliefs of physicians, that women’s main concern is weight gain, women are mainly concerned with the risks associated with contraceptives. Thromboembolic events are the most important risk for women and gynecologists. Finally, this study indicates the need for physicians to better understand what COC users really fear.

• SHORT CONDENSATION

• Comparing women’s views with gynecologists about Combined Oral Contraceptives, this study showed that contrary to physicians’ beliefs, that women’s main concern is weight gain, their main concern is the risk associated with contraceptives. So, physicians need to better understand what women really fear.