Perception of oral contraception – do women think differently from gynaecologists?

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the experience and satisfaction with contraceptives and use of Combined Oral Contraceptives (COC) by women and compare their perceptions with those of gynaecologists.

Methods

This was a multicentre survey study conducted in Portugal, during April and May, 2021 with women using contraceptives and gynaecologists. Online quantitative questionnaires were carried out.

Results

A total of 1508 women and 100 gynaecologists were included. Cycle control was the pill non-contraceptive benefit most valued by gynaecologists and women. For gynaecologists, the main pill concern was the risk of thromboembolic events, but they believed that weight gain was the main concern for their patients. The pill was the most used contraceptive (70%) and women were largely (92%) satisfied. The pill was associated with health risks for 85% of users, mainly thrombosis (83%), weight gain (47%), and cancer (37%). The attributes of the pill most valued by women are contraceptive efficacy (82%), followed by low risk of thromboembolic events (68%), good cycle control (60%), non-interference with libido and mood (59%) and weight (53%).

Conclusion

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

SHORT CONDENSATION

Comparing women’s perceptions with those of gynaecologists regarding Combined Oral Contraceptives, this study showed that contrary to physicians’ beliefs, that women’s main concern is weight gain, their main concern are risks associated with contraceptives. So, physicians need to better understand what women really fear.

摘要

目的:本研究旨在评估女性对避孕药和口服避孕药(COC)的使用体验和满意度, 并将其与妇科医生的认知进行比较。方法:这是一项于2021年4月和5月在葡萄牙开展的多中心调查研究, 对象是使用避孕药的妇女和妇科医生。在线进行了定量问卷调查。结果:共纳入1508名妇女和100名妇科医生。控制周期是避孕药的非避孕益处, 最受妇科医生和女性的重视。对于妇科医生来说, 主要的担忧是血栓栓塞的风险, 但他们认为, 患者主要担忧的是体重增加。避孕药是最常用的避孕方法(70%), 大部分女性(92%)对避孕药感到满意。对85%的服药者来说, 该药物与健康风险有关, 主要是血栓形成(83%)、体重增加(47%)和癌症(37%)。女性最重视避孕药的特点是避孕效果(82%), 其次是血栓栓塞事件的低风险(68%), 良好的周期控制(60%), 不干扰性欲和情绪(59%)和体重(53%)。结论:多数女性使用避孕药, 且对避孕效果普遍满意。周期控制是妇科医生和女性最看重的非避孕益处, 这与医生对女性的看法一致。另一方面, 与医生的观点相反, 女性主要担心的是体重增加, 与避孕相关的风险。血栓栓塞事件是女性和妇科医生最重视的风险。最后, 这项研究表明, 医生需要更好地了解COC使用者真正害怕的是什么。

Keywords:

• Contraceptive pill
• epidemiology
• gynaecologist
• perception
• woman

Disclosure statement

This study was supported by Gedeon Richter Portugal, but no hospital, institution or medical doctor has received reimbursements for data collection. Daniel Pereira da Silva, M.D., is a Medical Advisor at Gedeon Richter Portugal. The remaining authors have no conflict of interests to disclose in relation to this article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by Gedeon Richter Portugal.