Attitudes and prescribing patterns of extended-cycle oral contraceptives

Abstract

Background The survey was conducted to assess attitudes and patterns of health care providers (HCPs) prescribing extended regimen oral contraceptives (OCs). Study Design A prospective, anonymous, written survey that assessed attitudes and prescribed preferences of extended-cycle OCs was distributed at six educational conferences. Results An estimated 90% of the conference attendees participated in the survey. Of the 799 HCPs surveyed, 92% have recommended extended-cycle regimens with ob/gyn practitioners most likely to recommend their use (p<.05). The most commonly prescribed extended regimen remains an 84-day active pill cycle followed by a 7-day hormone-free interval (49%). The majority of HCPs (73.5%) continue to prescribe OCs which induce monthly withdrawal bleeds as their most common regimen. Conclusion While HCPs appear to be recommending extended OC regimens more often, monthly cyclic regimens are the most commonly prescribed.