The personal experience of female obstetricians and gynaecologists with contraceptive use influences the guidance and prescription of contraceptive methods: a web-survey

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the influence of the personal experience of female obstetricians and gynaecologists (Obst/Gyns) who utilise contraceptive methods on the provision of these methods. Methods An anonymous online web-based survey was carried out with female Obst/Gyns. The instrument contained questions about their current and previous contraceptive methods use, factors that influenced the choice and satisfaction with the ongoing method, as well as the occurrence of adverse events. They were also asked whether the experience of any adverse events influenced their decision in prescribing any particular contraceptive method. Results 476/9000 (5.3%) female Obst/Gyns answered the survey. The most common contraceptive in use was the 52-mg levonorgestrel-intrauterine device (52-mg LNG-IUD) (34%), followed by non-Long-Acting Reversible Contraception hormonal methods (21.2%). More than half of the respondents (57.6%) reported having some adverse effects and 18.7% reported that the personal experience of an adverse effect with the use of a contraceptive method influenced the prescription of that method. Conclusion Half of female Obst/Gyns encountered adverse events linked to contraceptive usage. Additionally, almost one-fifth believe that their own encounter with adverse effects from a contraceptive method impacts their decision to prescribe the same method.