Contraceptive counselling and self-prescription of contraceptives of German gynaecologists: results of a nationwide survey

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the attitude toward contraceptive methods of gynaecologists who, in Germany, are the sole prescribers of contraceptives.

METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was sent to 9545 gynaecologists inquiring about factors involved in their prescription of contraceptives, the contraceptives they preferred, and those they would recommend to their daughter, if they had one.

RESULTS: The response rate of this survey was 21% (N = 2016). The combined oral contraceptive (COC) was the most commonly prescribed method followed by the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), the vaginal ring, the progestin-only pill (POP), the patch, and the progestin-only injectables. Of the respondents 51% would never prescribe the patch and 45% would never prescribe the hormonal implant at all; 61% would choose the LNG-IUS for themselves/for their partner; 18% would opt for a COC and 8% for the vaginal ring. Concerning their imaginary daughter, 71% would prefer a COC, 26% the ring, and 9% the LNG-IUS. The first counselling session lasted 13.8 ± 4.9 min, and the provision of information on the occasion of following visits 6.6 ± 3.2 min.

CONCLUSION: The contraceptives most prescribed by German gynaecologists were COCs, followed by the LNG-IUS, the vaginal ring, and POPs. The spectrum of contraceptives preferred for personal use differed in some ways from those prescribed to patients. Reasons for this discrepancy should be investigated.