5 Manor Farm Close, Gate Lane, Broughton, Kettering, NN14 1ND  Telephone: 01536 791515   Facsimile: 01536 791175  e-mail: Davidroberts@doctors.org.uk
 Mobile: 07963 041668

"Country Doctor"

JOIN CDA     NEWS INDEX       POLITICS      DISPENSING      EDUCATION      FEATURES     BOOKS     SMALL ADS     GP FEES    LIGHT BITES LINKS     FEEDBACK


Contraceptive survey
 
FRONT PAGE

 

  

Survey Shows British Women Are the Most Likely to Rely on Sterilisation or Vasectomy for Contraceptive Needs

The single largest survey of contraceptive use in Europe reveals that British women are on average almost twice as likely as their European counterparts to rely on male or female sterilisation methods for their contraceptive needs. More than one in five British women rely on these methods compared to an average of more than one in ten women across France , Germany , Spain and Italy .

The study, supported by Schering AG, was presented at the ESC congress by its author and ESC President, Professor Sven O Skouby. Professor Skouby works in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the Frederiksberg Hospital in Copenhagen .

The survey offers the latest insight into current trends in contraception across a population of 72 million women and provides a unique backdrop against which to compare UK contraceptive use with that of European counterparts. More than 12,000 randomly selected women aged between 15-49 participated in the survey of which more than 2,500 where from the UK .

Additionally, the results show that at an average age of 32, women in the UK are undergoing female sterilisation 2-3 years earlier than those in other European countries. Of greater significance is that of those British women agreeing to female sterilisation, more than six out of ten say they were not fully informed about the alternative long-term, yet reversible, forms of contraception available. These methods include the hormonal intra-uterine system (Mirena), the copper intra-uterine device (commonly referred to as the "coil") or the hormonal implant.

"This study provides evidence that a surprising number of women in the UK may be relying on sterilisation procedures as a means of contraception because they aren't being told about other options that deliver the same result but aren't as final," commented Professor Skouby.

"A career change, divorce or second marriage can all radically alter a decision not to have more children and there is a range of long-term, easily-reversible methods of contraception available today which women should be made aware of", he added.

Other key insights highlighted by the survey include the following:

- Over 1 in 20 (or >700,000) sexually active British women risk unwanted pregnancy due to the use of no method or unreliable methods of contraception. Although the UK figure (5.0 % of women) is lower than that for the study population as a whole (6.5% average), it highlights the large number of British women who require counselling on the importance of using reliable contraceptive methods.

- "The Pill" is the most widely used form of contraceptive. Oral contraceptive (OC) pills are the most widely used contraception used by women in the UK with 27% relying on this method. This is in common with findings for OC usage in the European study population as a whole where 30% of women rely on OCs. Amongst this group, more than 90% report high levels of satisfaction with the Pill as a form of contraception (i.e. saying they are very or fairly satisfied). OC usage was greatest in France , Germany and, to a lesser extent, the UK and was the lowest in Spain and Italy where, by contrast, condoms are the most widely used method.

- Germany has highest contraceptive use and lowest abortion rates. Of the countries covered in this study, Germany has the highest proportion of women using contraceptive methods (82% vs 76% average and 74% in the UK ). At 9 per 100 births, Germany also has an abortion rate, which is amongst the lowest in the world. The abortion rate in the UK was reported as 25 per 100 births.

References 

1. All data included in this press release is referenced from, "Contraceptive use in European women: a research survey on contemporary behaviours", Professor Sven O Skouby. 8th ESC Congress, Edinburgh , ( Scotland UK ) 23-26th June 2004 . The study was supported by an educational grant from Schering AG.

2. The age characteristics of the random European population sample for the study were representative of those found in the five countries based on national population statistics from the World Bank. In total there are 14 million women of childbearing age in the UK .

3. "Unreliable" methods of contraception highlighted in the survey include cap/diaphragm, natural, persona and withdrawal methods.

4. Schering Health Care is the UK subsidiary or Schering AG, a research-based pharmaceutical company based in Berlin . Its activities are focused on four business areas: Gynecology & Andrology, Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging and Specialized Therapeutics for disabling diseases. As a global player emphasizing innovative products, Schering AG aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. With in-house R&D and supported by an excellent global network of external partners, Schering AG is securing a promising product pipeline. Schering AG applies new ideas to make recognized contributions to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of human life: making medicine work.

For further information about Schering Health care go to www.schering.co.uk

(6/7/04)

 

Return to Headlines