Contraceptive use in European women: a research survey on contemporary
behaviour
S. O. Skouby
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Frederiksberg Hospital,
Copenhagen, Denmark
The choice of currently available contraceptive methods has increased
considerably in recent years, offering women of reproductive age a variety of
different methods dependent on their needs and lifestyle. In order to determine
the pattern of use of current methods in contraception, a survey was conducted
in a large population of women drawn from five European countries (France,
Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom).
More than 12,000 randomly selected women, aged 15–49 years, were
interviewed using a standardized questionnaire which addressed the use of
current methods of contraception. The responses were analysed for the total
study population, and, where appropriate, by country and age.
An oral contraceptive was confirmed as the most widely used method of
contraception for women in the European study population, with an estimated 22
million users in the five countries. Women using an oral contraceptive reported
very high levels of satisfaction (>90%). Male and female sterilization were the
main methods of contraception in women aged 40 years and older. One-half of the
women had undergone their sterilization before the age of 35 years. More than
50% of the women who had undergone sterilization had not been adequately
informed and counselled about alternative reversible contraceptive options. No
method of contraception was being used currently by 23% of the European study
population, and unreliable methods of contraception (including cap/diaphragm,
chemical, and natural and withdrawal methods) were being used by a further 6% of
the population. Although valid reasons (e.g. not in a sexual relationship, wish
to become pregnant) were given by many women who were not using contraception,
there still remains a large number of women who need counselling regarding the
importance of using reliable contraceptive methods. The number of women aged 15–49
years in the five European countries who are considered at risk of an unwanted
pregnancy is estimated to be 4.7 million (6.5%).
Differences in the use pattern of contraceptive methods were demonstrated
that emphasize the social and cultural differences between the countries. The
findings in the current study can be used as a baseline from which to monitor
trends in contraceptive use and behaviour in subsequent studies.
