With the affair of new generation pills, the use of oral contraception has fallen by nearly 10% in 3 years, according to the Fecond study by Inserm and INED.
The pill crisis of 3th and 4th generations, which took place at the end of 2012-beginning of 2013, has gone through this process. Many women wondered, but hesitated to leave the “all pill” model. With complaints against new generation pill manufacturers and subsequent health alerts, oral contraceptive users have found good reason to turn to other methods. And the image of the pill has changed, as shown in the latest Fécond study (1) from the National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and the National Institute for Demographic Studies (INED). It involved nearly 4,500 women and more than 1,500 men.
Young women are less sensitive to the social issue represented by the pill, which made it possible for the 1time women to control their fertility themselves. Second lesson of this survey, there was no disaffection vis-à-vis contraception. Only 3% of women do not use any contraceptive means, the same proportion as in 2010.
However, the methods of contraception have changed. This controversy, note the authors of the study, seems to have helped to relax a contraceptive model strongly centered on the pill, even though many women emphasized its constraining nature. “
An evolution of contraceptive methods
Nearly one in five women say they have changed their method since the oral contraceptive debate. The use of the pill fell from 50% to 41% between 2010 and 2013. And in the space of 10 years, oral contraception has fallen by 14 points. This drop is mainly linked to the controversy over the latest generation pills. Indeed, because of the risk of venous thrombosis, the Ministry of Health decided to no longer reimburse them from April 2013 and the Medicines Agency asked doctors to no longer prescribe them in 1time intention. As a result, while 40% of the pills used in 2010 were new generations, this proportion rose to 25% in 2013.
Caroline Moreau, Inserm researcher and co-author of the Fecond study: “ The 3rd and 4th generation pill crisis has tarnished the image of the pill in general, women have turned to other contraceptive methods such as the IUD “
A shift in favor of IUDs and condoms
Women partially deferred to 2 pillsth generation, but above all they have adopted other methods such as the IUD (+1.9 points since 2010), the condom (+3.2 points), but also natural techniques such as dates (intercourse outside periods of fertility ) or withdrawal (+3.4 points). “However, the latter are less effective, hence the risk of unwanted pregnancies appearing”, worries Caroline Moreau, researcher at Inserm and co-author of the study.
Differences according to ages and social categories
The decline in the use of the pill is particularly marked among women under the age of 30. Among those aged 15 to 19, a 20-point decrease in the use of the latest generation pills was observed. But it was partly offset by an increase in pills of 2th generation (+13 points). On the other hand, women aged 25-29 who have abandoned the latest generation pills in the same proportions have opted for the IUD (+8 points) and condoms.
There are also differences according to social categories. Women without any diploma have turned more to the least effective methods (dates, withdrawal), while those who hold a CAP or a BEP have chosen the condom, and the most qualified (Bac + 4) the IUD.
IUD in young women: the reluctance of doctors
In women under 20, and in those 20-24 without children, the use of the IUD remains exceptional. This reflects a reluctance of doctors to advise it to these young women. “The idea that the IUD can cause infections and be the cause of infertility persists among health professionals, but it is false, insists Dr. Danielle Hassoun, gynecologist in Paris. All scientific studies show that the IUD is safe and does not affect fertility in any way, even in women who have not yet had children ”. Received ideas that die hard, among doctors, as among women.
Dr Danielle Hassoun, gynecologist in Paris: ” There is a very strong reluctance of professionals vis-à-vis the IUD. However, scientific studies show that the IUD does not cause infection or sterility problems. “
(1) The pill crisis in France: towards a new contraceptive model?
Authors: Nathalie Bajos, Mylène Rouzaud-Cornabas, Henri Panjo, Aline Bohet, Caroline Moreau and the team Fruitful.
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