To identify the contraceptive methods chosen by users, treatment adherence after 1 year, and the reasons for changing methods.
We performed a retrospective study through a review of the clinical histories in the Family Planning Clinic of Oviedo (Spain). Users who attended for the first time between January 2005 and January 2006 were included. The final sample consisted of 585 users. The main measurements were age, the method used before the consultation, the method chosen, the method used 1 year later, and the reason for discontinuance or changing method.
Sixty-one percent of users were using the contraceptive sheath and 22 % used the combined pill. After the first consultation and 1 year later, combined hormonal contraception was used by 75 % of the users younger than 30 years (pill in 41 % , vaginal ring in 11 % , patch in 7 % ). Users aged more than 40 years old chose the intrauterine device. Eighty-two percent of the users continued with the same method after 1 year. Among the 18 % that changed methods, 8 % did so due to adverse effects and 6 % for reasons of convenience. Changes were more frequent among users aged less than 20 years and were due to convenience.
Each age has its own methods, because each method has its characteristics. The combined pill continues to be the most widely used method within the group of combined hormonal contraceptives. Among users aged more than 40 years, the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (IDU) and the copper IDU are equally used. The information received on the contraception to be used is the key to treatment adherence.