Types of combined oral contraceptives used by US women

Abstract

Background: We sought to estimate the prevalence of types of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) used among US women. Study Design: We analyzed interview-collected data from 12,279 women aged 15-44 years participating in the National Survey of Family Growth, 2006-2010. Analyses focused on COC use overall, by pill type, across sociodemographics and health factors. Results: The prevalence of current COC use (88 different brands) was 17%. The majority of COC users used earlier-formulation COCs: >= 30 mcg (67%) versus <30 mcg estrogen (33%), monophasic (67%) versus multiphasic (33%) dosages and traditional 21/7 (88%) versus extended/other cycle regimens (12%) regimens. Norgestimate (32%) and norethindrone (20%) were the most commonly used progestins. Sociodemographic, gynecological and health risk factors were associated with type of COC use. Conclusion: Further investigation of specific COC use and of the factors associated with types of pills used among US women at the population level is needed.