TYPES OF COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES USED BY US WOMEN, INCLUDING WOMEN AT RISK OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM

Abstract

Background—We sought to estimate the prevalence of types of combined oral contraceptives (COC) used among U.S. women. Study Design—We analyzed interview-collected data from 12,279 women ages 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 U.S. women at the population level is needed.