European Society of Contraception oral contraceptives survey update: birth control methods in "Europe of the 12".

Findings are presented from the 1993 European Society of Contraception Oral Contraceptive Survey conducted in 12 member countries among 102 physicians. Findings are considered suggestive because of the low response rate of 25% to the mailed questionnaire to 400 physicians. The aim is to determine the prescribing practices of oral contraceptives. Over 50% of physicians prescribed the following modern low-dose combined formulations: Marvelon Mercilon Minulet Gynera Cilest and Femodene. 66% of physicians prescribed monophasic pills containing 20-30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and low doses of desogestrel gestodene levonorgestrel or norgestimate. 58% preferred oral pills because of their tolerability. Other desirable features were the cost hormonal content and other factors. 94% prescribed oral pills for women aged over 40 years who were healthy and did not smoke. 75% would not prescribe oral pills to women who were over the age of 35 years and who smoked. Over 50% of physicians recommended mammograms for women aged over 35 years who used oral pills. 45% routinely performed lipoprotein screening of oral pill users. 8% did so only for patients aged over 30 years. 42 physicians out of the 102 responding had a protocol based on the total cholesterol level. 61% prescribed oral pills for women with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The majority prescribed oral pills for women with insulin-dependent diabetes. 38% of physicians who prescribed oral pills for women with diabetes prescribed very-low-dose monophasic oral contraceptives. 85% prescribed oral pills for women with gestational diabetes. 42% were concerned about patient risk of cardiovascular disease. The study revealed a range of practices among physicians.