SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

 
vol.14 issue2Grisotti flap reconstruction: on the edge of breast conserving surgerySmoking and smoking cessation during pregnancy - State of the art author indexsubject indexarticles search
Home Pagealphabetic serial listing  

Services on Demand

Journal

Article

Indicators

Related links

  • Have no similar articlesSimilars in SciELO

Share


Acta Obstétrica e Ginecológica Portuguesa

Print version ISSN 1646-5830

Abstract

BRITO, Marta et al. Current trends and perceptions of the Portuguese Gynecology experts on hormonal intrauterine contraception: The DIOGIN study. Acta Obstet Ginecol Port [online]. 2020, vol.14, n.2, pp.74-82. ISSN 1646-5830.

Overview and Aims: Intrauterine systems (IUS) are one of the most effective forms of long acting reversible birth control, with low failure rates and high continuity and satisfaction rates. Still, they account for a small proportion of contraception use, which may be due to several myths and misperceptions. With this study, we aimed to assess Portuguese experts’ perceptions on potential benefits and fears that may limit women’s contraception choice and to identify current trends in clinical practice. Methods and Population: We performed an observational, descriptive and analytical study in which gynecologists/obstetricians were invited to answer an anonymous questionnaire by call or email made of multiple-choice questions on IUS use. Results: A total of 482 Portuguese Gynecologists answered the survey, of which 97.1% revealed that the insertion of IUS is a common procedure in their current clinical practice. More than 95% considered the insertion of IUS an easy procedure and a safe contraceptive method. Cost-efficacy and the fact that this method doesn’t rely on women´s action to be effective were the top benefits for IUS users, perceived by the physicians. On the other hand, concern about having a foreign object inside the body and fear of insertion pain were perceived by the physicians as the top barriers to IUS use. Female gynecologists perceived a higher degree of pain associated with IUS insertion (p=0.021). Overall, gynecology experts’ opinions were conservative regarding IUS recommendations to women. Conclusions: The results of this study provide a general insight towards Portuguese gynecologists’ perceptions, opinions and attitudes on the use of IUS. Most of the experts consider IUS a safe contraception method but, on the other hand, there is still concern about its use in particular female conditions which may in part contribute to the low rate of IUS use in Portuguese women.

Keywords : Contraception; IUS; Counseling; Gynecologists perception; Pain.

        · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )

 

Creative Commons License All the contents of this journal, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License