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[Pregnancies occurring during oral contraception: lessons from the GRECO study]
P Barjot1, O Graesslin, D Cohen
1Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Polyclinique du Parc, 20, avenue Guynemer, 14052 Caen cedex 04, France. barjot.p@cegetel.net
Gynecologie, Obstetrique & Fertilite
|February 24, 2006
Summary
Oral contraceptive failure, often due to missed pills, is common. The GRECO study found missed pills were the primary cause, leading most women to terminate their pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Contraception Research
- Pregnancy Outcomes
Context:
- The GRECO study prospectively collected data on pregnancies in women using oral contraceptives.
- Analysis included 551 women in France in 2002, with pregnancies ≤12 weeks gestation.
- Participants were recruited from gynecology, obstetrics, family planning, and termination of pregnancy services.
Purpose:
- To investigate the causes of oral contraceptive failure.
- To identify the types of oral contraceptives used and their failure rates.
- To understand women's decisions regarding pregnancy following contraceptive failure.
Summary:
- Estroprogestative combinations were used by 88% of women experiencing contraceptive failure.
- Missed pills were the most frequent cause of oral contraceptive failure (60.8%), followed by vomiting and diarrhea.
- Levonorgestrel was the most common progestogen (59.0%), and 81.5% of women opted for pregnancy termination.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant impact of missed pills on oral contraceptive effectiveness.
- Informs healthcare providers about common reasons for contraceptive failure and patient choices.
- Provides data for improving contraceptive counseling and patient adherence strategies.
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