[Contraceptive prescriptions following repeated volontary induced abortions]

Abstract

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to evaluate if the increasing number of repeated abortions in France is linked to a failure to reassess post-abortion contraceptive methods.

Methods: This is a multicentered, descriptive, retrospective study of post-abortion contraceptive practices of patients who underwent a repeated volontary abortion between September one and December 31, 2017, in four abortion centers, in public hospitals in the Alpes-Maritimes and East Var.

Results: Of the 217 patients who participated to the study, 78.8% used a different contraceptive method post-abortion vs. the method used during the conception. Only 51.8% of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) prescribed have been used at the post abortion consultation.

Discussion and conclusion: The repeated abortion may be partly explained by a transient or prolonged absence of contraception. Screening for breaks in the contraceptive history is therefore essential to adapt and maintain contraception at each stage of the patient's life. Some of the professional practices which do not favour an early placement of LARC devices prescribed at the time of abortion, contrary to the new recommendations. The evolution of professional practices still seems necessary to try to help reduce the repeated use of abortion.

Keywords: Abortion; Avortement; Contraception; Contraception réversible à longue durée d’action; Induced abortion; Interruption volontaire de grossesse; Long-acting reversible contraception.