Abstract

PIP: A total of 656 women aged 19 years in 1981 and domiciled in Goteborg, Sweden, were investigated in a longitudinal follow-up study with respect to their contraceptive usage and pregnancy rate. A questionnaire was answered by 91% of them (596) who were contacted again in 1986, of whom 589 could be located. 74% of the original sample could be evaluated: the first questionnaire was answered by 50%, the first reminder by 71%, and the second reminder by 83%. At age 19 and 24, oral contraceptives were used by 47% and 51%, respectively; the IUD, by 3% and 11%; barrier methods, by 11% and 11%; injectables, by 0% and 0.2%; and no contraception, by 39% and 26%. The causes of discontinuation of OC use were the following: 10% and 15%, respectively, no longer needed contraception; 7% and 14% experienced bleeding problems; 18% and 10% experienced weight gain; 15% and 9% experienced mood changes; and 7% and 17% desired to become pregnant. During this period the cumulative pregnancy rate was 43%. 44% of the pregnant women chose to terminate their pregnancy by abortion, 15% of whom had medical complications. In spite of accessible and effective contraceptive methods, the incidence of abortion in comparison to the birth rate was high. The fear of side effects of OCs was the most important reason for discontinuing OC use.