Oral contraceptive during lactation: a global survey of physician practice.
The use of combined estrogen-progestogen oral contraceptives (EP-OC) by lactating women has been associated with suppression of lactation. To determine the extent to which physicians prescribe combined EP-OC for lactating women, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) collaborated in a global mail survey of 3697 physicians affiliated with Family Planning Associations (FPA) in 72 countries. Usable responses were received from 831 physicians (22%) in 65 countries. The percent of clinicians who provide EP-OC to lactating women was higher in developing regions (63% or more) than in developed regions (40% or less). Patient preference was rated important more often than any other factor in the decision to prescribe EP-OC for lactating women. The percentage of clinicians who reported complaints of decreased milk production from women using EP-OC was higher (32% or more) in developing regions where breast milk is often essential to infant nutrition.
D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000494:pharmacology; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000494:pharmacology; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined