[Which contraceptive methods are recommended for young women with type 1 diabetes mellitus? A survey among practitioners in Germany].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to find out which recommendations German gynecologists gave to young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in respect to contraception. In addition, it was asked to what extent German gynecologists/obstetricians had experience regarding counselling of young women with type 1 diabetes.


METHODS
A structured questionnaire containing questions about attitudes, health care beliefs and contraception in young women with type 1 diabetes was developed. 804 attendees of the Giessen Gynecological Seminar which was held in January 1997 were asked to participate in the study.


RESULTS
Only 142 (17.7%) of the questionnaires were returned. There was no consensus in respect to contraception in young women with diabetes. 61% of the respondents referred to the micropill (< 0.3 mg estrogen) as the preferred contraceptive method for young women with diabetes. Condoms were regarded as second line contraceptive devices in this age and patient group. There was only very limited experience in regard to counselling and treating adolescents/young women with type 1 diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
Among the German gynecologists questioned there was no consensus in respect to contraception in young women with diabetes. Most importantly, there was only very limited individual experience in regard to counselling and treating adolescents/young women with type 1 diabetes among the doctors who participated in the study.
Manolopoulos
K
K
Universitäts-Frauenklinik Giessen.
Lang
U
U
Schmitt
S
S
Kirschbaum
M
M
Kapellen
T
T
Kiess
W
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female / Q000639:trends*; D003625:Data Collection; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000639:trends