title: Contraceptive choices and preferences in a cohort of women with cystic fibrosis.
abstract: As life expectancy for women with cystic fibrosis (CF) improves, reproductive decision-making is becoming increasingly relevant. We sought to characterize fertility intentions, contraceptive use, and preferences among adult females with CF.
  
  
  
  We conducted a cross-sectional survey of contraceptive use and preferences in reproductive-aged women with CF. Subjects were recruited via an electronic mailing list from the Penn Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program.
  
  
  
  Fifty-three women with CF responded and met eligibility criteria. Most (83%) were sexually active, however only 49% used contraception. Condoms and the oral contraceptive pill were the most commonly used methods. Compared to the national contraceptive use among Caucasian women (65%), use in our cohort was significantly lower (p = 0.01). Participants prioritized effectiveness and ease of use in their contraceptive method; they wanted to avoid side effects and interference with sexual enjoyment. Although these priorities are similar to Caucasian women in the literature, additional contraceptive priorities differed significantly between the groups.
  
  
  
  This CF cohort is sexually active but contraceptive utilization was low, and women with CF identify specific contraceptive preferences. There is a significant unmet need for contraception among women with CF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: ahroe@partners.org.
authors.forename: Andrea Hsu
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Roe
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Traxler
authors.affiliation: Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hadjiliadis
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Mary D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Sammel
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Courtney A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Schreiber
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D057240:Patient Preference; D015143:Philadelphia; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral
keywords: Birth control; Contraception; Cystic fibrosis; Pregnancy; Reproduction