Contraceptive Needs and Preferences in a Cohort of Women With Cystic Fibrosis [209]. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roe, Andrea H.; Traxler, Sarah; Hadjiliadis, Denis; Schreiber, Courtney A.
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 125(2015)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000463113.63301.45
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: As the median age of survival of women with cystic fibrosis rises, reproductive health has become increasingly important in this population. We sought to characterize contraceptive preferences and use among adult females with cystic fibrosis (CF). METHODS: We used questions from previously validated surveys to build an instrument that assessed reproductive health and contraceptive variables. Female participants ages 17–45 years were recruited through the electronic mailing list of the Penn Adult CF Program. RESULTS: Fifty-three of 100 adult female patients with CF have responded to date. Eighty-three percent are sexually active and 31% have been pregnant. Twenty-two percent of reported pregnancies resulted in abortion, secondary to either unplanned pregnancy or suboptimal health status. Forty-nine percent of participants use contraception. Condoms (35%) and oral contraceptive pills (27%) are most commonly used. Respondents prioritize effectiveness and ease of use in their contraceptive method; they want to avoid side effects, medication interactions, and diminished sexual enjoyment. CONCLUSION: Our CF population is sexually active, but contraceptive use is low and unplanned and mistimed pregnancies are common. Uptake of contraceptive methods that fit these women's preferences is low. There is significant unmet need for contraception in this population.