Cross-sectional evaluation of the impact of information on flexible extended regimens of oral contraceptives in the choices made by women seeking contraceptive counselling: the FLEXO study. (4th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lete, Iñaki; Calleja, Jackie; Pérez-Campos, Ezequiel; de la Viuda, Esther; Lertxundi, Roberto; Martínez, Mercedes; Quesada, Macarena; Sánchez-Borrego, Rafael
• Is Part Of: European journal of contraception & reproductive health care. Volume 23:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 260
• Page End: 264
• Publication Date: 2018-07-04
• Subjects: Choice -- combined oral hormonal contraception -- contraceptive guidance -- flexible extended regimen -- menstruation; Contraception -- Periodicals; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; Generative organs, Female -- Periodicals; Contraception -- Periodicals; Reproductive Medicine -- Periodicals; 613.9
• DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2018.1493099
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1362-5187

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Oral combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) are available that limit the number of menses when used in a flexible extended regimen. Our aim was to investigate the decision-making processes of women presented with a flexible extended CHC option. Methods: The FLEXO study is an epidemiological, cross-sectional, multicentre study conducted under typical clinical practice conditions to determine women's acceptance of a flexible continuous CHC regimen versus a cyclical 21/7 day regimen, after receiving standardised information during contraceptive counselling. Results: A total of 1350 women were invited to participate, of whom 1156 were enrolled. Of these, 47.2% chose the flexible extended CHC regimen. Their main reason for choosing this regimen was to reduce the number of menses (25.7%), followed by the desire to avoid symptoms related to menstruation (21.6%). The reasons given for rejecting this regimen were the desire to have monthly menstrual cycles (24.9%) and the fear of becoming pregnant and not being aware of it due to the absence of menstruation (18.1%). Conclusion: Many women chose the extended flexible regimen when they received information about this option. Women primarily chose this pattern to relieve or eliminate discomfort related to menstruation.