Attitudes, knowledge and prescribing habits of Brazilian gynecologists regarding extended-cycle oral contraceptives

Extended-cycle and continuous use combined oral contraceptives (COC) have been widely investigated; however, gynecologists' prescribing habits are largely unknown. This study evaluated the opinions and prescribing habits of Brazilian gynecologists regarding extended/continuous COC. Gynecologists caring for reproductive-age women and used to prescribing COC were recruited to an online survey. Overall, 1097 physicians were included. Of these, 93.0% stated that patients requested extended/continuous COC, with 93.9% of the physicians having already prescribed these regimens at least once. Only 67 physicians reported never having prescribed extended/continuous COC. The most common reasons for prescribing extended/continuous COC were "dysmenorrhea", "endometriosis" and "convenience of menstrual suppression". Physicians reported prescribing extended/continuous regimens for 20.7 ± 17.2% of their patients with an indication for COC, postgraduate degree holders being more likely to prescribe extended/continuous regimens than physicians without postgraduate degree (23.6 ± 19.1% versus 20.0 ± 16.7%; p = 0.014). In conclusion, the vast majority of gynecologists prescribe extended/continuous COC. Women often request information from their doctors on the subject. "Convenience of menstrual suppression" is a common reason given for prescribing extended/continuous COC. According to the physicians, the great majority of extended/continuous COC users are satisfied or very satisfied with the regimen prescribed.