Objectives: To assess the reasons why women chose the combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing ethinylestradiol 30mug and drospirenone 3mg, their perception of it, and their satisfaction with it when used in clinical practice.
Methods: This was an uncontrolled survey of women using the ethinylestradiol 30mug/drospirenone 3mg COC in 15 European countries from September to December 2004. The women were invited to participate in this study by their general practitioner, gynecologist, or other family planning provider. The women were asked to complete a four-part questionnaire retrospectively about why they chose the ethinylestradiol 30mug/drospirenone 3mg COC and their experiences with it.
Results: A total of 10 947 questionnaires were returned and included in the analysis. Of the respondents, 7694 (70%) had switched to the ethinylestradiol 30mug/drospirenone 3mg COC from other oral contraceptives. About two-thirds (6797 [62%]) of respondents stated that they felt better while using the ethinylestradiol 30mug/drospirenone 3mg COC compared with the time before they started using it. The severity of premenstrual symptoms including depressed mood, irritability, breast tenderness or pain, abdominal bloating or swelling, skin and hair problems, and swelling of the extremities all improved during treatment with the ethinylestradiol 30mug/drospirenone 3mg COC. Overall, 10 441 (95%) respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the ethinylestradiol 30mug/drospirenone 3mg COC and 9016 (82%) would recommend it to a friend.
Conclusion: The additional non-contraceptive benefits of the ethinylestradiol 30mug/drospirenone 3mg COC are important factors that influence patients' perceptions of this oral contraceptive and their satisfaction with its use.