The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7243 p464
5 April 2003

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Contraceptive pill tops usage survey

The contraceptive pill is the form of contraception most commonly used by women aged under 50 years, a survey shows. In 2001–02, the pill was used by 28 per cent of women, with the male condom used by 21 per cent. Sterilisation was the third most commonly used method to prevent pregnancy.

The Office for National Statistics figures reveal an insight into the use of emergency contraception. Almost all women (94 per cent) have heard of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) and half know that it is effective for up to 72 hours after intercourse. Seven per cent of women had used EHC in the previous year with women aged under 20 years being twice as likely to use it as those aged over 20 years.

From 2000–01 to 2001–02, there was a substantial fall, from 59 per cent to 43 per cent, in the number of women obtaining EHC from their GP or practice nurse. This may be explained by the fact that from January 2001, EHC was available in pharmacies, the Office for National Statistics comments. However, more women still obtain EHC from their GP surgery (43 per cent) than from family planning clinics (31 per cent) and from pharmacies (20 per cent).