Contraceptive Pill Continuation Study

Research status

Completed

Overview of Study

A randomised controlled trial comparing the provision of twelve months, versus four months, supply of the combined oral contraceptive pill on continuation rates at twelve months after initiation.

The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) is the primary method of contraception in Australia but women frequently discontinue the method within the first year of use. It is routine practice to prescribe a 4-month pill supply at initiation of this method and women are required to return for a follow-up visit in order to obtain more contraceptive pills. There is no medical reason for this requirement and it can be time-consuming and costly for both the woman and her practitioner.

Objectives of study

The main study aim is to compare the proportion of women randomly assigned to either a 4-month or 12-month pill supply who continue to use this method 12 months after initiation. The secondary aims are to determine the reasons why women discontinue or change the COCP during the first year of use, to determine the attitudes and preferences of women with respect to a 4-month or a 12-month pill supply and to provide evidence for the most effective pill-initiation regimen with respect to method continuation in order to support clinical practice.