Contraceptive use by Iranian women with hypertension, diabetes or obesity

ABSTRACT

Women with chronic medical conditions require careful contraceptive management. The aim of this cross-sectional study in Tehran was to determine the pattern of contraception use by women with diabetes, hypertension or obesity. A sample of 264 women aged 18-53 years old was recruited; 81 [30.7%] had diabetes type 2, 100 [37.9%] were obese/overweight [BMI > 25 kg/m 2] and 83 [31.5%] had hypertension. Across all 3 groups, the rate of use of contraceptive methods was significantly different before and after diagnosis. Before diagnosis of disease the most common method was hormonal contraception in all women [55.0%, 71.6% and 78.3% of diabetic, overweight and hypertensive women respectively], whereas after diagnosis coital withdrawal was the most common method in diabetic and obese/overweight women [.2% and 28.0% respectively] and almost the most common method for hypertensive women [35.4%]. Use of safe and modern methods of contraception in women with certain chronic medical conditions was low and needs more attention