Patterns of use of emergency and oral contraceptives from an online service in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic: A quantitative study of routinely collected data.

OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to describe users of a free online contraception service, compare online emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) users with online oral contraceptive (OC) users, and describe patterns of use of online ECP and OC over time, including transition from ECP to more effective forms of contraception. STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of routinely collected, anonymized data from a large, publicly funded, online contraceptive service in the United Kingdom from April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2021. RESULTS: The online service provided 77,447 prescriptions during the study period. About 84% for OC and 16% for ECP, of which 89% were ulipristal acetate. ECP users were younger, lived in more deprived areas, and were less likely to be of white ethnicity than OC users. About 53% ordered OC only, but 37% ordered both ECP and OC. Among those prescribed both OC and ECP (n = 1306), 40% had one method as dominant, 25% appeared to move from one method to the other (11% ECP to OC, 14% OC to ECP), and 35% continued to use both methods. CONCLUSIONS: Online services are accessible to diverse young populations. While the majority of users order OC only, our study suggests that where there is free, online access to both OC and ECP, and those ordering ECP are always offered free OC, transition to more effective ongoing forms of contraception is uncommon. Further research is needed to understand whether online access to ECP increases its attractiveness and reduces likelihood of transition to OC. IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates that free, online contraceptive services are accessible to ethnically and socioeconomically diverse users. It identifies a subgroup of contraceptive users who combine use of OC and ECPs over time, and suggests that improved access to ECP may alter contraceptive choices.

A comparison of the expected and actual pain experienced by women during insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the expected and actual pain experienced with the insertion of intrauterine contraception in women, and to determine whether either of these are related to their personal circumstances, or affected their satisfaction with the procedure. DESIGN: A convenience sample of 89 women aged 15-50 years attending a sexual health clinic for same day intrauterine contraception insertion were given a questionnaire that they completed following the procedure. The women were asked to rate their expectation of pain prior to insertion and to rate the actual pain they experienced immediately after insertion, on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being severe pain. Information on the women's circumstances and their level of satisfaction with the procedure was also obtained. RESULTS: Overall, the median actual pain experienced by women during insertion (4) was significantly lower than the expected pain median (6) (P<0.001). For those women who had not had a previous vaginal delivery, actual pain was significantly higher compared with women who had had a previous vaginal delivery (median [interquartile range]: 6 [3.5-7.5] and 3 [1-5], P<0.001, respectively), but there was no significant difference between expected and actual pain experiences. In women who had a previous vaginal delivery, actual pain was much lower than expected (P<0.001). Neither actual nor expected pain experiences were linked to any other sociodemographic reproductive health or service use factors. CONCLUSION: All women had a high expectation of pain prior to IUD insertion, but for those who had had a previous vaginal delivery, this was significantly greater than that actually experienced. Satisfaction levels overall were high. Counseling of women should take into account their expected pain prior to IUD insertion and consideration should be given to alternative and additional methods of pain relief in women who have not had a previous vaginal delivery.