Types of combined oral contraceptives used by US women

BackgroundWe sought to estimate the prevalence of types of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) used among US women.Study DesignWe analyzed interview-collected data from 12,279 women aged 15-44 years participating in the National Survey of Family Growth, 2006-2010. Analyses focused on COC use overall, by pill type, across sociodemographics and health factors.ResultsThe prevalence of current COC use (88 different brands) was 17%. The majority of COC users used earlier-formulation COCs: ≥ 30 mcg (67%) versus < 30 mcg estrogen (33%), monophasic (67%) versus multiphasic (33%) dosages and traditional 21/7 (88%) versus extended/other cycle regimens (12%) regimens. Norgestimate (32%) and norethindrone (20%) were the most commonly used progestins. Sociodemographic, gynecological and health risk factors were associated with type of COC use.ConclusionFurther investigation of specific COC use and of the factors associated with types of pills used among US women at the population level is needed.