Yonsei Med J.  1972 Dec;13(1):35-39. 10.3349/ymj.1972.13.1.35.

Continuation Rates, Complaints and Reasons for Discontinuance Relating to Contraceptive Pills: An Indian Experience

• Saksena DN
• Bhende A

• KMID: 687664
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.1972.13.1.35

Abstract

The final outocme of a nationwide study of oral pins, initiated in 1967 with over 300 experimental-cum-demonstration projects all over the country, is awaited. The findings of this nationwide study will of course, determine whether or not the pills will be inc1uded in the indian official family planning programme. The findings of the present study, within their limited scope, however, do not sound a note of optimism. The continuation rates for different periods of use are low. By the end of one year almost half of the women were found to have discontinued the pills, and by the end of two years this percentage went upto 66. It was also found that about half of the women had given up the pills due to reasons directly related to its use. A little more than three fourth of the women had complained of at least one side-effect. These findings dearly demonstrate that greater motivational efforts and adequate medical follow up of the pill users will have to be made to make the pills acceptable to the Indian women. The experience of developed countries indicates that if the contraceptive pill is used regularly, it ranks high as a method for preventing pregnancy.

MeSH Terms

Contraceptives, Oral*
Female
Human
India