Contraceptive practices of women requesting induced abortion in Spain: a cross-sectional multicentre study.

OBJECTIVES: To collect information on (i) contraceptive methods used immediately before unwanted pregnancy, and (ii) planned contraception following induced abortion among Spanish residents. METHODS: Eight centres officially accredited to perform abortions participated in a cross-sectional study. The study population included 2475 women requesting induced abortion between 1 January and 31 March 2007. RESULTS: Contraceptive methods used before unwanted pregnancy were condoms in 40% of the cases, combined hormonal contraception in 14%, and other methods (mainly natural methods and withdrawal) in 10%. Thirty-six percent of women did not use any contraceptive method. Failure of the method due to incorrect use was reported by 77% of those using condoms and by 84% of those using hormonal contraception. Only 23% of women planned to use a contraceptive method after abortion. Almost half of the women were immigrants. CONCLUSION: Despite the use of effective contraceptive methods, the majority of women requesting induced abortion in Spain became pregnant during the use of these methods. These data reflect a lack of compliance. More education programmes are needed to improve compliance rates. The long-acting reversible contraceptive methods could constitute an appropriate approach.