Evaluating Patient-Reported Adherence And Safety for Oral Contraception Treatment in Women via a Direct-To-Consumer Prescription Platform: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The acceptance of telemedicine in the German health care system is growing. This also extends to gynecological applications such as the prescription of contraceptives. This study investigates the contraceptive use and adherence of patients using a direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription platform for oral contraception. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using anonymized data obtained from a DTC prescription platform between May 2021 and March 2023. The patient-reported outcome was evaluated after 3 months through a follow-up questionnaire. Results: In total, 8,065 patient records were available and 1,008 patients responded to the follow-up questionnaire. Patients were mostly taking combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and only 6% were taking a progestin-only pill (POP). Even in patient populations at higher risk, such as smokers and obese women, the proportion of POP users was less than 20%. Over 90% of users reported that they took the pill without any intake errors, with the main intake error being forgotten intake. Overall, 23% of patients reported adverse events while taking the pill, with POP users reporting more adverse events than COC users (36.7% vs. 22.2%). Over 70% of patients regularly attended cervical screening. Conclusions: Users of a DTC prescribing platform exhibit strong adherence, with over 90% successfully taking oral contraceptive pills. The platform effectively identifies absolute contraindications but could enhance recommendations for contraceptives in the presence of relative contraindications. For healthy women familiar with pill usage, DTC platforms offer a viable and convenient alternative to traditional doctor's office prescriptions.

Time-efficient consultation hours in the department of gynecological endocrinology.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to conduct a benchmark pilot study to find the best practice for consultation hours in the field of gynecological endocrinology. Suitable benchmarking participants were found in China, Germany, Greece, and Switzerland. Specifically, the study aimed to find the most time-efficient and beneficial consultation type in gynecological endocrinology focused on menopause and whether a shorter face-to-face consultation correlates with lower patient satisfaction. METHODS: This was an observational study. To analyze the processes of all benchmarking participants three tools were used: a measurement of time needed for the different consultation types, a questionnaire for patients and one for physicians. The primary endpoint was the time measurement of first consultations. Secondary endpoints were the time measurements of follow-up consultations and phone consultations and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean overall duration of a first consultation differed from 20.4 min to 39.7 min (p = 0.003), mainly based on differences of the mean time to acquire the patient history, 5.6 to 21.6 min (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients who felt they had enough time to discuss questions ranged from 70% to 100% (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients who felt fully understood by their physician ranged from 62.5% to 92% (p = 0.006). The duration of a first consultation did not correlate with patients feeling well consulted (r=-0.048, p = 0.557). CONCLUSIONS: A concise patient history that concentrates on the most relevant points can reduce the total consultation time. Reducing consultation time can be made without compromising how well patients feel consulted.

A systematic review on the impact of nutrition and possible supplementation on the deficiency of vitamin complexes, iron, omega-3-fatty acids, and lycopene in relation to increased morbidity in women after menopause.

A balanced and healthy diet during the menopausal transition and after menopause is crucial for women to reduce the risk for morbidities and chronic diseases due to deficiency of essential nutrients. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of studies that analyzed the impact of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies in postmenopausal women in relation to increased morbidities and chronic conditions. METHODS: Observational studies were searched in the databases PubMed, UpToDate, and Google Scholar. RESULTS: We searched 122 studies, of which 90 were included in our analysis. The meta-analysis of the data could not be performed because of the heterogeneity of the statistical methods in the included studies. In our study, we focused on the aspects of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, omega-3-fatty acids, and lycopene, belonging to the family of carotenoids. Postmenopausal women with deficiencies of these nutrients are more vulnerable to comorbidities such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, metabolic diseases, osteoporosis, obesity, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, depression, cognitive decline, dementia, and stroke. We concluded that women after menopause tend to have a greater probability of suffering from deficiencies in various vitamins and nutrients, and consequently have an increased risk of developing morbidities and chronic diseases. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, maintaining optimum serum levels of nutrients and vitamins, either through a balanced and healthy diet consuming fresh fruits, vegetables, and fats or by taking appropriate supplementation, is essential in maintaining optimal health-related quality of life and reducing the risk for women during the menopausal transition and after menopause. Nevertheless, more recent studies need to be assessed to formulate adequate recommendations to achieve positive clinical outcomes.

Recommendation and intake of dietary supplements periconceptional and during pregnancy: results of a nationwide survey of gynaecologists.

BACKGROUND: Micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy is a controversial issue. For some micronutrients, for example folic acid or iodine, the evidence regarding supplementation is clear, whereas for others, such as zinc or vitamin E, it is not. Studies show that a large number of pregnant women have deficient levels of folic acid and iodine. However, especially with folic acid, starting supplementation during the preconception period is crucial. It is, therefore, important that gynaecologists explain this to their pregnant or preconceptional patients. Our goal was to find out how gynaecologists make their recommendations on this topic, how they assess the compliance of their patients and which micronutrients they consider to be important before/during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. METHOD AND RESULTS: We sent about 12,000 questionnaires to all registered resident gynaecologists in Germany, with a response rate of 12.2%. Regarding which micronutrients gynaecologists  consider to be particularly important during pregnancy, there was a broad agreement for both folic acid and iodine (> 88% answered yes). According to the questionnaire, doctors rate other micronutrients, such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, as less essential. The controversial evidence level for many micronutrients certainly plays a role here. Overall, the intake rate, especially for preconceptional women, is classified as rather low (< 60%). The most widely valued reason is the high price of dietary supplements. It was also noticeable that doctors consider certain micronutrients to be particularly important but then do not include them in the products they recommend. CONCLUSION: Overall, there seems to be uncertainty about micronutrients in pregnancy and their supplementation. The study situation is often ambiguous and there are no official guidelines, leading to ambiguous recommendations from doctors and therefore low intake rates for pregnant or preconceptional women.

Perimenopause and Postmenopause - Diagnosis and Interventions. Guideline of the DGGG and OEGGG (S3-Level, AWMF Registry Number 015-062, September 2020).

Aim The aim of the interdisciplinary S3-guideline Perimenopause and Postmenopause - Diagnosis and Interventions is to provide help to physicians as they inform women about the physiological changes which occur at this stage of life and the treatment options. The guideline should serve as a basis for decisions taken during routine medical care. This short version lists the statements and recommendations given in the long version of the guideline together with the evidence levels, the level of recommendation, and the strength of consensus. Methods The statements and recommendations are largely based on methodologically high-quality publications. The literature was evaluated by experts and mandate holders using evidence-based medicine (EbM) criteria. The search for evidence was carried out by the Essen Research Institute for Medical Management (EsFoMed). To some extent, this guideline also draws on an evaluation of the evidence used in the NICE guideline on Menopause and the S3-guidelines of the AWMF and has adapted parts of these guidelines. Recommendations Recommendations are given for the following subjects: diagnosis and therapeutic interventions for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, urogynecology, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, dementia, depression, mood swings, hormone therapy and cancer risk, as well as primary ovarian insufficiency.

Open-label placebos for menopausal hot flushes: a randomized controlled trial.

This study investigated the efficacy of an open-label placebo (OLP) treatment for menopausal hot flushes. Women with at least five moderate or severe hot flushes per day were allocated to receive four weeks of OLP for twice a day or no-treatment. Intention-to-treat analyses included n = 100 women. In comparison to no-treatment, OLP reduced the log-transformed hot flush composite score (frequency × intensity) (mean difference in change: - 0.32, 95% CI [- 0.43; - 0.21], p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.86), hot flush frequency (- 1.12 [- 1.81; - 0.43], p = 0.02, Cohen's d = 0.51), and improved overall menopause-related quality of life (- 2.53 [- 4.17; - 0.89], p = 0.02, Cohen's d = 0.49). Twelve (24%) (vs. three [6%]) patients had 50% lesser hot flushes. Problem rating of hot flushes and subdomains of quality of life did not improve. After four weeks, the OLP group was further divided via randomization to continue or discontinue the treatment. Benefits were maintained at week 8 (log-transformed score: - 0.04 [- 0.06; 0.14], p = 0.45). There was no difference between taking placebos for 8 or 4 weeks (log-transformed score: 0.04 [- 0.17; 0.25], p = 0.73). Results indicate that open-label placebos may be an effective, safe alternative for menopausal hot flushes.

How do women and health care professionals view hormonal long-acting reversible contraception? Results from an international survey.

Purpose: Evidence from real-world settings is important to provide an accurate picture of health care delivery. We investigated use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in women aged 15-49 years.Materials and methods: Two surveys, one of women and one of health care professionals (HCPs), were conducted in parallel across seven countries. Participating women completed an online survey to assess contraceptive awareness, current method of contraception, age, and experience with current contraceptive method. HCPs participated in an online survey to provide practice-level information and three anonymous charts of hormonal LARC users.Results: Of 6903 women who completed the survey, 3225 provided information about their current primary contraception method. Overall, 16% used LARC methods, while 52% used oral contraceptives (OCs). Of hormonal intrauterine system users, 72% described their experience as 'very favourable', compared with only 53% of women using OCs. Anonymous patient records (n = 1605) were provided by 550 HCPs who completed the online survey. Most women (64%) had used short-acting reversible contraception before switching to LARC. Physicians perceived 56-84% of LARC users to be highly satisfied with their current form of contraception.Conclusions: Although usage of LARC was low, most women using LARC were highly satisfied with their method of contraception.

Non-concealed placebo treatment for menopausal hot flushes: Study protocol of a randomized-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Beneficial effects of placebos are high in double-blind hot flush trials. Studies in various conditions suggest that honestly prescribed placebos may elicit symptom improvement. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether open label placebo (OLP) treatment is efficacious in alleviating hot flushes among peri- and postmenopausal women. METHODS/DESIGN: In this assessor-blinded, randomized-controlled trial, n = 100 women experiencing five or more daily hot flushes of at least moderate severity and bothersomeness are assigned 1:1 to a 4-week OLP treatment or no treatment. To explore the duration and maintenance of placebo effects, the OLP group is randomized a second time to either discontinue or continue the OLP treatment for another 4 weeks. All participants receive a briefing about placebo effects and study visits at baseline, post-treatment (4 weeks), and follow-up (8 weeks, OLP group only). Qualitative interviews about subjective experiences with the OLP treatment are conducted. Primary outcomes are differences between the OLP and the no-treatment group in the hot flush composite score (frequency × severity), and bothersomeness of hot flushes as assessed with the Hot Flush Rating Scale at post-treatment. Secondary outcomes include hot flush frequency, health-related quality of life, global improvement, and the number of responders at post-treatment. Data are analyzed by fitting (generalized) linear mixed models. An exploratory analysis of maintenance and duration is performed including follow-up data. DISCUSSION: This trial will contribute to the evaluation of OLP treatments in clinical practice and further our understanding about the magnitude of placebo effects in hot flush treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03838523 . Retrospectively registered on February 12th, 2019. The first patient was enrolled on October 10th, 2018.

The role of transvaginal ultrasonography for detecting ovarian cancer in an asymptomatic screening population: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to systematically analyze the effect of transvaginal ultrasonography in an asymptomatic female population as an annual screening procedure with regard to mortality data. Studies were evaluated descriptively on their strengths and weaknesses considering the methods and results. METHODS: We evaluated 632 international studies by selecting only randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Three RCTs concerning transvaginal ultrasonography were found, performed in Japan, the USA, and Great Britain. DISCUSSION: Currently, no clear recommendation for the screening for ovarian cancer in an asymptomatic population can be given based on these three studies. The authors could not show a change in mortality using transvaginal ultrasonography for annual screening. CONCLUSION: An annual palpation does not offer a beneficial effect. The development of new ultrasound machines with higher image resolution in combination with a well-standardized algorithm for ovarian cancer in upcoming years might provide an improvement regarding mortality. The current studies do not show a benefit in screening an asymptomatic population annually with transvaginal ultrasonography, but the most recent publication showed a trend toward lower mortality in patients who underwent screening after 7-14 years of follow-up. Nevertheless, all three heterogeneous RCTs had weaknesses in their methods and therefore they neither contradict the general recommendation for screening in an asymptomatic population nor do they support it.

A multicentre, open-label, randomised phase III study comparing a new levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive system (LNG-IUS 8) with combined oral contraception in young women of reproductive age.

OBJECTIVES: To compare user satisfaction and adverse events (AEs) with a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS 8; average levonorgestrel release rate approximately 8 µg/24 h over the first year [total content 13.5 mg]) and a 30 µg ethinyl estradiol/3 mg drospirenone (EE/DRSP) combined oral contraceptive (COC) in a population of young women. METHODS: Nulliparous and parous women (aged 18-29 years) with regular menstrual cycles (21-35 days) were randomised to LNG-IUS 8 or EE/DRSP for 18 months. The primary endpoint was the overall user satisfaction rate at month 18/end of study visit. RESULTS: Overall, 279 women were randomised to LNG-IUS 8 with attempted placement and 281 women were randomised to EE/DRSP and took ≥1 pill; the mean age was 23.7 and 23.9 years, and 77.4% and 73.3% were nulliparous, respectively. At month 18/end of study, 82.1% and 81.9% of women, respectively, reported being 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with their treatment; however, significantly more LNG-IUS 8 users reported a preference to continue their treatment post-study (66.2% vs 48.8%; p = 0.0001). There were two pregnancies (one ectopic pregnancy, one spontaneous abortion) reported in the LNG-IUS 8 group and six (three live births, two spontaneous abortions, one induced abortion) in the EE/DRSP group. CONCLUSIONS: LNG-IUS 8 and EE/DRSP were associated with similarly high user satisfaction rates. However, LNG-IUS 8 users were significantly more likely to prefer to continue their contraceptive method post-study, indicating that a levonorgestrel intrauterine system is an appealing contraceptive option for young women.

A Phase III, single-arm study of LNG-IUS 8, a low-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive system (total content 13.5mg) in postmenarcheal adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety profile of the low-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) total content 13.5mg (average approximate release rate 8µg/24h over the first year; LNG-IUS 8; Jaydess®) in adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: In a Phase III study in 36 European centers, 304 healthy nulliparous or parous postmenarcheal adolescents (12-17years) received LNG-IUS 8 for 12months. The primary outcome was the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Secondary outcomes included: serious TEAEs, adverse events of special interest, overall user satisfaction, discontinuation rate at 12months, and Pearl Index. RESULTS: LNG-IUS 8 placement was successful in 303/304 participants (99.7%). Overall, 82.6% of participants reported TEAEs, and serious TEAEs and serious study drug-related TEAEs were reported by 7.6% and 1.0% of participants, respectively. No cases of pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, or uterine perforation were reported. No pregnancies were reported during the 12-month study. At Month 12/study end, the overall user satisfaction rate was 83.9%. Overall, 51 participants (16.8%) prematurely discontinued the study before 12months; 13.8% of participants discontinued owing to TEAEs. CONCLUSIONS: No new or unexpected safety events were associated with the low-dose LNG-IUS 8. The safety profile of LNG-IUS 8 in adolescents was consistent with that previously reported in adults. The high overall user-satisfaction rate at study end and the low discontinuation rate over 12months demonstrate that LNG-IUS 8 is a highly acceptable contraceptive method among adolescents. IMPLICATIONS: This study is the first to assess the low-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine system LNG-IUS 8 (average approximate release rate 8µg/24h over the first year and total content 13.5mg) specifically in females<18years of age and confirms the safety and efficacy of LNG-IUS 8 in an adolescent population.

Understanding the barriers and myths limiting the use of intrauterine contraception in nulliparous women: results of a survey of European/Canadian healthcare providers.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate healthcare providers' (HCPs') knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding intrauterine contraception (IUC). STUDY DESIGN: HCPs in eight European countries and Canada who saw at least 20 women per month for contraception completed an online questionnaire. Responses were evaluated by country. RESULTS: In total, 1103 HCPs completed the survey: 633 obstetrician-gynecologists, 335 general practitioners and 135 family planning clinicians (physician, midwife or nurse). When respondents in different countries were asked to report their three main barriers to considering IUC, predominant concerns were nulliparity (34-69%) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID; 14-83%) for women in general, and insertion difficulty (25-83%), PID (17-83%), insertion pain (7-60%) and infertility (6-55%) for nulliparous women. In addition, 4-59% of HCPs reported that they never proactively include IUC in contraceptive counseling for a nulliparous woman, regardless of her age. Furthermore, only 30-61% of respondents correctly identified that, in the World Health Organization medical eligibility criteria for IUC, nulliparity is category 2 (benefits outweigh risks). CONCLUSIONS: HCPs in Europe and Canada have clear gaps in their knowledge regarding IUC and misplaced concerns persist, particularly regarding use of IUC in nulliparous women; the predominant misconceptions are about PID, insertion difficulty and insertion pain. Further education on the evidence is needed so that IUC is recognized as being suitable for young and nulliparous women and is included in contraceptive counseling.

Contraceptive counselling and self-prescription of contraceptives of German gynaecologists: results of a nationwide survey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the attitude toward contraceptive methods of gynaecologists who, in Germany, are the sole prescribers of contraceptives. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was sent to 9545 gynaecologists inquiring about factors involved in their prescription of contraceptives, the contraceptives they preferred, and those they would recommend to their daughter, if they had one. RESULTS: The response rate of this survey was 21% (N = 2016). The combined oral contraceptive (COC) was the most commonly prescribed method followed by the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), the vaginal ring, the progestin-only pill (POP), the patch, and the progestin-only injectables. Of the respondents 51% would never prescribe the patch and 45% would never prescribe the hormonal implant at all; 61% would choose the LNG-IUS for themselves/for their partner; 18% would opt for a COC and 8% for the vaginal ring. Concerning their imaginary daughter, 71% would prefer a COC, 26% the ring, and 9% the LNG-IUS. The first counselling session lasted 13.8 ± 4.9 min, and the provision of information on the occasion of following visits 6.6 ± 3.2 min. CONCLUSION: The contraceptives most prescribed by German gynaecologists were COCs, followed by the LNG-IUS, the vaginal ring, and POPs. The spectrum of contraceptives preferred for personal use differed in some ways from those prescribed to patients. Reasons for this discrepancy should be investigated.

The effect of micronutrient supplements on male fertility.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe the beneficial effects of micronutrient supplementation on male fertility. RECENT FINDINGS: Several micronutrients have beneficial effects on sperm quality, as well on male fertility (e.g. pregnancy rate). A deliberate use of micronutrients might be helpful for infertile patients. Healthcare providers should be aware that supplements contain the studied dose. SUMMARY: Male sterility is becoming increasingly important because of various factors. In addition to the avoidable risk factors (alcohol and smoking), unchangeable factors are also likely involved in the genesis. Modern reproductive medicine methods help resulting in decent pregnancy rates in subfertile men. However, in addition to reproductive medicine methods, factors other than cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption can influence the fertility of men. Several studies have reported a significant increase in sperm quality and pregnancy rates when the men were supplemented by specific vitamins and micronutrients.The present review gives an overview of the study results and discusses specific legal requirements (e.g. 'upper limits').

Worldwide use of intrauterine contraception: a review.

BACKGROUND: Globally, 14.3% of women of reproductive age use intrauterine contraception (IUC), but the distribution of IUC users is strikingly nonuniform. In some countries, the percentage of women using IUC is <2%, whereas in other countries, it is >40%. Reasons for this large variation are not well documented. The aims of this review are to describe the worldwide variation in IUC utilization and to explore factors that impact utilization rates among women of reproductive age in different continents and countries. STUDY DESIGN: Published literature from 1982 to 2012 was reviewed, using Medline and Embase, to identify publications reporting diverse practices of IUC provision, including variation in the types of IUC available. Local experts who are active members of international advisory groups or congresses were also consulted to document variations in practice regulations, published guidelines and cost of IUC in different countries. RESULTS: Multiple factors appear to contribute to global variability in IUC use, including government policy on family planning, the types of health care providers (HCPs) who are authorized to place and remove IUC, the medicolegal environment, the availability of practical training for HCPs, cost differences and the geographical spread of clinics providing IUC services. CONCLUSIONS: Our review shows that the use of IUC is influenced more by factors such as geographic differences, government policy and the HCP's educational level than by medical eligibility criteria. These factors can be influenced through education of HCPs and greater understanding among policy makers of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of IUC methods. IMPLICATIONS: Globally, 14.3% of women of reproductive age use IUC, but the percentage of women using IUC is in some countries <2%, whereas in other countries, it is >40%. This paper reviews the reasons for this diverse and highlights possible starting points to improve the inclusion of IUC in contraceptive counseling.

The value of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of climacteric symptoms: results of a survey among German gynecologists.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to detect the attitude and experience towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the treatment of climacteric disorders among gynecologists in Germany. STUDY DESIGN: A self-administered questionnaire, containing 15 questions, was sent to all gynecologists in private practice in Germany (n=9589). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gynecologists were asked about their experience with several forms of CAM. They were asked to rate different procedures as "effective", "sometimes effective" or "unimportant". RESULTS: The response rate was 33.7% (n=3227). We report on 2549 (26.6%) eligible questionnaires. Well-known therapies were black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus) and St. John's wort. More than 98% had had experiences with these therapies. Fewer experiences were stated with hormone-yoga (42.9%), acupuncture (29.1%) and homeopathy (21.6%). The most effective alternative therapy rated was an alteration of lifestyle with 54.4% (n=1325) stating it was effective and 35.7% (n=871) stating it was sometimes effective. Only 3.9% (n=96) prescribed no efficacy to a change of lifestyle. Other treatments rated as effective were St. John's wort (25.0%, n=606) and Black cohosh (21.1%, n=527). Agents regarded most ineffective were hormone-yoga (4.7%, n=109), acupuncture (10.3%, n=243) and homeopathy (10.6%, n=250). Female gynecologists were more likely to vote for a therapy to be effective compared to their male colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: German gynecologists seem to have made positive experiences with CAM when observing their patients, in general. An alteration of lifestyle is seen as the most effective alternative therapy in menopause. Due to their widespread use, possible side effect of natural agents should be excluded.

The effect of micronutrient supplements on female fertility.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Benefit of micronutrient supplementation on female fertility. RECENT FINDINGS: Reports of randomized trials are rare. Most studies are focused on multivitamin supplementations. For some micronutrients, a positive impact on fertility could be shown. This article reviews the available clinical studies as well as the pathophysiological background of possible effects and summarizes the potential benefits of selected micronutrients on female fertility. SUMMARY: Apart from lowering the malformation risk by periconceptional supplementation of folic acid, substitution with different micronutrients, particularly folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iodine, selenium, iron, and DHA might have a positive impact on infertility treatment. The multivitamin formulation should take the pathophysiology, clinical studies, and upper limits into account.

A review of barriers and myths preventing the more widespread use of intrauterine contraception in nulliparous women.

OBJECTIVES: Intrauterine contracepives (IUCs) are highly effective and safe for use in all women, including those who are nulliparous. However, many myths and barriers prevent more widespread utilisation. The objective of this article was to explore the health care provider (HCP), health system and user issues that prevent more widespread use of IUCs, particularly among nulliparous women, and to present the evidence that supports achieving greater utilisation of these devices. METHODS: MEDLINE, PubMed and Embase were used to identify studies reporting attitudes and beliefs around IUCs, and clinical studies providing evidence of their risks and benefits. RESULTS: HCP, health system and user factors limiting use of IUCs were identified. The most widely explored barriers in published studies are those at the HCP level. User barriers are less well documented and health system barriers are mostly assessed through indirect evidence. Many, but not all, of the barriers can be reduced through greater understanding of the evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts need to be made to disseminate the evidence, which shows that few contraindications exist to IUC use. Addressing HCP lack of knowledge, training and confidence with IUC insertions, particularly in nulliparous women, could make a substantial positive impact on IUC utilisation.