Contraception

2024

Digital labeling of condoms introduced in Russia

On March 1, 2024, it became known about the decision of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation to increase the list of medical devices subject to labeling. It includes condoms, among other things. Read more here.

Contraceptives under the guise of dietary supplements were found on sale on marketplaces in Russia

In early March 2024, it became known about the sale in Russia of a contraceptive under the guise of the drug "Chinese traditional medicine." This was reported by Kommersant. Read more here.

2023: Sales of subcutaneous contraceptive implants increased 6 times in Russia

In 2023, pharmacy sales of subcutaneous hormonal contraceptive implants in Russia jumped approximately six times compared to the previous year, reaching 2,670 units. Moreover, these data do not take into account the purchases of private clinics, in which procedures for the installation of such products are most often performed. The corresponding figures are given in a study by the analytical company DSM Group, the results of which were released on December 21, 2023.

Experts explain the growing popularity of subcutaneous contraceptive implants in the Russian Federation for several reasons. Such products lack an estrogenic component that deters some patients from taking birth control pills. In addition, in the case of subcutaneous implants, there is no need to remember to take a contraceptive according to one schedule or another. Patients also began to plan pregnancy more carefully, which leads to an increase in the demand for long-term contraception - for a period of 2-3 years.

Pharmacy sales of subcutaneous hormonal contraceptive implants in Russia jumped approximately six times

According to the DSM Group, in 2023, condoms and birth control pills remain the most common contraceptive products in Russia for pharmacy sales. The volume of their sale amounted to approximately 16.1 million packages, which is 7% less compared to the previous year. At the same time, almost half (45%) of all condom sales in the Russian Federation are in retail chains and marketplaces.

The study also suggests that the popularity of emergency contraceptives has increased in Russia - drugs that prevent pregnancy in 95% or more of cases when used within five days after sexual intercourse. In 2023, Russians purchased about 2 million packages of such funds, which is 9% more compared to 2022. The growth is associated with the excitement against the background of the introduction by the Ministry of Health of substantive and quantitative accounting of these drugs and the upcoming reduction in drugs available for free purchase in pharmacies.^[1]

2021: Clue Birth Control Announcement - Smart Ovulation Control Apps

In early March 2021, the German company Clue, which deals with women's health technologies, presented the first fully digital conceptive. The new Clue Birth Control app offers users a statistical prediction of ovulation as a means of birth control, but does not require any manipulation like daily temperature measurement. Read more here.

2018:2 million abortions per year and 70 thousand deaths per year

According to statistics for 2018, about 80 million women have an unplanned pregnancy and almost 2 million of them decide to have an abortion. In turn, an incorrectly performed operation or complications after it annually end in the death of almost 70 thousand women around the world.

Recently, doctors have been talking about reducing the number of abortions. Modern women learn to competently use the latest medical developments. Although, a lot of information is taken from social networks or they begin to use drugs on the advice of a friend. Which is fundamentally wrong. When selecting, only an individual approach should be used in accordance with the recommendations of the doctor.

Methods of contraception

There are a large number of methods of contraception. Firstly, these are barrier methods, that is, male and female condoms. And if women are not very popular in Russia, then men remain one of the main methods of protection.

According to 2017 data, almost 60% of single men aged 15 to 44 years confirmed that they use one of the forms of male contraception, i.e. either a condom or interrupted sexual intercourse.

Some couples still resort to biological methods of contraception, for example, calendar, temperature or cervical. But their effectiveness is extremely small, so adherence to these pregnancy planning methods is rather an exception.

Intrauterine devices, on the contrary, are quite popular, but have their own limitations, for example, are not recommended for non-births.

Data from various studies of methods of contraception conducted from 2002 to 2017 show that among bachelors, about 80-82% resort to any methods of contraception. Moreover, both independently and with the help of partners who resorted to oral, intrauterine and other methods of contraception. About 20% do not use contraceptives. This shows that the greatest responsibility for the onset of unwanted pregnancy still lies with the woman.

Hormonal contraceptives

Main article: Hormonal contraceptives

Gynecologists most often advise the use of hormonal methods of contraception. For 2018, they are considered the most effective and safe method, including in terms of reversibility. There are many drugs:

• combined oral contraceptives (COCs),
• mini-drinking,
• subcutaneous contraceptive implants,
• in emergency cases, post-coital contraception.

Combined oral medications are prescribed by a doctor based on the results of a woman's examination.

"The best method of contraception is the one that is selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the female body. A number of studies are carried out to determine the most effective method. First, it is an ultrasound examination of the pelvis and mammary glands. If necessary, an additional mammogram is prescribed. Secondly, laboratory tests, which necessarily include a coagulogram or hemostasiogram - a special study that allows you to determine blood clotting rates. Only after these studies, we, together with the patient, determine which type of contraception will be most effective in her case, "says Yakha Temisheva, obstetrician-gynecologist at Medicine JSC, Ph.D.

Day of contraception

World Contraception Day (WCD) is celebrated annually on September 26. This is a long-term campaign aimed at reducing the high rate of unplanned pregnancies and, as a result, reducing abortions.

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