In France, two Paris-based physicians conducted a nationwide survey between November 30 and December 5, 1995, of 120 gynecologists (GYNs) and 262 general practitioners (GPs) to determine whether certain types of oral contraceptives (OCs) are more likely to be prescribed to women with a relative increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). 88% of the GYNs and 82% of GPs prescribed combined OCs. Both types of physicians were significantly more likely to prescribe OCs containing third generation progestogens for women with a recognized risk factor of VTE, those who have never been exposed to synthetic hormones (first time OC users), and young women. They did not prescribe any OC at all for women who had developed VTE during OC use or during pregnancy. GYNs denied all women with a personal history of VTE a prescription for any OC, including third generation OCs. Based on these findings, the researchers propose that studies take into account the selectivity of OC prescription before concluding a causal relationship between the incidence of OC-induced VTE and certain types of OCs.
