The decline of the pill regulations by 10% in three years: Alarming data reveal the new trend in young women

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Die Verordnungen der Pille zur Empfängnisverhütung bei jungen Frauen und Mädchen unter 22 Jahren sind innerhalb von drei Jahren um zehn Prozentpunkte zurückgegangen, wie eine AOK-Analyse zeigt. Trotzdem bleibt die Pille das am häufigsten verordnete Verhütungsmittel. Der Trend geht jedoch zu risikoärmeren Präparaten. Der Artikel beleuchtet die Hintergründe und mögliche alternative Verhütungsmethoden. Downloadbare Grafiken sind ebenfalls verfügbar. Lesen Sie mehr über diesen Rückgang der Pillen-Verordnungen in Berlin.
The ordinances of the pill for contraception in young women and girls under the age of 22 have decreased by ten percentage points within three years, as an AOK analysis shows. Nevertheless, the pill remains the most commonly prescribed contraceptive. However, the trend is towards less risky preparations. The article illuminates the background and possible alternative contraceptive methods. Downloadable graphics are also available. Read more about this decline in pills regulations in Berlin. (Symbolbild/MB)

Low proportion of young women and girls in pills regulations

The proportion of women and girls under the age of 22, to whom the pill is prescribed, continues to decrease, as an analysis of the AOK GKV regulation data shows. In 2023, the pill was only prescribed in a quarter (25 percent) of this age group, which corresponds to a decrease of ten percentage points within three years. Compared to the previous year 2022, the proportion fell by three percentage points. The costs for prescription contraceptives are covered by the health insurance company for insured persons under the age of 22, which is why trends can be documented well based on prescription data.

Despite the decline, the pill remains the most commonly prescribed contraceptive. Compared to other prescription methods such as spirals, vaginal rings and hormone plasters, the trend continues towards more risky preparations. Combined pills with the progestogenic levonorgestrel, Norethisteron and Norgestimat are considered to be less risky. Pillers with an active ingredient combination of ethinylestradiol with drospirenone, desogestrel, chlorine adinonaceta and gestodes are according to the study situation in terms of risky with regard to the development of leg vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as levonorgestrel-containing oral contraceptives.

dr. Eike Eymers, doctor in the staff of medicine of the AOK federal association, explains that the disadvantages and risks of hormonal contraceptive methods are more publicly discussed today. Women feel better informed, both through the Internet and through medical advice. This can lead to a changed behavior and a more critical attitude towards taking hormones and more conscious decisions for more risky preparations. Further explanations such as the growing importance of barrier methods such as condoms are also conceivable. The decision for a contraceptive should always be made individually taking into account medical previous illnesses and living conditions.

In women who do not tolerate combination products, alternative products such as the mini pill, the vaginal ring or the spiral can be used. The regulation of the mini pill increased slightly from one percent in 2014 to three percent in 2023. The mini pill is also suitable for breastfeeding women because it does not contain estrogen. The proportion of intrauterine contraceptives (hormone spiral) is only low for those under 22, although they contain levonorgestrel and thus have a lower risk of thrombosis. Hormone plaster and vaginal ring together only make up two percent of the regulations, but have an increased risk of embolism and thrombosis.

The analysis of the AOK regulation data clearly shows that the contraceptive habits of young women and girls change. It remains to be seen whether this trend will continue in the coming years.