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155 Czech and Slovak gynecologists completed questionnaires during the National Gynecological Congress held during November 4-6, 1992. Information was solicited on experience in family planning and practice, knowledge, and attitudes concerning contraception. The average age was 42.8 years, 33% were women, and 52% had practiced as gynecologists for 6-20 years. 93% rejected abortion as a method of birth control, while 10% stated that abstinence is more detrimental to health than abortion. The combined pill and the IUD were prescribed always (80%) or very often (60%). Over 90% perceived OCs, the IUD, and male or female sterilization as very reliable. Also, 75-90% perceived vaginal douche, rhythm, withdrawal, and the cervical mucus methods as rather reliable. Fewer gynecologists working in outpatient clinics perceived the OC as completely reliable (31%) as compared to hospital staff gynecologists (61%). Younger gynecologists also tended to be more positive about OCs than older ones. Regarding safety, only 8% mentioned the IUD, and 10% mentioned injectables and implants. 85% of gynecologists living in Prague perceived condoms as very safe compared to 50% of their colleagues elsewhere. Gynecologists working in hospitals, those with postgraduate training, over 40 years of age, and with more than 10 years of experience were less positive about the safety of the IUD. The perceived safety of OCs and of the IUD influences prescription rates. IUDs, OCs, injectables and implants, female and male sterilization, condoms, diaphragms, and rhythm method were perceived as most convenient. Convenience was significantly correlated with the prescription rate of IUDs. The attitude concerning the suitability of contraceptives for women under 35 years of age was correlated with the prescription rate of OCs, IUDs, and condoms. 51% of the physicians were familiar with the action of hormonal contraception. Only 45% knew that OCs were also safe for smokers below 35 years. The perceived side effects and benefits of OCs and IUDs were also evaluated.

375 physicians from Russia completed a questionnaire at 3 symposia on modern contraceptive and human reproduction. Of these 375 physicians, 98% were obstetrician-gynecologists, 67% has no experience in family planning (FP). 44.5% had no training in FP, 83% were women, and their mean age was 37 years. Most frequently prescribed modern contraceptives were oral contraceptives (OCs) (50% often) and the IUD (59% often). More than 75% of respondent considered OCs, the IUD, and male and female sterilization to be very reliable. 41% and 92% respectively, did not know the efficacy of injectables/implants and the cervical mucus method. At least 50% considered the rhythm method, withdrawal, cervical mucus method, and vaginal douches to be not very reliable. 73% considered abortion to be an unsafe method. 30% did not know about the level of safety of injectables/implants. They perceived the IUD, OCs, injectables/implants, and female and male sterilization to be the most convenient methods. At least 60% considered withdrawal, abortion, abstinence, vaginal douches, and vaginal barriers to be inconvenient methods. Just 27% knew how OCs work. 13% considered OCs to never be safe. 65% thought the low-dose OCs are safe for nonsmokers under 35 years old. Most physicians considered the IUD and OCs to be the most suitable methods for all women. Woman's age contributed the most to physician opinions on contraception with female sterilization. Leading perceived side effects of OCs were gain (71%) and irregular bleeding (14%). The major perceived risks of OC use were thrombosis (35%), bleeding problems (21%), cardiovascular disease (16%), and depression (15%). 63% considered heavy menstrual blood loss to be the most disturbing side effect of IUD use. The leading perceived increased risks of IUD use were pelvic inflammatory disease (63%), ectopic pregnancy (54%), and anemia (27%). The misperceptions about modern contraception indicate a need for an exchange of information and skills between FP organizations in Western Europe and those in Russia.