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A survey was made of 375 Russian gynecologists. The questionnaire on family planning and contraceptives was distributed at the beginning of three local educational symposia. Almost all participants filled in the questionnaire on attitudes, knowledge and experience with family planning. The sample consisted of departmental specialists and heads of departments/clinics, working mainly at in- or out-patient women's health clinics. The mean age was 37 years; 83% were women, living in medium-sized or large cities (80%). Half of them had been working as a gynecologist for more than 10 years. Only 55% had been trained in family planning. The main reasons mentioned for the high abortion rate in Russia were the lack of education, non-involvement of male partner, and lack of modern contraceptives. Most of the gynecologists were in favor of special family planning clinics with special attention to services for the users. About half of the physicians knew how the pill works and estimated that 41% of women know that the pill contains estrogens. Sixty-two percent found that patients are badly informed about available contraception. Main sources of information on contraception were journals/books, colleagues and mass media. The majority reported having a directive style of patient counseling, and stated that parents should be informed of their teenagers' sexual experiences. The more experienced physicians with a training in family planning were better informed on contraception and showed a more patient-concerned attitude. It is concluded that health care providers should be the main target group of training and education in family planning, and need the support of Western European family planning organizations.

For decades, abortion has been the principal birth control method for Soviet women. As indicated by some earlier local surveys, most couples use unreliable methods. Little is known about the latest trends in contraceptive use affected by the recent general liberalization of Soviet society, including more open attitudes about sex. A survey was conducted in 1991 via a questionnaire in the popular 'Health' magazine with national circulation. A total of 8059 women returned the questionnaire. The sample is selective with an overrepresentation of young and better educated urban residents, mostly from Russia and the Ukraine. Some 81% reported use of a contraceptive method during the last 5 years. Traditional methods still prevail (41% used withdrawal, rhythm and douche). Among women younger than 25 years there is a clear trend toward use of modern methods (IUD 35% and the pill 10%), although their notion of the 'pros" and 'cons' is biased. Of the respondents, 20% used a barrier method, mainly condom. The preferred method is the IUD (51%) and the pill (18%). Abortions resulting from contraceptive failure were reported by 60% of women. Eighty-nine percent considered pregnancy termination more dangerous than its prevention. For only 12% of respondents, a physician was the main source of contraceptive information, although 49% addressed him for advice. The results indicate a gap between conservative birth control practice and preferences of Russian women, with a positive general trend in the near future.