Exploring the link between the use of oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices, and alcohol consumption in young Danish women

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to identify potential differences in alcohol consumption and craving among users of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), intrauterine devices (IUDs), and naturally cycling (NC) women. Previous studies have often grouped COC and IUD users together, and so potentially overlooked behavioural differences between these two groups.

Study design

We conducted a cross-sectional observational study, collecting data from 101 Danish women aged 20–30 through a web-based survey.

Main outcome measures

Participants provided demographic information, details on use of hormonal contraceptives (HCs), menstrual history, and self-reported alcohol consumption. Additionally, the participants completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Alcohol Craving Questionnaire-Short Form-Revised (ACQ-SF-R).

Results

All participants reported alcohol consumption and were well matched in age, body mass index (BMI), and education. A higher proportion of IUD users were smokers, but the difference in smoking rates among the groups were not statistically significant. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in alcohol consumption among the groups, with IUD users consuming more alcohol than NC women and COC users. No significant differences in alcohol consumption were found between NC women and COC users. While there were trends towards higher AUDIT and ACQ-SF-R scores among IUD users, these differences did not reach statistical significance across the groups.

Conclusion

IUD users reported higher alcohol consumption than both COC users and NC women, while no substantial differences were observed between NC women and COC users. These findings provide valuable insights into the correlation between contraceptive methods and alcohol use. Although causality cannot be inferred, the results may aid healthcare professionals in developing tailored counselling strategies and identifying women who may be at increased risk of alcohol abuse.