Sofia: Difference between revisions

In Bulgaria, you technically need a prescription to obtain birth control pills and most forms of contraception.<ref>[http://ocsotc.org/wp-content/uploads/worldmap/worldmap.html Global Oral Contraception Availability]</ref> <ref>[http://freethepill.org/where-on-earth/ Free the Pill: Where on Earth?]</ref> However, according to online sources, some pharmacies sell birth control pills over-the-counter.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/bulgaria/comments/2b9dfj/getting_birth_control_pills_in_bulgaria/ Getting birth control pills in Bulgaria?]</ref> <ref>[http://www.mybulgaria.info/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32750 Contraceptive pill]</ref> You can purchase condoms without a prescription at markets, pharmacies, kiosks, and online vendors.

Generally speaking, condoms are the most commonly used form of contraception. It was estimated in 2015 that 67% of Bulgarian women (who were married/in unions and of reproductive age) used any form of contraception, including traditional methods, which was slightly lower than the Eastern European average (about 69% of women). Furthermore, about 13.5% of women had unmet family planning needs, which was slightly higher than the Eastern European average (about 10%). The most common forms of contraception was male condoms, which were used by 26.5% of women. Many women chose to use withdrawal, also known as the "pull-out method," as their main form of contraception (about 18% of women). This was followed by IUDs (about 11% of women) and birth control pills (about 7% of women). There were rather low rates of usage for all other forms of contraception, including female sterilization (2.5% of women), the rhythm method (about 1% of women), male sterilization (less than 1% of women), and female barrier methods (less than 1% of women). There were practically no women who were found to be using contraceptive injectables (0.0% of women) and contraceptive implants (0.0% of women).<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref>

* In Bulgaria, you can easily purchase '''condoms''' without a prescription at supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations, and various stores. They are generally easy to find and you shouldn't encounter significant stigma or if you buy them. For Bulgarian women, condoms are the most common form of contraception.

* You can find '''birth control pills''' at pharmacies. From a legal perspective, a prescription may be required to purchase birth control pills, but some pharmacies may sell pills over-the-counter, according to multiple online sources.

* You can find '''intra-uterine devices (IUDs)''' in Bulgaria. To learn more about the insertion procedures, brands available, or prices, you should contact a local gynecologist or clinic.