PIP: 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.