“And Isn't that the point?”: pleasure and contraceptive decisions

“Is That A Method of Birth Control?” A Qualitative Exploration of Young Women’s Use of Withdrawal

“…Women often cite adverse side effects of hormonal methods and dislike of condoms (Horner et al, 2009;Reed, England, Littlejohn, Bass, & Caudillo, 2014;Whittaker et al, 2010), as well as convenience when condoms are not available or sexual encounters are unexpected, and diminished sexual pleasure while using condoms (Daley, 2014;Fennell, 2014;Higgins et al, 2014;Jones et al, 2009;Whittaker et al, 2010). Previous research has also highlighted the important influence of relationship context on the decision to use withdrawal (Brown et al, 2011;Whittaker et al, 2010).…”

“…Previous research has also highlighted the important influence of relationship context on the decision to use withdrawal (Brown et al, 2011;Whittaker et al, 2010). As a couple's relationship grows more serious, the perceived risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be de-emphasized, while pregnancy prevention becomes the primary focus (Brown et al, 2011;Fennell, 2014;Whittaker et al, 2010). The desire for increased intimacy can also lead couples to stop using condoms, as some feel that they can grow closer or express commitment and their trust in each other during condomless sex (Campbell et al, 2014;Horner et al, 2009;Manlove et al, 2011).…”

Do Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Intrauterine Devices Predict Interest in Their Use?

“…Researchers have speculated that the high level of satisfaction experienced by IUD users may be related to increased sexual pleasure (Higgins & Davis, 2014). Sexual pleasure has been an important determinant of use of withdrawal (Higgins & Wang, In Press) and non-use of condoms (Fennell, 2014). Given the majority of women found IUDs attractive due these characteristics, it is important to consider the ways that discussions of sexuality -including intimacy and pleasuremay be incorporated into contraceptive counseling and sex education.…”

The sexual acceptability of intrauterine contraception: a qualitative study with young adult women

“…Qualitative research in particular suggests that women's sexual preferences for their contraceptive method surpass functioning alone to include partner-based and relational components; inhibition and disinhibition; and personal aesthetic issues relating to touch, feel and other sensations. 7,9 To our knowledge, no U.S.-based qualitative study has documented women's sexual experiences with the IUD. To fill this gap, we collected and analyzed qualitative data on young adult women's thoughts and experiences regarding the sexual aspects of the IUD.…”

“…3 Nonetheless, in recent years, reproductive health researchers have shown increasing interest in how contraception affects women's sexual well-being and how sexuality may influence contraceptive choices and practices. [4][5][6][7][8][9] This growing body of research suggests significant associations between contraceptives' sexual acceptability-that is, how they affect users' sexual experiences-and how consistently and continuously women use them. Given the nascent state of this research, however, substantial gaps in knowledge remain.…”