Are myths surrounding long-acting reversible contraception the reason for a huge unmet need for spacing pregnancies?

Abstract

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), a highly effective class of contraceptives, has a limited uptake by few couples due to lack of awareness, unavailability, and myths surrounding their application and side effects. Aims: This study was undertaken to understand and to clear myths of LARC among patients as well as to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and preference. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study using a semistructured questionnaire was conducted in the out-patient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in a tertiary level hospital in Eastern India. A total of 600 women responded to the structured validated questionnaire. Results: High prevalence of teenage marriages (64%), teenage pregnancies (44%), and unwanted pregnancy (41%) was noted among responders. The knowledge scores were low in 66.7%, moderate in 26.66%, and only 6.66% had high level >80% scores in the 15 questions about LARC methods. While 41% had a positive attitude to future use of LARC, a majority (59%) had a strong negative attitude due to many myths of genital tract infections, discharges, and cancer, changed menstrual bleeding patterns, delayed conception after discontinuation, and altered sexual functions. Out of those with a positive attitude, 21% of women had a preference for intrauterine devices, 19.5% of women for injectables, and only 0.5% of women preferred contraceptive implants. 24.5% of women had used LARC in their lifetime but a meager 5% were currently using them. Conclusions: The study shows that there is a huge unmet need for spacing contraceptive methods as childbearing spacing is not maintained. There were lack of correct knowledge and awareness, and numerous myths surrounding LARC methods.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives utilization and its determinants among married Yemeni women of childbearing age who no longer want children

“…Myths and misconceptions about LARCs’ use, such as risk of cancer, genital tract infections, altered sexual function, and delayed conception following discontinuation, contribute to negative attitudes toward LARCs. [ 29 , 30 ]…”

“…Myths and misconceptions about LARCs' use, such as risk of cancer, genital tract infections, altered sexual function, and delayed conception following discontinuation, contribute to negative attitudes toward LARCs. [29,30] After controlling for confounding factors, the study identified various predisposing, enabling, and need factors, that were significantly associated with the use of LARCs among married women with no desire for children in the study setting. The study showed that women with some level of formal education were more likely to report the current use of LARCs than those with no formal education.…”