Contraceptive Features Preferred by Women At High Risk of Unintended Pregnancy

Abstract

The contraceptive features women want are largely absent from currently available methods. Developing and promoting methods that are more aligned with women's preferences presumably could help increase satisfaction and thereby encourage consistent and effective use.

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

“…For example, women who found certain contraceptive characteristics attractive, such as longevity and ease of use, were more likely to be interested in using an IUD or unsure about using an IUD, as opposed to not interested. These findings indicate the need to connect women's contraceptive preferences to methods that accommodate these preferences, as noted by previous research (Gomez & Clark, 2014;Lessard et al, 2012). A 2014 study of women and providers found that while the two groups' information priorities overlapped considerably, important differences existed.…”

Extent of Awareness of Birth Control Methods and Their Use by Women in a Peri-Urban Area of Accra, Ghana

“…A report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in 2011 indicates that the prevalence rate of contraceptive usage in the world increased from an average of 49.2% in 1980 to 62.7% in 2009. Sub-Saharan Africa which recorded an average prevalence rate of 11.2% in 1980 had its prevalence rate increased to 21.8% in 2009 [2]. However, many African women who need to avoid pregnancy and plan their families lack adequate access to modern contraceptive services.…”

Power and the gendered division of contraceptive use in Western European couples

“…This suggests that higher average male power relates to reliance on female reversible methods whereas higher average female power relates to practicing alternative methods. The finding parallels the abundant literature on side effects of hormonal methods that direct women to use other options (Johnson et al, 2013;Lessard et al, 2012). In this light, interactional power can strengthen women's bargaining position to rely on less-commonly used contraceptive methods, but does not necessarily translates in male contraceptive responsibility.…”

“…With regard to reversible contraceptives, this is reflected in the high levels of contraceptive discontinuation due to method-related reasons, and the high prevalence of method switching (Grady et al, 2002;Lessard et al, 2012;Vaughan et al, 2008). For instance, high movement between the pill and condom use has been identified (Grady et al, 2002;Huber et al, 2006;Oddens et al, 1994a;Vaughan et al, 2008).…”

“…Multiple studies that examine the use of reversible methods suggested that women engage in "contraceptive gatekeeping" as many report a clear preference for being primarily in charge of contraception in their relationship (Fennell, 2011;Lessard et al, 2012).…”