Current methods and attitudes of women towards contraception in Europe and America

Abstract

BackgroundThe choice of available contraceptive methods has increased in recent years; however, recent data on women’s awareness of methods and reasons for their method choice, or reasons for changing methods, is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the use and awareness of contraceptive methods in the USA, UK, Germany, Italy and Spain.MethodsQuantitative survey of heterosexual women aged 25–44 years (n=2544), with no known infertility. Questions related to knowledge and use of contraceptive methods, reasons for choice and for changing methods, and sources of advice.ResultsThere was generally good awareness of most forms of contraception in all five countries. Awareness and current usage was greatest for the contraceptive pill (awareness >98%, usage varied from 35% [Spain] to 63% [Germany]); and male condom (awareness >95%, usage varied from 20% [Germany] to 47% [Spain]); awareness of other methods varied between countries. Doctors have the greatest influence on women’s choice of contraceptive method (>50% for all countries), and are most likely to suggest the contraceptive pill or male condom.Women’s contraceptive needs change; 4–36% of contraceptive pill users were likely to change their method within 12 months. For previous contraceptive pill users (n=377), most common reason for change was concern about side effects (from 26% [Italy] to 10% [UK]); however, awareness of many non-hormonal contraceptive methods was low.ConclusionsWomen aged 25–44 are aware of a wide variety of contraceptive methods, but knowledge and usage of the contraceptive pill and condoms predominates. Changing contraception method is frequent, occurring for a variety of reasons, including change in life circumstances and, for pill users, concerns about side effects.

Contraceptive awareness and practices in women of urban India

“…8 Its usage varied from 35% in Spain to 63% in Germany. 8 Most common method used in our study group was condom (20%) followed by tubectomy 12.5%, CuT 7.5%, O.C. Pills 1.5%, Injectable contraceptive and safe period 0.5% each.…”

Effects of Early Childhood Intervention on Fertility and Maternal Employment: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Although abortion laws are relatively more lenient in the U.S. relative to Germany, abortion is legal in both countries; therefore, a comparable situation persists (Levine, 2004;Cygan-Rehm and Riphahn, 2014). All contraceptives are generally available for purchase in Germany and the U.S. and knowledge about contraception and awareness of different forms of contraception is almost complete in both countries (Johnson and Pion, 2013).…”

Effects of Contraceptive Use on Productivity of Women Labor at PT. Bomar Makassar Industrial Area

“…The purpose of Family Planning Program is to actualize the harmony and balance of population policy in order to encourage the implementation of national and regional development pertaining to the population, foster partnerships, the increased prosperity, independence and resilience family. 7 The result of study which was conducted in five countries by Johnson et al, 8 reported that the greatest awareness of contraceptive use today is for contraceptive pills, with varying awareness, but awareness for the use of non-hormonal contraceptive method is still low. Study by Bailey et al, 3 in the United States demonstrates that the use of contraceptives before the age of 21 years in women workers can make the acceleration in the investment of the labor market women, where women workers have greater opportunities to work full time which means increasing work productivity.…”