[Contraception and proception--competence of the gynaecologist in the planning of a woman's life]

Abstract

Contra- and proception provoke different answers in our country and culture than globally speaking, particularly regarding non-industrialized nations. Contraception should be viewed as a means of preventive medicine, especially as a means of avoiding the psychosocial emergency of an unwanted pregnancy and potentially subsequent pregnancy termination. In this light, contraceptive counselling to teenagers is of particular importance. Reliable contraception does not cause a change of morals but supports and facilitates lifestyle and provides security. This aspect interacts closely with social and family politics. The integration of contraception into a woman's concept of life is decidedly dependent on these circumstances. The gynaecologist is a participant in the development of this concept, particularly for women who initially practice contraception, often in pursuit of a professional career, and later--often too late or perhaps never--bear an only child with maximal intention or potentially even after assisted reproductive medical intervention. The initially desired infertility frequently turns into the unfulfilled desire to bear children. The issues at hand are innovative social and sexual pedagogics that eliminate the separation between career and family. In the awareness of this pedagogic task, gynaecologists participate in the design of a woman's life concept as well as in the demographic change of society.