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

Abstract

Background: The 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.

Methods: Quantitative 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.

Results: There 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.

Conclusions: Women 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.

Figure 1

Country-specific current methods of contraception used by women (percentage of women currently using contraception). UK, n=313; Germany, n=321; Spain, n=308; Italy, n=342; USA, n=262 (note Persona® is not available in the USA; only methods where there was ≥1% usage are shown).

Figure 2

Stated reasons why women have changed their method of contraception. UK, n=244; Germany, n=192; Spain, n=182; Italy, n=76; USA, n=249.

Figure 3

Considerations that would prompt women to change their method of birth control. (Q. Which of the following reasons would prompt you to consider changing your birth control method or begin using a method of birth control, if any?) UK, n=507; Germany, n=514; Spain, n=510; Italy, n=503; USA, n=507.

Figure 4

Women’s awareness of methods of contraception. a. Women’s unprompted awareness of contraceptive methods (Q. What are ALL the methods of birth control you have ever heard of?). b: Women’s prompted awareness of contraceptive methods (Q. From the list of birth control methods below, please select the ones you have EVER HEARD OF or READ about) UK, n=510; Germany, n=514; Spain, n=510; Italy, n=503; USA, n=507 (note Persona® is not available in the USA).