Abstract

PIP: The psychological problems associated with contraception have been investigated by numerous researchers since 1979 whose published findings are reviewed. Motivation for contraception includes the number of desired children, economic reasons, or disinterest of the father in raising children. Maternal instincts work against it, despite unfavorable circumstances. A certain hormonal contraceptive can cause side effects with one partner and non with another. The need for contraception can trigger ambivalent feelings, and so can the sorrow felt for the unborn child. It is not clear why some take the risk of unwanted pregnancy, whether it is subconscious desire for children, or less reliable preventive method used by lower class people. Those who underwent repeatedly a procedure for interruption of pregnancy tended to be less balanced, less mature in their relationships, and more impulsive than those who subsequently used successful contraception. Among young people the number of unwanted pregnancy is very high. It is estimated that up to 30% of teenagers used no contraception consciously. Such behavior could be modified by medical counselling, if more attention were paid to young people. Psychological effects of hormonal pills include mood changes or loss of libido, although with low-dose progesterone pills this is less significant. Those requesting sterilization present a different set of problems, since psychological complaints and psychosomatic symptoms can be them and their partners for a long time, therefore a thorough discussion of such a decision is indispensable.