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Contraceptive methods used and preferred by men and women
A L Kirkkola1, I Virjo, M Isokoski
1University of Tampere, Medical School, Department of General Practice, Finland.
Advances in Contraception : the Official Journal of the Society for the Advancement of Contraception
|January 6, 2001
Summary
Men and women surveyed on contraceptive use and preferences. Men prioritized condoms, while women favored oral contraceptives (OCs), with both groups valuing reliability.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Understanding contraceptive method usage and preferences is crucial for effective family planning programs.
- Previous research indicates potential gender differences in contraceptive choices and perceptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare contraceptive method usage and preferences between Finnish men and women.
- To identify the most highly regarded contraceptive methods by both genders.
Main Methods:
- A 1997 postal questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 395 Finnish men and 393 women aged 18-50.
- Participants reported ever-used methods and ranked their top three preferred contraceptive options.
- Response rates were 45% for men and 56% for women.
Main Results:
- Condoms, oral contraceptives (OCs), and intrauterine devices (IUDs) were the most commonly used methods by both genders.
- Men ranked condoms as their top choice, whereas women preferred OCs.
- Reliability was a key factor in method preference for both men and women.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in contraceptive method preferences between men and women.
- Public health initiatives should consider these gender-specific preferences for family planning education and access to methods.
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