Contraceptive consultations: A cross-sectional study of Norwegian women's experiences and opinions

Access to contraceptive consultations and the content of these consultations are important to achieve a safe and satisfying sexual life and successful reproduction when desired. The aim of this study was to investigate Norwegian women's experiences of and opinions on contraceptive consultations.

We conducted a cross-sectional study with a questionnaire distributed via Facebook with 1917 respondents of age ≥15 years. Descriptive analyses were used.

Few women found it hard to access consultations (5%). Across all age groups, side effects were the most common topic that women (69%) wanted more information about. Concern about side effects was also the most frequent reason given (27%) for not using hormonal contraceptives. Among women aged 25-34 years, 54% wanted to know more about different available contraceptives. The majority of women deemed issues of sexual wellbeing important to address during a contraceptive consultation. Few women reported that these topics had been raised. Just under half of the women found it appropriate to see a midwife for contraceptive/sexual health consultations. Only one-third knew that midwives can prescribe and administer long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).

Women want contraceptive consultations to include more information on side effects and available hormonal contraceptives. Women want to be asked about their sexual health and wellbeing during contraceptive consultations. Women should be made aware that midwives can provide contraceptive services including LARCs.