Permanent contraception in the childfree population: An exploratory study.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Demographics
• Sociology

Background:

• The decision for permanent contraception is complex and influenced by individual life choices.
• Understanding the childfree population's motivations and experiences is crucial for healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the childfree population seeking permanent contraception.
• To identify barriers encountered in accessing these procedures.
• To assess the incidence of regret among those who have undergone sterilization.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 400 participants in the United States.
• Participants were adults (18+) without biological children seeking or having sought permanent contraception.
• Data were collected via REDCap survey distributed on social media platforms.

Main Results:

• Nearly 40% of respondents had undergone permanent contraception, while many were still seeking providers.
• Key reasons for seeking sterilization included not wanting children (96%) and concerns about pregnancy (70%).
• Significant barriers included cost (30%) and difficulty finding a willing provider (42%).

Conclusions:

• Childfree individuals pursue sterilization for diverse reasons, with a very low reported incidence of regret (3%).
• Healthcare providers should address barriers and offer patient-centered care to support reproductive autonomy.
• This population may experience less regret compared to those who have had children.