Psychological factors: counseling and motivation of the contraceptive patient

The stronger the desire to avoid conception, the more effective the contracepting. But motivation alone will not ensure success. Knowledge of all aspects of contraception is a prerequisite for optimal decision making, and such information and counseling should be readily available to all persons of reproductive age who are concerned about the use of medication, potential side effects and subsequent fertility. The counsel and opinion of physicians are sought with as much or greater frequency as their diagnostic or therapeutic skills. Yet, too often, the physician's attitude toward contraceptive use by others is colored by his own moral, religious or social philosophy. Subtle personality traits of the patient and attitudes of her partner control contraceptive disuse, misuse or rejection in most people. In the author's opinion, compliance with the use of contraception is directly related to the amount and intensity of counseling and the degree of motivation provided by the physician.