Contraceptive dissatisfaction among women in Sweden: a cross-sectional survey

To assess contraceptive dissatisfaction and examine its correlation with contraceptive methods and demographic factors in a Swedish population. Intention to switch methods was also assessed as a secondary measure of dissatisfaction.

Women in Sweden aged 15-45 who attended midwifery and gynaecology clinics across 14 regions of Sweden answered an online questionnaire on contraception and reproductive health. Dissatisfaction and switching intention were assessed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and univariate logistic regression.

Of the 874 women included in the analysis, 12.9% were dissatisfied with their contraceptive method. Dissatisfaction was 7.9% for short-acting reversible contraception (SARC), 10.4% for intrauterine devices, 13.3% for barrier methods, 31.6% for implant and 29.7% for other methods. Highest levels of dissatisfaction were found for emergency contraception pill (46.2% dissatisfied) and implant (31.6%). Unadjusted odds ratio for dissatisfaction with implant was 5.78 (CI 3.18-10.49) compared to SARC as reference. No demographic factor was correlated with dissatisfaction. Three out of ten reported an intention to switch methods. For most contraceptives, switching intention rate aligned with dissatisfaction level.

Most women are satisfied with their contraceptive method, but dissatisfaction differs significantly between methods. Efforts should be made to strengthen individualised contraceptive counselling in order to further decrease dissatisfaction levels.