The use of behavioral methods of contraception in women seeking abortion

To determine the extent to which behavioural methods, used alone or with other methods of contraception, contribute to contraceptive failure in women seeking termination of pregnancy.

A clinical audit was conducted of the use of behavioural methods of contraception, in 1342 women attending the Parkview Clinic for termination of pregnancy, over a four year period 1992-6. The information was obtained through standard interview and patient records.

The women seen were representative of New Zealand women undergoing termination of pregnancy. Approximately one third of women (34.9%) used one or more behavioural methods in the month prior to conception. The two most common methods were periodic abstinence and coitus interruptus, both used by approximately 17%. Other methods used less frequently and not solely for contraceptive purposes, were cleansing of the vagina and breastfeeding. Pacific Island and Asian women were more likely to use behavioural methods than European and Maori women. Many women (45.6%) using behavioural methods also used other methods of contraception, especially the condom.

Behavioural methods were found more commonly than previously reported. Greater understanding of the use of behavioural methods will assist in the implementation of preventive programmes to reduce the number of terminations.