Abstract

Health IssueContraception choices affect the long-term sexual health and fertility of women and men. Data from the 1998 Canadian Contraception Study and the 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey were assessed for measures of contraceptive use and familiarity with various methods among Canadian women.Key FindingsThe oral contraceptive (OC) pill is the dominant method of contraception for Canadian women. Canadian women demonstrate high awareness of the benefits of condom use, but 75% are unaware of the female condom. Among youth, condom use drops as OC use increases. Contraception use in sexually active females aged 15–17 is fairly high, but use is inconsistent. Sexually active adolescent females report high awareness of emergency contraception but poor knowledge of the time frame within which it is most effective. Women aged 35–44 are more familiar with and likely to choose sterilization than younger women. There has also been a shift away from tubal ligation in favour of vasectomies.Data Gaps and RecommendationsNational data to guide policy and program development are limited. More data are needed on contraception use among males, and factors affecting accessibility, adherence and negotiation of choice. The importance of dual protection, and correct and consistent use of the chosen contraceptive method must be communicated to younger Canadians, as well as health care providers and educators. All women of reproductive age should be made aware of emergency contraception methods and increased efforts on sexual health promotion and education are required. Further research is essential to develop expanded contraceptive choices.

Highlights

  • Contraceptive choices affect the long-term sexual health and fertility of women and men, when contraception is not used correctly or consistently

  • Methods of Contraception Oral Contraceptive Pill Introduced in the 1960s, oral contraception is widely used around the world

  • According to the 1998 Canadian Contraception Study, oral contraceptive (OC) is the dominant method of contraception for women in Canada, used by over 28% of all women and 43% of sexually active women[3]

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Summary

Introduction

Contraceptive choices affect the long-term sexual health and fertility of women and men, when contraception is not used correctly or consistently. The ability to control their fertility has enhanced their ability to control their lives; with this power has come a greater responsibility for contraception in a relationship. In any relationship both partners will discuss the most appropriate method of contraception and be committed to using it correctly and consistently. The decision to use one contraceptive method over another is influenced by personal choice, perceptions of efficacy, personal risk, access, age, cost, gender, education, ethnicity, marital status, current number of children, sexual orientation, pattern of sexual activity and level of cooperation between partners

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