Current trends in contraception.

Abstract

Contraceptive trends for the Palatine Centre the largest family planning clinic in the Manchester area are analyzed for 1975-1978 and indicate a clear trend away from the pill (from 83% to 73%) with a corresponding move towards the IUD (6% to 9%); cap (5% to 8%); and condom (3% to 5%). The age-grouping of 1st-visit patients each year shows a fairly constant distribution with a small decrease from 21% to 17% in patients under 20 seeking contraceptive advice. The significant movement away from the pill among women under 35 suggests that the effect of adverse publicity on the pattern of contraceptive usage is considerable. In addition the decrease in the number of women under 20 asking for contraceptive advice is disturbing and more use of the media for health education and for more readily available and acceptable contraceptive advice for these younger women should be considered.