Young women's continued use of oral contraceptives over other hormonal methods: findings from a qualitative study

Williamson, L.M. , Buston, K. and Sweeting, H. (2009) Young women's continued use of oral contraceptives over other hormonal methods: findings from a qualitative study. Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, 35(3), pp. 167-172. (doi: 10.1783/147118909788708174)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1783/147118909788708174

Abstract

Background Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) have become more commonly promoted in the UK, but most young women still rely on the contraceptive pill. Here, we describe young women's accounts of hormonal contraceptive use to explore why this might be the case. Methods In-depth interviews with twenty 20-year-old women from eastern Scotland in the UK. Results All but one woman reported use of the pill. It was the method they expected to use, sought out, and received. Belief in the pill's efficacy was maintained even when knowledge or experience of failure suggested otherwise. Only four women reported using alternative hormonal methods and only did so after experiencing unmanageable problems with the pill (side effects or forgetting to take it). All then discontinued use because of weight gain or dislike of menstrual suppression. Conclusions Attempts to promote LARC must address these issues. Pill use can be unproblematic if managed well, and should continue to be promoted as an appropriate contraceptive for young women.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McDaid, Professor Lisa and Buston, Dr Katie and Sweeting, Dr Helen
Authors: Williamson, L.M., Buston, K., and Sweeting, H.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care
ISSN:1471-1893
ISSN (Online):2045-2098

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