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A survey of attitudes towards permanent contraceptive methods

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

A. E. Reading ,
C. M. Sledmere  and
J. R. Newton
A. E. Reading
Affiliation:
WHO Collaborating Centre for Clinical Research in Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King's College Hospital Medical School, Denmark Hill, London
C. M. Sledmere
Affiliation:
WHO Collaborating Centre for Clinical Research in Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King's College Hospital Medical School, Denmark Hill, London
J. R. Newton
Affiliation:
WHO Collaborating Centre for Clinical Research in Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King's College Hospital Medical School, Denmark Hill, London
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Summary

In this survey of attitudes towards permanent contraceptive methods, four groups were studied: (A) men having undergone a vasectomy 12 months previously (n = 61); (B) men currently attending for vasectomy (n = 58); (C) female partners of men currently undergoing vasectomy (n = 60); and (D) women undergoing sterilization by tubal ligation (n = 52). All patients completed a questionnaire which included questions on the reasons for selecting their chosen method, and attitudes towards permanent methods and hypothetical pills and injectable contraceptives for men. Results showed that contraception was generally regarded as a mutual responsibility. This attitude was more pronounced in the vasectomy groups than among the sterilization women. Generally favourable reactions were elicited with respect to vasectomy, although substantial proportions expressed a preference for alternative methods (40%). Women undergoing sterilization exhibited predominantly negative attitudes towards this procedure. The implications of these findings, in terms of enhancing the acceptability of new male methods and improving subsequent adjustment to currently available permanent methods, are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 12 , Issue 4 , October 1980 , pp. 383 - 392
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, Cambridge University Press

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