Oral

This session examines the perceived benefits and disadvantages of contraceptive use, including hormonal contraception, condoms, and withdrawal. Barriers to contraceptive use and access are also explored. Qualitative research with low-income, English-speaking women suggests that insurance issues create real barriers to contraceptive access, and that women generally support over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives. A mixed-methods analysis of condom use patterns among young Puerto Rican and African-American men and women finds that relationship context and physical discomfort influence condom use, and that the use of HIV/STI testing to monitor risk in lieu of condom use is a common practice. Further, a mixed-methods study among young women and men suggest that withdrawal is a popular contraceptive technique, although some (especially women) demonstrate anxiety over the effectiveness of this method in preventing pregnancy and the ability to use the method correctly and consistently. Finally, new data suggests that dual contraceptive use may be higher than expected among college students and involves numerous combinations of hormonal and non-hormonal methods. Relationship context, age, and student status were associated with dual use. Overall, this session explores men’s and women’s experiences with contraception both quantitatively and qualitatively, and offers numerous implications for public health research and practice.

Session Objectives: 1. Identify three (3) common concerns associated with contraceptive use, including hormonal contraceptives, condoms, and withdrawal 2. Describe how relationship status/context influences contraceptive use, including hormonal contraceptives, condoms, and withdrawal 3. List two (2) ways that the findings presented in this session can be used to improve contraceptive counseling

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)