Women are too shy to discuss contraception

Almost a quarter of women who are sexually active have never discussed contraception with their GP

As the government continues to address the issue of unplanned pregnancy in the UK, new research reveals that 24% of sexually active women have never discussed contraception with their GP.

The survey from Bayer Healthcare - a leading worldwide pharmaceutical company - also shows that 56% of those who do, spend less than ten minutes a year on the subject with their doctor.

'According to this research, there seems to be a genuine disconnect between displaying sexual confidence, and being embarrassed to engage with ones' bodies and contraception in a healthy way, which is a cause for concern,' says psychologist Dr Linda Papadopolous.

'When women could be using the opportunity to be more open with their partners and doctors about their contraception and sex life, they seem to be shying away from talking about it.'

Women don’t seem to wise up as they get older, as the time spent in the consultation room drops by 40% from the early 20s to late 30s.

When it comes to choosing contraception, 10% of women admit they find talking to their doctor about their options as nerve-wracking as visiting the dentist.

‘There is more choice than ever for women of all ages,' says Dr Tina Peers, consultant in contraception and sexual health. 'There are actually 15 methods of contraception and as an example, there are over 20 different types of oral contraceptives available. But women seem to be denying themselves the chance to make an informed choice.’

For more information see www.contraception.co.uk which has lots of useful information to help with decision-making.

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