Examining Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Non-Use Among Australian Women in Their 20s: Findings From a Qualitative Study

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Jacqueline Coombe, Melissa L Harris, Deborah Loxton 

Culture, Health & Sexuality - July 2019

January 7, 2019 - Published Online

Among participants, the intrauterine device (IUD) was viewed particularly unfavourably. Furthermore, LARC was shown to be only considered for use after dissatisfaction with shorter-term methods (usually the Pill) if at all. Overall, these findings suggest further education in dispelling myths and discomfort around LARC use, while simultaneously recognizing and respecting women’s decisions to not use LARC methods.

Australian women use less effective, short-term methods of contraception more often than any other method, despite the availability of much more effective long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Although research examining the low uptake of LARC among Australian women has increased over the past few years, we still know little about the factors influencing this phenomenon. Using data from semi-structured telephone interviews with 15 Australian women in their 20s, this paper explores contraceptive experience to better understand the non-use of LARC.

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Culture, Health & Sexuality

An International Journal for Research, Intervention and Care

Culture, Health & Sexuality publishes research on reproductive health and sexual well-being, expression, violence and inequality in different cultural settings and can be found at Taylor & Francis Online.