Foreword
For over 40 years, the Dublin Well Woman Centre has supported
women’s decisions around contraception.
As an organisation dedicated to women’s health
and reproductive health, this is a key aspect of
our work. A woman’s equality is strengthened
through her ability to control her own fertility,
and being able to receive clear information
on all of her options, and to access the most
effective form of contraception, without barriers,
is crucial.
Women look to different forms of contraception
at different stages of their lives, and there is a
wide range of contraceptive choices available.
It is always possible to identify the contraceptive
that is most effective for each woman,
depending on her medical history, health status
and lifestyle. Our research indicates, inter alia:
• Over 50% of women are using a
contraceptive that is linked with failure
• Women face a number of barriers
in accessing their preferred form of
contraception, including cost, accessibility
and lack of information
• There is a worryingly high degree of
misunderstanding around fertility and
contraception, highlighting the need for
greater education
• 1 in 2 women aged 17-45 have had sex
without using contraception
Alison Begas
DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION
Cost should not be a barrier for any woman
looking to access her preferred form of
contraception. Nor should location. There is
also a clear information deficit which needs
to be addressed by an education campaign,
and the appropriate training for healthcare
professionals.
The Dublin Well Woman Centre calls on the
Government to prioritise the introduction
of free contraception for sexually-active
women within their reproductive years. Such
a programme must be realistically resourced,
so as to ensure that all forms of contraception
are readily available. It must also be supported
by a comprehensive education and awareness
programme, with age-appropriate information
targeted at women and girls.
The Dublin Well Woman Centre acknowledges
the support of Bayer, which has made it
possible for us to commission this important
national research, and we thank Robert Clarke
and his team at Empathy Research for their
professionalism and rigorous approach.
We are pleased to share this important national
research with decision-makers and policy-
makers, as well as with the wider community.
We are confident it will make a meaningful
contribution to the debate on contraception
in Ireland.
Alison Begas
Chief Executive
November 2020
1
 Research Methodology Dependent Children Marital Status

Yes Married 3%
• Research was conducted amongst a nationally representative sample of N= 1,014 women No Single
Living with 11%
aged between 17-45 who have sexual encounters with men. Research was conducted through
partner 1% 38%
an online survey amongst members of Empathy Research’s proprietary research panel In a steady
51% 49%
relationship 3%
• Fieldwork was conducted from 10th March – 23th March 2020 In a casual 23%

relationship
• The sample size of N=1,014 results in a margin of error of +/- 3.1% Separated/

divorced 22%
• In questions where multiple answers were relevant, respondents could pick multiple answers.
Re-married
Therefore, on these occasions those results will come to more than 100 if added up

Age Region Sexual Attraction Sexual Orientation

17-24 Dublin Only to men 8%

Straight or
heterosexual 9%
25-34 18% Rest of Leinster 18% With both men
& women Bisexual
35-45 Munster 29%
Other
43% Connacht/Ulster
92% 2% 89%
27%
39%
26%

Social Class Working Status Urban/ Rural

AB 6% Working Dublin
14% 10%
C1 Looking after home Cities out of Dublin 21%
7%
C2 In school student Town 5k+
DE 31% Unemployed Rural 43%
13% 70%
F 28% 13%

21% 23%

Country of Birth Public Health Reimbursement

Scheme Status
Republic of
Ireland No Public

Other European Health Scheme 12%
Countries 12% Reimbursement
UK
4% HSE Medical

Card 16%
Other 6% Drugs Payment 42%

Scheme (DPS)
GP visit card
78%
34%

2 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 3
 Key Findings:
Contraceptive Research
Just over half (51%) of women aged 17-45 claim
1 that they have had sex where no contraception
was used, with those living in rural areas and
those aged 17-24 (53%) more likely to have had
sex in the past where no contraception was used.
Almost half (47%) of those that have had sex where no
contraception was used claiming that it happened at
least once in the past 12 months, with those aged 17-24
most likely to claim that they have had sex where no
contraception was used once or more often in the past
12 months (75%).
Almost a third (31%) of females aged 17-45 have had sex in the
2 past where the contraception failed. Almost 3 in 10 (28%) of
those that have had sex before where the contraception failed
claim that it had happened at least once in the past 12 months,
with those aged 17-24 most likely to claim that they have had sex where the
contraception failed once or more often in the past 12 months (57%).
Almost three quarters (73%) of those who have experienced a
contraceptive failure in the past claim that they were using
a condom/male sheath when the contraception failed, with
just over 1 in 5 (21%) claiming that they were using the
contraceptive pill when the contraception failed, both of
which are the most used types of contraception
(28% currently using a condom/male sheath currently
and 27% using a contraceptive pill).
Almost two thirds (63%) of those that have had
3 sex where the contraception failed claim that
the condom broke or slipped off, which led to
contraception failure. Amongst those that have had
sex where no contraception was used, just over 7 in 10 (72%)
claim to have done so on the spur of the moment, with just
over a third (35%) claiming that they got carried away/
hadn’t planned to have sex on the last occasion they had
unprotected sex.
4 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E
Just over a third (35%) of those that have had sex where the
4 contraception failed claim that it resulted in a pregnancy. Those
from the lower social class (45%) and those with a HSE Medical Card
(54%) are most likely to claim that a pregnancy resulted from sexual
intercourse where the contraception failed.
30% of those aged 17-24 who claim to have had sex where
the contraception failed, claim it resulted in a pregnancy.
Those aged 17-24 (53%) are significantly more
5 likely to claim that the cost of the contraception
is important when deciding on which type of
contraception to use. Those aged 25-34 (64%) are
most likely to claim that an important aspect when deciding
on which type of contraception to use is how quickly it will
allow their normal fertility to return once they stop using it.
A quarter (25%) of women who have had sex where no
6 contraception was used or where the contraception failed, claim
that they took an emergency contraceptive pill at least once in the
past 12 months.
Those aged 17-24 (54%) are most likely to claim that they took an emergency
contraceptive pill once in the past 12 months, with almost 4 in 10 (37%) of those
availing of the GP visit scheme taking the emergency contraceptive pill at least
once in the past 12 months.
Almost two thirds (63%) of women aged
7 17-45 claim that they consult their GP
to get information in relation to the
contraception they use, significantly
ahead of all other potential information sources.
1 in 8 (12%) women aged 17-45 claim that
they typically visit Women’s Health Clinic/
Dublin Well Woman Centre/IFPA to get
information on the type of
contraception to use, which
rises to 17% amongst those
aged 17-24.
DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 5
 Overall, there is significant evidence that there is The contraceptive pill and condom/male sheath are the most
8 a real lack of understanding among a significant
proportion of 17-45s in relation to fertility and
12 popular methods of contraception being used today, but they are
the methods cited most often that were used when contraception
contraception. Almost 1 in 3 (30%) women aged failure happened.
17-45 are not aware that LARC is the most effective form of Given the most important factor required from a contraception is the
contraception, while over half (53%) of this cohort are not aware prevention of pregnancy, this points to a failure on the part of these forms
that the condom has a 17% failure rate and almost half (49%) are to contraception to effectively deliver on this need. Both of these types of
not aware that the failure rate for the pill is actually 9%. contraception are also more likely to be used by those aged 17-24.
Moreover, 1 in 10 (10%) women aged 17-45 incorrectly believe
that the withdrawal method offers 100% protection from
getting pregnant. Those aged 17-24 are slightly more likely to
believe that using a LARC will lead to weight gain (45%) and that 3 in 5 (60%) women aged 17-45 believe that not having to
“You can’t get pregnant if you have sex during your period” (21%).
13 remember to use contraception on a daily, weekly or monthly basis
is a benefit of LARC, with almost the same proportion (58%) believing
that a benefit of LARC is that they are highly effective forms of
Just over a third (36%) of women aged 17-45 claim that their contraception. Just over half (51%) believe that the ability to reverse LARC,
9 GP would be their first source for information in relation to
contraception, with the same proportion (36%) claiming that their GP
if needed, is a benefit.
Almost 3 in 5 (57%) women aged 17-45 who are
is the most helpful source of information in relation to contraception.
aware of the term LARC believe that how
Almost a quarter (24%) of this cohort who consult Dublin Well Woman Centres,
their body might react to a LARC is a negative
Women’s Health Clinics or the IFPA in relation to contraception, with 11%
aspect of LARC. Just over 2 in 5 (41%) claim that
deeming them to be the most helpful (third highest overall).
they heard that some LARC are uncomfortable to
have inserted and almost 4 in 10 (37%) are of the
perception that they cost too much upfront/are
Just a third (33%) of women aged 17-
10
too expensive.
45 who typically consult their GP about
their contraceptive options, claim that
their GP has spoken to them about LARC
before and whether they might consider choosing
one. This is significantly lower than the proportion
Almost 1 in 5 (18%) women aged 17-45 claim that
of those who consult nurses in the GP practice
(47%) or those who consult Women’s Health/Family 14 they have to travel outside of the town/city/village
that they live in to access the contraception they are
Planning clinics (42%).
currently using. Those that live in a rural area
(29%) and those that use a hormonal coil or
Almost 9 in 10 (89%) women who IUS (31%) are most likely to claim that they

11 spoke to a GP about LARC before

claim that their GP gave them sufficient
have to travel outside of the town/city/
village that they live in to access
information about LARC in order for them the contraception they are
to consider them as a contraceptive option. 97% of currently using.
those speaking to a Women’s Health Clinic/ Family Those aged 17-24 (22%) are
Planning Clinic claim that they were given sufficient also more likely to have to
information about LARC in order for them to consider travel outside of the town/
it as a contraceptive option. city/village that they live in
to access the contraception
they are currently using.

6 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 7
Current
Contraceptive
Usage Overview
 Overview of contraception options AWARENESS EVER USED USE MOST OFTEN

(Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014) USE CURRENTLY WOULD PREFER TO USE

Contraceptive 27% Condom/ 20% Implanted 4% Cap/

pill male sheath contraceptive 4% diaphragm
27% 28% capsules
81% 79%
11% 51% 1% 51%
25%
5% 1%
31%

73% 73%

Emergency Male 8% Injections Female

3%
Contraception sterilisation: 2% condoms
pill or morning Vasectomy 4% 10%
after pill 1% 72% 3% 1%
1%
2% 68% 2% 51% 1% 45%
2%
36% 1% 1%

Withdrawal 8% Going without 3% Contraceptive 5%

Natural Family 7%
method 8% sex/abstinence ring Planning
methods
2% 1%
63% 5% 63%
4% 1% 1% 43% 1% 37%
34% 23%
1% 1%

Hormonal Coil, 9% Female 1% Gels, sprays,

or IUS 9% sterilisation: 2% spermicides or
Tubal Ligation pessaries
9%
60% 4% 54% 3% 33%
1%
13%

Non-Hormonal 2%
Contraceptive 6%
Copper Coil/ patch
IUD 4% The contraceptive pill and condom/
4% 1% 2% male sheath are the most popular methods
52% 52%
2% 1% of contraception in all aspects from awareness
to use currently and the type of contraception
females aged 17-45 would prefer to use.

10 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 11
 Awareness of the different Methods of contraception ever used
methods of contraception (Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014)

(Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014) Which, if any, of the following types of contraception have you ever used?

Thinking about the following types of contraception which may be available in Condom/male sheath (e.g. Durex) 73%
the market, which of the following have you heard of before today’s survey? Contraceptive pill 73%
Emergency contraception pill 36%
Contraceptive pill 81% or morning after pill
Withdrawal method 34%
Condom/male sheath (e.g. Durex) 79%
Emergency contraception pill Going without sex/abstinence 23%
72%
or morning after pill Hormonal Coil, or IUS
(e.g. Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess) 13%
Male sterilisation: Vasectomy 68%
Implanted contraceptive capsules 11%
(e.g. Implanon)
Withdrawal method 63%
NET LARC
30%
Injections (e.g. Depo Provera) 10%
Going without sex/abstinence 63%
Natural Family Planning methods
Hormonal Coil, or IUS (Persona, Rhythm, Billings) 7%
60%
(e.g. Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess)
Contraceptive patch (e.g. Ortha Evra) 6%
Female sterilisation: Tubal Ligation 54%
Contraceptive ring (e.g. NuvaRing) 5%
Non-Hormonal Copper Coil/IUD 52%
Non-Hormonal Copper Coil/IUD 4%
Contraceptive patch (e.g. Ortha Evra) 52%
NET LARC NET SAC
75% 95%
Implanted contraceptive capsules Male sterilisation: Vasectomy 4%
51%
(e.g. Implanon)
Gels, sprays, spermicides or pessaries 3%
Injections (e.g. Depo Provera) 51%
Female condom 3%
Cap/diaphragm 51%
Female sterilisation: Tubal Ligation 2%
Female condoms 45%
Cap/diaphragm 1%
Contraceptive ring (e.g. NuvaRing) 43%
NET SAC
93%
Natural Family Planning methods Other method of protection 0%
37%
(Persona, Rhythm, Billings)
No method used 2%
Gels, sprays, spermicides or pessaries 33%
None of these 2%
Other method of protection 0%

None of these 2%

Grouped incidence based on Any

Any
any selection of LARC or SAC. LONG ACTING
SHORT ACTING
Someone selecting two types of REVERSIBLE
CONTRACEPTION
LARC will only be counted once CONTRACEPTION
‘LARC’ ‘SAC’
for incidence purposes. Almost three quarters (73%) of women
aged 17-45 claim that they have used
condoms/male sheaths or contraceptive
The contraceptive pill (81%) and condom/male sheath (79%) are pill before, with just over a third (36%)
the most recalled types of contraceptives, with SAC (93%) forms of claiming that they have used the emergency
contraception more likely to be recalled compared to LARC (75%) contraception pill or morning after pill before.
contraceptives. Awareness of the emergency contraception pill Slightly less (34%) claim that they have
(72%) is higher than the awareness of any single LARC. used the withdrawal method before.

12 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 13
 Method of contraception Method of contraception
used most often currently used
(Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014) (Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014)

Which, if any, of the following types of contraception do you use most often? Which, if any, of the following types of contraception do you use currently?
Contraceptive pill 31% Condom/male sheath (e.g. Durex) 28%

Condom/male sheath (e.g. Durex) 25% Contraceptive pill 27%

Hormonal Coil, or IUS Hormonal Coil, or IUS
9% (e.g. Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess) 9%
(e.g. Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess)
Withdrawal method 8% Withdrawal method 8%
Implanted contraceptive capsules
4% Going without sex/abstinence 5%
(e.g. Implanon) NET LARC NET LARC
16% 16%
Implanted contraceptive capsules
Going without sex/abstinence 3% (e.g. Implanon) 4%

Male sterilisation: Vasectomy 2% Male sterilisation: Vasectomy 2%

Emergency contraception pill
Non-Hormonal Copper Coil/IUD 2% or morning after pill 2%
Natural Family Planning methods
(Persona, Rhythm, Billings) 1% Non-Hormonal Copper Coil/IUD 2%
Emergency contraception pill
1% Injections (e.g. Depo Provera) 2%
or morning after pill NET SAC NET SAC
72% 63%
Natural Family Planning methods
Injections (e.g. Depo Provera) 1% (Persona, Rhythm, Billings) 1%

Female sterilisation: Tubal Ligation 1% Female sterilisation: Tubal Ligation 1%

Female condom 1% Female condom 1%

Contraceptive patch (e.g. Ortha Evra) 1% Contraceptive ring (e.g. NuvaRing) 1%

Contraceptive ring (e.g. NuvaRing) 1% Contraceptive patch (e.g. Ortha Evra) 1%

Gels, sprays, spermicides or pessaries 0% Gels, sprays, spermicides or pessaries 0%

Cap/diaphragm 0% Cap/diaphragm 0%

Other 0% Other 0%

No method used 6% No method used 10%

None of these 3% None of these 5%

Almost a third (31%) of women aged 17-45 Almost 3 in 10 (28%) women aged 17-45 claim that they
claim that they use the contraceptive pill currently use condoms/male sheaths as their method
most often, with a quarter (25%) claiming of contraception, with almost the same proportion (27%)
that they use condoms/male sheaths claiming that they currently use the contraceptive pill.
most often. Almost 1 in 10 (9%) claim that they currently use a
Almost 1 in 10 (9%) claim that they use the hormonal Coil or IUS as their method of contraception.
hormonal Coil or IUS most often. The withdrawal method is the fourth most used type
of contraception, with 1 in 10 (10%) women aged
17-45 claiming that they currently use no method
of contraception.

14 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 15
 Preferred method of contraception
(Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014)
Which, if any, of the following types of contraception would be your
preferred method of contraception?
Preferred method of contraception
x current method of contraception
(Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014)
Only shown here are types of contraception used where the sample size is robust enough

Contraceptive pill 27% Current Method of Contraception

Condom/male sheath (e.g. Durex) 20%
Hormonal Coil, or IUS Contraceptive Condom/male Hormonal Coil, Withdrawal Going without
(e.g. Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess) 9% pill sheath or IUS method sex/abstinence
Male sterilisation: Vasectomy 8%

Preferred Method of Contraception

Implanted contraceptive capsules Contraceptive
(e.g. Implanon) 5%
NET LARC pill 65% 21% 2% 23% 11%
Non-Hormonal Copper Coil/IUD

Withdrawal method
4%

4%
22% Condom/male
sheath 11% 43% 4% 12% 35%
Female sterilisation: Tubal Ligation 4%
Hormonal Coil,
Injections (e.g. Depo Provera) 3%
or IUS 3% 2% 76% 2% 2%
Contraceptive patch (e.g. Ortha Evra) 2%
NET SAC
61%
Withdrawal
Contraceptive ring (e.g. NuvaRing) 2%
method 1% 2% 0% 30% 6%
Going without sex/abstinence 1%
Natural Family Planning methods
1% Going without
(Persona, Rhythm, Billings)
sex/abstinence 1% 1% 0% 0% 8%
Female condom 1%

Cap/diaphragm 1% Male sterilisation: Male sterilisation: Male sterilisation: Male sterilisation: Male sterilisation:
Emergency contraception pill Vasectomy Vasectomy Vasectomy Vasectomy Vasectomy
or morning after pill 1% 7% 8% 8% 8% 9%
Gels, sprays, spermicides or pessaries 0% Implanted Implanted Implanted Implanted Implanted
contraceptive contraceptive contraceptive contraceptive contraceptive
capsules capsules capsules capsules capsules
Other 0%
3% 5% 4% 7% 7%
Other method of protection 0% Non-Hormonal Non-Hormonal Non-Hormonal Non-Hormonal Non-Hormonal
Copper Coil/IUD Copper Coil/IUD Copper Coil/IUD Copper Coil/IUD Copper Coil/IUD
No method used 3% 3% 4% 3% 7% 5%

None of these 3%
Significant difference @ 95% confidence level

Just over a quarter (27%) of women Almost two thirds (65%) of those using the
aged 17-45 claim that their preferred contraceptive pill claim that it is also their
method of contraception would be the preferred method of contraception. Amongst those
contraceptive pill, with 1 in 5 (20%) claiming who currently use the hormonal coil or IUS, just over
that the condom/male sheath would be their three quarters (76%) claim that this is their most
preferred method of contraception. preferred type of contraception, highest of all the top
Almost 1 in 10 (9%) claim that their preferred five most used methods of contraception.
contraceptive method would be the hormonal Just 43% of those who are currently using a condom/
Coil or IUS. male sheath as their method of contraception claim
this is their preferred method of contraception.

16 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 17
 Reasons for not using the most
preferred method of contraception
(Base: Women that currently do not use their most preferred method of contraception n= 519)

Why are you currently not using your most preferred method Preferred Method of Contraception
of contraception? *Caution Small Sample Size

Health issues/ advised by doctor 13%

Male Non-Hormonal Female
Contraceptive Condom/ Hormonal Coil,
Not having sex currently 12% sterilisation: Copper Coil sterilisation:
pill male sheath or IUS
Vasectomy or IUD Tubal Ligation
Trying to conceive/ want more kids 12% (n=98) (n=81) (n=-25*)
(n=70) (n=34*) (n=-31*)
I like the method I'm currently using 10%

Can't afford this method 9% 30% 6% 4% 7% 14% 17%

Partner is reluctant to use this method 7%
9% 26% 6% 5% 18% 4%
I'm pregnant/I just had a baby 5%

Because it's not necessary 4%

14% 10% 11% 8% 10% 11%
I'm waiting for appointment
for this method
3% 7% 13% 9% 9% 11% 15%
Don’t like the thoughts of getting it put in 2%
7% 1% 4% 29% 15% 13%
It's not as reliable as other methods 3%

I don't know enough about this method 3% 2% 5% 39% 0% 0% 0%

I haven't visited the doctor yet 2%
9% 4% 3% 3% 3% 8%
I don't know 9%

Other 6% 9% 3% 1% 2% 3% 0%
2% 0% 3% 5% 3% 26%
1% 0% 3% 14% 6% 0%
1 in 8 (13%) women aged 17-45 that currently
do not use their most preferred method of 1% 3% 1% 0% 0% 0%
contraception claim that they have health issues
2% 2% 0% 11% 14% 4%
which prohibit the use of that contraception
or that they were advised by their doctor 2% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%
to not use that particular method.
1% 16% 8% 4% 0% 0%
Almost the same proportion claim that
they are not having sex at the moment 4% 11% 7% 4% 3% 3%
so they don’t need to use contraception Significant difference @ 95% confidence level
(12%), or that they are trying to conceive
or want more kids (12%).

18 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 19
Contraception
Failures/
Non-Usage
 Incidence of having sex before Type of contraception used when the
where the contraception failed or no contraception failed
contraception was used (Base: Those that have had sex where the contraception failed n=311)

(Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014) What type of contraception were you using when the contraception
failed before?
Have you ever had sex before where the contraception failed or where no
contraception was used (when not trying to conceive)? Condom/male sheath (e.g. Durex) 73%
SHORT-ACTING
CONTRACEPTIVES
Contraceptive pill 21%
Public Health
Reimbursement Withdrawal method 8%
Age Urban/Rural Social Class Scheme Status
Cities HSE GP None Female condom 7%
Town outside Higher Lower Medical Visit of
TOTAL 17-24 25-34 35-45 Rural 5k+ Dublin Dublin SC SC Card Card DPS these Injections or Implanted 1%
contraceptive capsules
Non-Hormonal Copper Coil/IUD 1%

YES, Contraceptive ring (e.g. NuvaRing) 1%

54% 54%
I have had 53% 52% 53% 52%
52%
51% Contraceptive patch (e.g. Ortha Evra) 1%
sex where no 49%
47% 48%
contraception 47%
46% Hormonal Coil, IUD or IUS
45%
(e.g. Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess) 1%
was used
Safe period/rhythm method 1%
other than Persona
YES, 36% 36%
34% 34%
Persona 1%
I have had 32%
sex where the 31% 31%
29% Male sterilisation: Vasectomy 1%
contraception 28% 28% 28%
27% 27%
failed 25% Female sterilisation: Tubal Ligation 1%

Gels, sprays, spermicides or pessaries 1%

Cap/diaphragm 0%

Other 1% Significant difference @ 95% confidence level

Significant difference @ 95% confidence level

Just over half (51%) of women aged 17-45 claim that Almost three quarters (73%) of those who have experienced a
they have had sex where no contraception was used, contraceptive failure claim that they were using a condom/male
with those aged 17-24 (53%) and those living in rural sheath when the contraception failed.
areas/towns more likely to have had sex where no Just over 1 in 5 (21%) claiming that they were using the
contraception was used. contraceptive pill when the contraception failed, both of which are
Almost a third (31%) claim that they have had sex short-acting forms of contraception.
before where the contraception failed.

22 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 23
 Frequency of having unprotected sex Frequency of having unprotected sex
where the contraception failed or no where no contraception was used
contraception was used x demographics
How many times in the past 12 months have you had unprotected sex where How many times in the past 12 months have you had unprotected sex where
the contraception failed or where no contraception was used and when not the contraception failed or where no contraception was used and when not
trying to conceive? trying to conceive?

Those that have had sex where the Those that have had sex where no % once or more in the past 12 months
contraception failed contraception was used Public Health
Reimbursement
(Base: n=311) (Base: n=515) Age Urban/Rural Social Class Scheme Status
Cities HSE GP None
Town outside Higher Lower Medical Visit of
More than TOTAL 17-24 25-34 35-45 Rural 5k+ Dublin Dublin SC SC Card Card DPS these
10 times 3%
3% Between More than
3-10 times 10 times 13%
Twice 8% 75%

70%
Between 14%
Once 14% 3-10 times

Twice 9% Those that

have had sex
where no 51% 51% 52% 52%
Once 10% contraception 49%
48%
was used 47%
45%

28% 47% (Base: n=515)

43%
39%

None 71%
33%
30%
None 47%

Significant difference @ 95% confidence level

Don’t know/ Don’t know/

can’t 1% can’t 7%
remember remember Those aged 17-24 are most likely to
Average 0.1% Average 1.4
claim that they have had sex where no
contraception was used once or more
often in the past 12 months (75%).
Significant difference @ 95% confidence level
Those with the GP visit card are more likely
to have had sex at least once in the past year
Almost 3 in 10 (28%) of those that have had sex before where the where no contraception was used (70%).
contraception failed claim that it had happened at least once in
the past 12 months, with 47% of those that have had sex where no
contraception was used claiming that it happened at least once in
the past 12 months.

24 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 25
 Frequency of having unprotected Steps taken when contraception
sex where the contraception failed failed or no contraception was used
x demographics Following your experience of unprotected sex where the contraception failed
or where no contraception was used on the last occasion, which if any, of the
How many times in the past 12 months have you had unprotected sex where first and following steps did you take initially?
the contraception failed or where no contraception was used and when not
trying to conceive? Those that have had sex where the contraception failed (Base: n=311)
First Steps Any Steps

% once or more in the past 12 months Went straight to pharmacy to get the
emergency contraception pill
36% 47%

Public Health Talked to my sexual partner 20% 41%

Reimbursement
Age Urban/Rural Social Class Scheme Status Talked to a doctor/GP 12% 22%

49%
Cities HSE GP None
Town outside Higher Lower Medical Visit of I didn't do anything 8% 13%
TOTAL 17-24 25-34 35-45 Rural 5k+ Dublin Dublin SC SC Card Card DPS these
Talked to a friend 5% 14% amongst
those aged
57% Looked for information from DWWC/ 5% 14% 17-24
IFPA/Women's Health Clinics
Googled my options 4% 13%
49%
Looked for information from HSE 2%
dedicated information services 8%

Those that Talked to another healthcare professional 2% 8%

have had sex
40% Just over a third (36%) of those that
where the Talked to my sister or brother 2% 4% have had sex where the contraception
34%
contraception 32%
Talked to my Mum 1% 8%
failed claim that they went straight to
failed
28% 28% 28%
29%
the pharmacy to get the emergency
26%
(Base: n=311)
26% Went to get fitted for an emergency coil 1% 3% contraception pill as their first step,
21% 20% Talked to my Dad 2% with 1 in 5 (20%) claiming that they
talked with their sexual partner.
Other 2% 4%
10%

Those that have had sex where no contraception was used (Base: n=515)
First Steps Any Steps
Significant difference @ 95% confidence level
I didn't do anything 33% 41%

Talked to my sexual partner 24% 35%

Went straight to pharmacy to get the 16% 22%
Those aged 17-24 are most likely to claim that they emergency contraception pill
Talked to a doctor/GP 7% 13%
have had sex where the contraception failed once
Googled my options 5% 11%
or more often in the past 12 months (57%).
Talked to a friend 4% 11%
Those with the GP visit card are more likely to have
had sex at least once in the past year where the
Looked for information from DWWC/
IFPA/Women's Health Clinics
3% 5% 9%
amongst
Talked to my sister or brother 2% 4%
contraception failed (49%). those aged
Talked to my Mum 2% 3% 17-24
Talked to another healthcare professional 1% 4%
Looked for information from HSE 1% 4% A third (33%) of those that have had
dedicated information services
sex where no contraception was used
Talked to my Dad 1% 2% claimed that they didn’t do anything,
Went to get fitted for an emergency coil 0% with almost a quarter (24%) claiming
that they talked to their sexual partner
Other 3%
as a first step.

26 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 27
 Reasons why contraception failed or Incidence of each type of sex resulting
wasn’t used on the last occasion in an unplanned pregnancy
What happened to mean that your contraception failed or that you didn’t Did any of the occasions on which you had sexual intercourse where the
use contraception on the last occasion you had unprotected sex? contraception failed or on the occasions which you had sexual intercourse
where no contraception was used result in a pregnancy, by that we mean
Those that have had sex where the contraception failed any pregnancy which resulted in a birth, miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion?
(Base: n=311)
The condom broke or slipped off 63%
Those that have had sex where the contraception failed
(Base: Those that have sex where the contraception failed n=311)
I missed a pill/pill didn't work 15%
The contraception didn't
work for some reason 12%
Profile of those that had any pregnancy which resulted in a birth,
We were using the withdrawal method, miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion:
but my partner did not pull out in time 7%
PREFER NOT
54%
TO SAY: 3%
I forgot to insert a diaphragm 4%
45%
I forgot to insert a contraceptive ring 2% 41%
39%
37% 37% 38% 37%

I forgot to apply a contraceptive patch 1% 30% 31%

27% 26% 25%
Prefer not to say 3% YES: 35%

Other 3% NO: 62%

17-24 25-34 35-45 Rural Town Cities Dublin Higher Lower HSE GP DPS No
Those that have had sex where no contraception was used 5k+ Outside SC SC Medical Visit Medical
Dublin Card Card Scheme
(Base: n=515)
We got carried away/ Those that have had sex where no contraception was used
35%
hadn't planned to have sex
(Base: Those have had sex where no contraception was used n=515)
We took a chance 25% RISKY
SITUATIONS
We were drinking alcohol 14% 72% Profile of those that had any pregnancy which resulted in a birth,
We were using the withdrawal method, miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion:
10%
but my partner did not pull out in time PREFER NOT
32%
TO SAY: 3%
We forgot to use contraception 8% 28%
29%
28%
29%

We were using drugs 2% 75% YES: 25% 25% 25%

26%

AMONGST 22%
21%
20%
Prefer not to say 11% THOSE AGED
17-24 16%
13%
Other 11%
NO: 72%

17-24 25-34 35-45 Rural Town Cities Dublin Higher Lower HSE GP DPS No
5k+ Outside SC SC Medical Visit Medical
Dublin Card Card Scheme
Almost two thirds (63%) of those that have
had sex where the contraception failed
claim that the condom broke or slipped Just over a third (35%) of those that have had sex where the
off, which led to contraception failure. contraception failed claim that it resulted in a pregnancy. Those
Just over a third (35%) of those that have from the lower social class (45%) and those with a HSE Medical
had sex where no contraception was used Card (54%) are most likely to claim that a pregnancy resulted from
claim that they got carried away/hadn’t sexual intercourse where the contraception failed.
planned to have sex on the last occasion A quarter (25%) of those that have had sex where no
they had unprotected sex. contraception was used claim that it resulted in a pregnancy.

28 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 29
 Where advice in the case of an Frequency of taking an emergency
unplanned pregnancy was sought contraception pill in the past
(Base: Those who experienced a pregnancy n=209) 12 months
Where did you go to for advice when you found out that you were (Base: Those that had sex where the contraception failed, or no contraception was used n=716)
experiencing an unplanned pregnancy?
How many times, if any, have you taken an emergency contraception pill in
GP 40%
the past 12 months?
Partner/Husband 34% Public Health
Reimbursement
Friend (peer) 14% Age Urban/Rural Social Class Scheme Status
Cities HSE GP None
Town outside Higher Lower Medical Visit of
I didn't seek any information initially 14% TOTAL 17-24 25-34 35-45 Rural 5k+ Dublin Dublin SC SC Card Card DPS these

Parent 13%
Average number
Looked for information from Dublin Well of times 1.5 1.9 1.6 1.2 1.5 1.4 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.8 1.2 1.3
12%
Woman Centres/IFPA/Women's Health Clinics
Google 8%
5%
HSE dedicated information services 6%
(e.g. www.sexualwellbeing.ie)
MY Options 4%
18%
Other relative, e.g. aunt 3%

Social Media 2% 8%
1% 6%
Other healthcare professional* 2% *Women on web, hospital 1%
3%
4% 1%
Other website or service 1% More than 9% 15%
Significant difference @ 95% confidence level 3 times 3%
5%
4% 7%
3%
5% 8% 7%
Twice 14% 5%
5% 4%
1%
6%
2%
Once 14% 31% 15%
2%
14% 19% 19% 13% 15% 18% 14%
4%
14%
10%
6% 5%

Never 75% 45% 72% 91% 77% 77% 72% 72% 77% 73% 65% 61% 89% 80%
2 in 5 (40%) women aged 17-45 that
experienced an unplanned pregnancy
Don’t know 1% 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 4% 0% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%
claim that they went to their GP for advice,
with just over a third (34%) claiming that
they talked to their partner/husband when
they found out that they were experiencing A quarter (25%) of women who have had sex where no contraception
an unplanned pregnancy. was used or where the contraception failed claim that they took
1 in 8 sought advice from Dublin Well an emergency contraceptive pill at least once in the past 12 months,
Woman Centres/ IFPA/ Women’s Health with those aged 17-24 (54%) most likely to claim that they took an
Clinics in relation to their unplanned emergency contraceptive pill once in the past 12 months, with almost
pregnancies. quarter (23%) of this age group claiming they took it twice or more in
the past 12 months.
Almost 4 in 10 (37%) of those availing of the GP visit scheme taking
the emergency contraceptive pill at least once in the past 12 months.

30 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 31
Sources of
Information
 Sources used when looking Health care professionals consulted
for information in relation to for information in relation to
contraception contraception
(Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014) (Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014)

Which of the following, if any, sources of information would be the first you Who do you typically consult or talk to in order to get information from
would go to, to look to for information in relation to contraception? in relation to the contraception you use? We are looking for the type of
First Source Any Source Healthcare professional you consult and not others who are not health care
GP 36% 43%
professionals.
General Google/Online searches 17% 32%
Dublin Well Woman Centres/ GP 63%
Women's Health Clinics/ IFPA 8% 24%

Friends 7% 33% Dedicated Women’s Health/ 12%

Family Planning Centres
Nurse in GP practice 7% 26%
Nurse in GP practice 10%

17%
HSE dedicated information services 6% 25%
Obstetrician/gynaecologist 8%
Obstetrician/Gynaecologist 5% 16%

Pharmacist 5% 22% Not applicable 6% amongst

those aged
Social Media 2% 7% Other 1% 17-24
Parents 1% 4%

Siblings 1% 11%
Other relatives (aunts/uncles/
grand-parent etc.) 1% 2%

Colleagues 4%

Other 1%

None of these 2% 4%

Most Helpful Source

GP 36%

General Google/Online searches 12%

Dublin Well Woman Centres/
Women's Health Clinics/ IFPA 11%

Friends 6%

Nurse in GP practice 7% Just over a third (36%) Almost two thirds (63%) of women aged
HSE dedicated information services 9% of women aged 17-45 17-45 claim that they consult their GP to
Obstetrician/Gynaecologist 7% claim that their GP would get information in relation to the
Pharmacist 5% be their first source for contraception they use, significantly ahead
Social Media 1% information in relation to of all other potential information sources.
Parents 1%
contraception, with the 1 in 8 (12%) women aged 17-45 claim that they typically visit
Siblings 2%
same proportion (36%) dedicated Women’s Health Clinic/Dublin Well Woman Centre/ FPC
Other relatives (aunts/uncles/ claiming that their GP is to get information on the type of contraception to use.
grand-parent etc.) 0%
the most helpful source of
Colleagues 0%
information in relation to
Other 0%
contraception.
None of these 3%

34 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 35
 Incidence of health professionals Incidence of receiving sufficient
giving information about LARC information about LARC from
Has your… ever spoken to you about LARC before and whether you might health professionals
consider choosing one?
Did your… give you sufficient information about LARC in order for you to
GP Nurse in GP practice consider it as a contraceptive option?
(Base: n=642) (Base: n=97)
GP Nurse in GP practice
(Base: n=214) (Base: n=45) *Caution small sample size
Yes Yes
No 7% No 7%
Yes Yes
Don’t know Don’t know
33% No No

59% 47% 47%

YES YES
89% 89%

Women’s Health Clinic/Family Planning Clinic Significant difference

(Base: n=95) @ 95% confidence level Women’s Health Clinic/Family Planning Clinic Significant difference
(Base: n=40) *Caution small sample size @ 95% confidence level
Yes
No
9%
Yes
Don’t know No

49% 42%
YES
97%

Just a third (33%) of women aged 17-45

who typically consult their GP about their Almost 9 in 10 (89%) women who spoke to a GP
contraceptive options, claim that their about LARC before claim that their GP gave them
GP has spoken to them about LARC before sufficient information about LARC in order for them
and whether they might consider choosing one. to consider them as a contraceptive option.
This is significantly lower than the proportion of those who consult 97% of those speaking to a Women’s Health Clinic/Family
nurses in the GP practice (47%) or those who consult Women’s Planning Clinic claim they were given sufficient information about
Health/Family Planning clinics (42%). LARC in order for them to consider it as a contraceptive option.

36 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 37
 Whether statements in relation to Whether statements in relation to
contraception are true or false contraception are true or false
(Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014) (Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014)

Here are some statements other people have made about contraception, Here are some statements other people have made about contraception,
please indicate whether you believe each to be true or false? please indicate whether you believe each to be true or false?
ACTUAL ACTUAL
ANSWER ANSWER

LARC are the most cost-effective form of 70% 30% TRUE

Hormonal or copper coils are only suitable for 27% 73% FALSE
contraception over the long-term TRUE FALSE women who have had children TRUE FALSE

You need to take a break from the pill when 54% 46% FALSE
You can’t get pregnant if you have sex during 16% 84% FALSE
using long-term TRUE FALSE your period TRUE FALSE

The failure rate for the pill is 9%, meaning that

9 women out of every 100 using the pill will 51% 49% TRUE
LARC are less effective than the contraceptive 16% 84% FALSE
TRUE FALSE pill in preventing pregnancies TRUE FALSE
become pregnant

Condoms have a failure rate of 18% when used You will not get pregnant while you are 11% 89%
alone, meaning that 18 women out of every 100 47% 53% TRUE breastfeeding TRUE FALSE
FALSE
TRUE FALSE
using condoms will become pregnant

The withdrawal method offers 100 per cent 10% 90% FALSE
Using a long acting reversible contraceptive 43% 57% FALSE
protection from getting pregnant TRUE FALSE
(LARC) can make it harder to get pregnant TRUE FALSE
Significant difference @ 95% confidence level

Using a LARC will lead to weight gain 39% 61% FALSE

TRUE FALSE

Significant difference @ 95% confidence level

Overall there is significant evidence that there is a real lack of 1 in 10 (10%) respondents incorrectly believe that the withdrawal
understanding among a significant proportion of 17-45’s in relation method offers 100% protection from getting pregnant, with a similar
to fertility and contraception. proportion (11%) believing it to be true that you will not get pregnant
Almost 1 in 3 women aged 17-45 (30%) are not aware that LARC while breastfeeding.
is the most effective form of contraception, while over half (53%)
of this cohort are not aware that the condom has a 17% failure rate
and almost half (49%) are not aware that the failure rate for the pill
is actually 9%.

38 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 39
 Whether statements in relation to Awareness of the terms SAC and LARC
contraception are true or false x (Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014)

demographics Before today’s survey were you aware of the phrase/term…

(Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014) Public Health
Reimbursement
Here are some statements other people have made about contraception, Age Urban/Rural Social Class Scheme Status
Cities HSE GP None
please indicate whether you believe each to be true or false? 17-24 25-34 35-45 Rural
Town
5k+
outside
Dublin Dublin
Higher
SC
Lower
SC
Medical Visit
Card Card DPS
of
these

Public Health
Age
Urban/
Rural
Social
Class
Reimbursement SAC
Scheme Status (SHORT ACTING
CONTRACEPTIVE)
Cities HSE GP No 35%
Town
% TRUE TOTAL 17-24 17-24 17-24 Rural
5k+
outside Dublin Higher Lower Medical Visit DPS Medical
34%
Dublin Card Card Scheme

LARC are the most cost-

70% 68% 69% 71% 68% 72% 74% 67% 67% 72% 71% 68% 75% 64%
YES 32%

20%
effective form of contraception 31%
over the long-term

You need to take a break from

54% 54% 51% 58% 55% 57% 53% 51% 45% 63% 58% 65% 55% 50%
the pill when using long term

The failure rate for the pill is 26%

9%, meaning that 9 women out 25% 25% 25%
51% 52% 47% 53% 51% 54% 51% 47% 45% 56% 54% 58% 54% 48%
of every 100 using the pill will
become pregnant LARC
(LONG ACTING
22% 22% 22% 22% 22%
Condoms have a failure rate of REVERSIBLE 21%
18% when used alone, meaning CONTRACEPTION) 21%
20% 20%
that 18 women out of every 100 47% 53% 44% 46% 47% 47% 46% 45% 39% 53% 55% 62% 41% 43%
using condoms will become 19% 19%
pregnant 18% 18% 18%
17%
Using a long acting reversible
contraceptive (LARC) can YES 16%

make it harder to get pregnant

later in life
43% 46% 43% 42% 40% 46% 45% 45% 41% 45% 49% 48% 32% 40%
23%
13%
Using a LARC will lead to
39% 45% 37% 37% 39% 37% 41% 39% 35% 42% 44% 49% 31% 35% 11%
weight gain

Hormonal or copper coils are

only suitable for women who 27% 22% 28% 28% 24% 31% 29% 26% 21% 31% 32% 33% 18% 23%
have had children

You can’t get pregnant if you

16% 21% 16% 14% 17% 16% 15% 17% 12% 20% 21% 25% 14% 12% 1 in 5 (20%) women aged 17-45 claim that they are aware of the
have sex during your period

LARC are less effective than

term SAC/‘Short Acting Contraceptive’, with almost a quarter
the contraceptive pill in 16% 20% 19% 11% 14% 13% 16% 22% 17% 15% 17% 32% 7% 14% (23%) claiming that they are aware of the term LARC/‘Long
preventing pregnancies

You will not get pregnant while

Acting Reversible Contraception’.
11% 19% 13% 6% 13% 13% 8% 9% 9% 13% 13% 24% 9% 9%
you are breastfeeding
Those aged 17-24 are most likely to claim they are aware of either
The withdrawal method offers
100% protection from getting 10% 18% 10% 5% 7% 10% 10% 14% 8% 10% 11% 21% 6% 7% term/phrase.
pregnant

Significant difference @ 95% confidence level

Overall there is a lot of misunderstanding/misperception about the

different types of contraception, the effectiveness of the various
forms of contraception in preventing pregnancy and about basics of
fertility/reproduction. Those aged 17-24 are slightly more likely to
believe that using a LARC will lead to weight gain (45%) and that
“You can’t get pregnant if you have sex during your period” (21%).

40 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 41
 Believed benefits of LARC Believed negative aspects of LARC
(Base: All women aged 17-45 aware of the term LARC n=233) (Base: All women aged 17-45 aware of the term LARC n=233)

What do you believe to be the benefits of LARC, if any? What do you believe to be the negative aspects of LARC, if any?

You don't have to remember to Concerns about how my

use contraception on a daily, 60% 57%
body might react to them
weekly or monthly basis
They are highly effective I have heard that some LARC are 41%
58% uncomfortable to have inserted
forms of contraception

They can be reversed if they need to be They cost too much 37%
51% upfront/are too expensive

They are cost effective in the longer term They could negatively impact my chances
50% of getting pregnant in the long-term 21%
Positive health benefits such as I would be embarrassed to
lighter/less painful periods, 38% have some LARC inserted 13%
improved acne etc.
Fertility can return quickly after How difficult it is to find a doctor who will 13%
30% provide this service near where I live
you have them removed
There is a low level of hormones Don't know enough
28% about LARC to comment 6%
or no hormones entering my body

Don't know what the benefits are 5% There are no benefits 1%

There are no benefits 1% Other 3%

Other 0%

3 in 5 (60%) women aged 17-45 believe that not
having to remember to use contraception on a daily,
weekly or monthly basis is a benefit of LARC, with
almost the same proportion (58%) believing that a
benefit of LARC is that they are highly effective forms
of contraception.
Just over half (51%) believe that the ability to reverse LARC,
if needed, is a benefit.
Almost 3 in 5 (57%) women aged 17-45 who are
aware of the term LARC believe that how their body
might react to a LARC is a negative aspect of LARC.
Just over 2 in 5 (41%) claim that they heard that some
LARC are uncomfortable to have inserted and almost 4 in 10
(37%) are of the perception that they cost too much upfront/are
too expensive.

42 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 43
Drivers of
choices of
contraception
 Importance of each aspect Importance of each aspect
when deciding on which type when deciding on which type of
of contraception to use contraception to use x demographics
(Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014) (Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014)
Here are some aspects which others have stated are important to them when Here are some aspects which others have stated are important to them when
deciding on which type of contraception to use. Using the scale provided can deciding on which type of contraception to use.
you please indicate how important each of the following are for you?
Public Health
Urban/ Social
87% Age Reimbursement
Rural Class
Scheme Status
How effective it is in reducing 9%
the chances of a pregnancy % EXTREMELY Cities HSE GP No
Town
4% IMPORTANT TOTAL 17-24 17-24 17-24 Rural
5k+
outside Dublin Higher Lower Medical Visit DPS Medical
(5 OUT OF 5) Dublin Card Card Scheme
72%
How effective
Positive health benefits such as lighter/less 20%
painful periods, improved acne etc. it is in reducing
71% 66% 71% 73% 71% 70% 73% 70% 70% 72% 71% 70% 73% 71%
the chances of a
8% pregnancy

65% Protection against

45% 53% 40% 46% 46% 42% 54% 41% 36% 52% 51% 53% 46% 41%
STIs
Protection against STIs 19%
Positive health
16% benefits such as
lighter/less painful 39% 38% 38% 40% 41% 36% 42% 35% 32% 44% 46% 43% 41% 33%
63%
periods, improved
How easy it is to access the contraception acne etc.
from my local healthcare provider 29%
There is a low level
8%
of hormones or no
35% 25% 34% 41% 34% 35% 41% 34% 32% 38% 35% 38% 37% 36%
61% hormones entering
my body
There is a low level of hormones or no
hormones entering my body 27%
How quickly it will
12% allow my normal
33% 26% 42% 29% 32% 31% 38% 36% 30% 36% 35% 37% 30% 36%
fertility to return
55% once I stop using it
How quickly it will allow my normal fertility 23% How easy it is
to return once I stop using it
to access the
23% contraception from 29% 25% 30% 29% 28% 25% 36% 29% 24% 33% 34% 36% 24% 28%
my local healthcare
44% provider

The cost of the contraception 33% It doesn’t have to be

19% 14% 19% 20% 20% 20% 25% 10% 14% 23% 25% 25% 14% 14%
taken each day
23%
The cost of the
37% 18% 22% 19% 16% 18% 16% 22% 18% 14% 22% 22% 25% 12% 15%
contraception
It doesn't have to 27%
be taken each day
Significant difference Significant difference @ 95% confidence level
36%
@ 95% confidence level

Those aged 17-24 (53%) and those from cities outside Dublin (54%)
Almost 9 in 10 (87%) women aged 17-45 believe that “how are more likely to claim that protection against STIs is extremely
effective it is in reducing the chances of a pregnancy” is important when deciding on which type of contraception to use.
important when deciding on which type of contraception to use, Those aged 25-34 (42%) are most likely to claim that an important
followed by the “Positive health benefits such as lighter/less painful aspect when deciding on which type of contraception to use is how
periods, improved acne etc” (72%). quickly it will allow their normal fertility to return once they stop using it.

46 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 47
 Importance of each aspect Incidence of having to travel
when deciding on which type of to access contraception
contraception to use x demographics (Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014)

(Base: All women aged 17-45 who are having sexual encounters with men n=1,014)
Here are some aspects which others have stated are important to them when
deciding on which type of contraception to use. Do you have to travel outside of the town/city/
village that you live in to access the contraception
YES
Urban/ Social
Public Health
you are currently using? 18%
Age
Rural Class
Reimbursement
Scheme Status YES YES
% IMPORTANT
(4 OR 5 TOTAL 17-24 17-24 17-24 Rural
Town
Cities HSE GP
outside Dublin Higher Lower Medical Visit DPS
No
Medical
18% 18%
5k+
OUT OF 5) Dublin Card Card Scheme

How effective
it is in reducing
87% 82% 86% 90% 87% 87% 90% 86% 88% 86% 84% 85% 92% 88%
Profile of those that travel outside of the town/city/
the chances of a
pregnancy
village that you live in to access the contraception 32
you are currently using: 29%
Positive health
benefits such as 22%
32% 20% 32%
lighter/less painful 72% 72% 73% 72% 74% 70% 73% 73% 68% 76% 77% 74% 73% 70% 18% 18%
periods, improved 29% 29%17% 16%
13%
acne etc.
22% 22% 10%
20% 6% 20%
Protection against 18% 17% 18% 18% 18% 18% 18%
65% 71% 62% 65% 66% 62% 74% 60% 57% 71% 68% 74% 65% 64% 17% 16% 16%
STIs 17-24 25-34 35-45 Rural Town Cities Dublin Higher Lower
14% HSE G
14
13% 13%
10%
5k+ Outside SC SC Medical Vis
10% Dublin Card Ca
How easy it is 6% 6%
to access the
contraception from 63% 56% 64% 64% 63% 54% 74% 66% 62% 63% 68% 69% 56% 62% 17-24 25-34 35-4517-24 Rural
25-34 Town
35-45 Cities Rural
DublinTown Higher
Cities Lower
Dublin HSE GP
Higher Lower DPS HSENo GP DPS N
my local healthcare 5k+ Outside SC
5k+ Outside SC Medical
SC Visit
SC MedicalVisit
Medical Me
Dublin Dublin Card Card SchemeCard
Card Sch
provider 31%

There is a low level 25%

of hormones or no
hormones entering
61% 52% 60% 65% 59% 61% 66% 61% 61% 60% 59% 64% 63% 62% Current Method of 31% 31%
16%
my body Contraception Used 14%
25% 25%
8%
How quickly it will
allow my normal 16% Contraceptive
16% Condom/ Hormonal Coil, Withdrawal Going without
55% 47% 64% 50% 56% 52% 53% 56% 54% 55% 54% 59% 57% 56% 14% 14%
fertility to return pill male sheath or IUS method sex/abstinence
once I stop using it 8% 8%

The cost of the Contraceptive Condom/ Hormonal

Contraceptive Coil,
Condom/ Withdrawal Going without
Hormonal Coil, Withdrawal Going without
44% 53% 48% 37% 42% 41% 52% 48% 40% 47% 47% 49% 35% 43% pill male sheath
pill or male
IUS sheath methodor IUS sex/abstinence
method sex/abstinence
contraception

It doesn’t have to
37% 35% 35% 39% 37% 40% 42% 30% 32% 40% 42% 47% 38% 31%
be taken each day

Significant difference @ 95% confidence level

Those aged 17-24 (53%) and those from cities outside Dublin (54%)
are more likely to claim that protection against STIs is extremely
important when deciding on which type of contraception to use.
Those aged 25-34 (42%) are most likely to claim that an important
aspect when deciding on which type of contraception to use is how
quickly it will allow their normal fertility to return once they stop using it.
Almost 1 in 5 (18%) women aged 17-45 claim that they have to
travel outside of the town/city/village that they live in to access
the contraception they are currently using.
Those that live in a rural area (29%) and those that use a hormonal
coil or IUS (31%) are most likely to claim that they have to travel
outside of the town/city/village that they live in to access the
contraception they are currently using.

48 THE CON TRACE P TION CO N V ER S ATI O N D U B LI N W ELL WO M AN CE N T R E DUB LIN WELL WOM A N CEN TR E THE CONT RACE PT ION CONVE RSAT ION 49
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Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
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Dublin 1
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HEAD OFFICE The Contraception Conversation

25 Capel Street, National research commissioned by
Dublin 1 the Dublin Well Woman Centre, 2020
Tel: (01) 874 9243 Supported by

info@wellwomancentre.ie
www.wellwomancentre.ie