Category Archives: Unintended pregnancies

Unintended pregnancy happens at all reproductive ages, with a peak in women aged 20-24 years.1

During a woman’s mid-20s it is quite usual for relationships and contraception to be changing, although condoms are frequently used. These factors inevitably put women in this age bracket at risk of unintended pregnancy, despite responsible attitudes and sensible use of contraception.

As women get older, they may experience various lifestyle changes, such as being with a new partner, which may also put them at risk of unintended pregnancy.

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References

1. Finer L and Henshaw S. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2006; 38(2): 90-96.

It may be thought that the majority of women who request EHC do not use any contraceptive method.

However, research has shown that 67% of women who requested EHC are using a regular method of contraception (e.g. condom or pill)

If we do the calculation, ‘contraceptive interruption’ is inevitable in a woman’s life, where she is trying to prevent pregnancy from the time she is about 17 years old (mean age of first sexual intercourse) until she is about 50. If she is on the Pill she will need to take about 8000 tablets correctly. It is unsurprising that she sometimes forgets tablets or makes mistakes.

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References

1. HRA Data on File. Harris Interactive 2013.

Unintended pregnancy results from unprotected sexual intercourse (UPSI). UPSI is common.1

In a large European survey of over 7000 sexually active women, 30% reported having unprotected sex, at least once, in the last 12 months.1

These frequent acts of unprotected sexual intercourse are not happening in a distinct sub-population, but happen irrespective of age, income, education level and marital status.1

Unprotected sexual intercourse can happen, even when a couple consciously tries to prevent it.

Unprotected sexual intercourse can result from a couple not using any contraception,1 including ‘withdrawal’.2 It can also happen when they consciously try to prevent it. For example UPSI can happen as a result of:

– Accidental condom problem1 (breakage, slippage, not on in time)

– Oral contraceptive (OC) problems1 e.g. forgotten pill

– A temporary break from the usual contraceptive1

– Forgetting to apply a patch or insert a vaginal ring1

UPSI can also happen as a result of non consensual intercourse (rape).

The majority of women say that there are no particular circumstances that could explain their lack of contraception or contraception failure.1 Only a minority recognised that some factors may have influenced their behaviour, making contraceptive failure more likely.1

These factors included a new partner or relationship breakdown, travel, influence of alcohol or using a new contraceptive method.1

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References
1. Nappi R et al. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2014; 19(2): 93-101.

Unintended pregnancies result from unprotected sex where no children, or no more children are desired.

It has been estimated that 44% of pregnancies in the EU are unintended.1

This figure may seem surprising. However, during most of a woman’s reproductive life she is likely to be trying to avoid pregnancy. Therefore the period during which a pregnancy would be considered unintended is much longer than the period during which she would be actively trying to become pregnant.

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References
1. Singh S et al. Stud Fam Plann 2010; 41: 241-50.