Your views on contraception: a survey

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A questionnaire to evaluate your opinions and experiences of contraception

• IRAS ID

  357972

• Contact name

  Alison Maclean

• Contact email

  amaclean@liverpool.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Liverpool

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 5 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  The purpose of this questionnaire study is to explore women’s views, experiences, and barriers related to contraceptive methods, with the aim of improving reproductive health and reducing unplanned pregnancies.
  Since the 1960s, contraceptive options have remained largely unchanged, with most methods relying on relying on synthetic hormones. While effective, hormonal contraceptives often cause side effects that many women find intolerable. Non-hormonal options are limited to barrier methods like condoms or the copper intrauterine device (IUD), which can lead to heavy and painful periods. In recent years, there has been a decline in the use of hormonal contraception and a rise in women opting for fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs), such as cycle tracking apps. These "natural" methods avoid hormones but are less reliable, leading to an increase in unplanned pregnancies. Alarmingly, the number of women using no contraception at all has also grown, contributing to higher rates of unintended pregnancies, which impact women’s health and place financial strain on the NHS.
  This study focuses on women in the UK and aims to:
  1. Evaluate the uptake of different contraceptive methods.
  2. Understand women’s perceptions of currently available contraceptive methods.
  3. Identify barriers preventing women from accessing or continuing contraceptive use.
  4. Analyse whether demographic factors influence contraceptive choices or perceptions.
  By gathering insights into these areas, we hope to address challenges women face with contraception and inform future healthcare strategies that improve access to effective options while meeting women’s needs and preferences
  

• REC name

  East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1

• REC reference

  25/ES/0060

• Date of REC Opinion

  5 Aug 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion