A new study has shown that nearly 80% of Irish women are unaware of long-term contraception options for their birth control. This is despite the admission that more than 60% of women have forgotten to take at least two pills per cycle.
The study found that more than three quarters of Irish women aged 18-45 were unaware of the long-term contraception options available, with more than a quarter (27%) relying on condoms, and again 27% using short term acting hormonal contraception such as the pill.
For women who were aware of long-term solutions to contraception, uptake in Ireland remains low. Only 8% of women have had an injection, 7% have had an intrauterine system (a hormonal coil, which differs from a copper coil), and 6% having received a hormonal implant.
The study by Bayer Healthcare, and carried out by Behaviour & Attitudes, also revealed how in a recent study when 2,500 women were given full information and counselling on all types of contraception, two thirds opted for long acting contraception over short term contraception.
The contraception debate is also a shared responsibility, with nearly half (45%) of women saying they take joint responsibility with their partner when it comes to making contraception choices. The survey also found nearly 80% of couples discuss contraception options at some stage in their relationship.
Speaking about the results, Dr.Shirley McQuade, Medical Director of the Dublin Well Woman Centre said:
“The survey showed that many women are uneasy or are fearful of having an internal long term contraceptive and more clarity is needed around what it entails. The new devices available now are very small and non-invasive and they have been shown to be more effective then short term contraception as women do not need to worry about forgetting a dose.
“There are long-acting options that a significant number of Irish women of every age could consider – like intrauterine contraception, hormonal implants, and injections, all of which are reversible. These options will guard against pregnancy from between three months and over five years.”
If you would like more information, or wish to discuss possible contraception alternatives, visit
www.mycontraception.ie 
