Awareness campaign informs women about contemporary contraceptive choices

Results from a Marie Stopes International online survey revealed that over half of Australian women 1 have experienced an unplanned pregnancy at some point in their life, with 60%[1] of those women using at least one form of contraceptive at the time.

With more than 40%[2] of those women actively using the pill at the time of their unplanned pregnancy, one must question why so many women who are regularly using contraception are falling pregnant?

The answer, according to Marie Stopes International’s National Clinical Advisor, Jill Michelson, has very little to do with the effectiveness of the pill, which is 99% effective when used correctly, but a lot to do with use and compliance.

“We know that unplanned pregnancy rates are typically highest when the contraceptive method relies on women to use it correctly, and more importantly, consistently,” said Ms Michelson.

“We all have forgetful days, and a staggering number of women relying on the pill have reported using 3 it irregularly, with almost half[3] of all users missing at least one pill per cycle.”

Further figures from Marie Stopes International revealed that awareness is an issue when it comes to contraception choice, with almost all women citing awareness of the pill (95%), closely followed by the 4 condom (94%) as a contraceptive method[4].

“Many women are largely unaware of non daily contraceptive options that have come onto the market in the last decade, such as implants, the injection or the intrauterine system, and should be encouraged by health professionals to discuss all their options to suit their busy lives,” said Ms Michelson.

While many women embraced the pill earlier in life as a contraceptive, recommended by a GP or family and peers, this new website and hotline is enabling women to find a health professional who can answer the pertinent question - is this still the right contraceptive choice for me in my twenties, thirties and forties?

[1] Marie Stopes International. Real woman, contraceptive and unplanned pregnancies, 2008.
[2] Marie Stopes International. Real woman, contraceptive and unplanned pregnancies, 2008.
[3] Rosenberg MJ et al. Compliance, counselling and satisfaction with oral contraceptives; a prospective evaluation. Fam Plann Perspect 1998.
[4] Marie Stopes International. Real woman, contraceptive and unplanned pregnancies, 2008.


To learn more about a range of contraceptive options available and know all the facts to take to your health professional, visit: www.whatcontraceptiveareyou.com.au or call the toll free hotline 1800 772 727, manned by Marie Stopes International personnel.


Today's MSD is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. MSD is a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. MSD. Be well. For more information, visit www.msd-australia.com.au. Merck Sharp & Dohme (Australia) Pty Limited. Level 4, 66 Waterloo Road, North Ryde NSW 2113.

The Marie Stopes International global partnership, of which Marie Stopes International Australia is a partner, provides vital sexual and reproductive healthcare services to almost 7 million people in 43 countries worldwide.

Marie Stopes International Australia offers a range of services and advice through 12 licensed and accredited centres in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

Marie Stopes International Australia also provides life saving support to eight country partner programs in the Asia-Pacific and with Indigenous communities. Surplus funds from our Australian centres are donated to help these programs grow. For more information, visit www.mariestopes.org.au or call Toll Free 1800 003 707.


Issued by Publicis Life Brands on behalf of MSD.

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE Interviews available with Dr Philip Goldstone, Medical Director, Marie Stopes International Australia For further information please contact:

Nicky Perez – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Ph: 0412 304 958
Kath Markov – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Ph: 0421 097 150