Dr Marie™, a not-for-profit sexual and reproductive healthcare provider, conducted a survey2 among Australian women aged 18 to 50 years old, who had experienced an unintended pregnancy and found very limited levels of contraceptive awareness.
“In our research, 31 per cent of the women we surveyed were unaware of the IUD as a contraceptive method,” said Jill Michelson, Director of Clinical Services for Dr Marie™.
“Our survey results were similar for other contraceptive methods, with 34 per cent unaware of contraceptive injections and 26 per cent unaware of implants.
“Dr Marie™ would like to see all Australian women increase their awareness of long-term contraceptive options, especially as some have health benefits beyond birth control as we can see in this latest study.
“Our Dr Marie™ survey also found that 43 per cent of women who had an unplanned pregnancy were on the pill at the time3.
“This indicates that women may not be using the best contraception for their life stage and lifestyle - in some cases, long-term methods such as an IUD may be more appropriate.
“We would encourage all Australian women that in light of the findings in this study, now is the perfect time to proactively discuss their contraceptive options with their sexual health medical professional.”
The IUD contraceptive has been available to women in Australia since the 1960s and can stay in place inside the uterus for up to five or ten years depending on the type fitted.
Cervical cancer is caused by the sexually transmitted infection (STI) human papilloma virus (HPV) also known as genital warts.
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Media enquiries and to interview Jill Michelson call 0421 097 150.
About Dr Marie™: Dr Marie™ provides high-quality, non-judgemental, caring sexual and reproductive healthcare information, advice and services. Dr Marie™ is part of a worldwide not-for-profit organisation, Marie Stopes International – a global partnership improving sexual and reproductive health for some seven million people in over 40 countries every year. Every year Dr Marie™ provides these services to 25,00 people across our network of licensed and accredited centre in Australia. Profit from our Australian services support our international development work which saves the lives of tens of thousands of women every year who are at risk of dying from complications relating to pregnancy and childbirth. To learn more visit www.drmarie.org.au
- Castellsague X et al. Intrauterine device use, cervical infection with human papillomavirus, and risk of cervical cancer: a pooled analysis of 26 epidemiological studies. The lancet Oncology, September 2011
- Survey by Dr Marie commissioned by Marie Stopes International, conducted by Web Survey, Real Choices: Women, Contraception and Unplanned Pregnancy, 2008
- As above
