• Kyong Wook Yi, Seul Ki Kim, Dong-Yun Lee, Sa Ra Lee, Hyosun Shin, and DooSeok Choi.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
• Yonsei Med. J. 2022 Nov 1; 63 (11): 999-1006.

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the perceptions and behaviors of Korean women of reproductive age in regards to contraception counseling.Materials And MethodsThe study sample was collected in Korea and comprised 1011 women aged 20-44 years and 150 obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) doctors. Participants completed online questionnaires assessing their current methods of contraception, knowledge of and satisfaction with contraceptive methods, and willingness to learn about and use other contraceptive methods.ResultsWomen used condoms (74.2%), natural methods (cycle control or withdrawal, 52.4%), and combined oral contraceptives (COCs) (36.9%) more frequently than long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, such as hormone-releasing intrauterine system (IUS) (4.5%), copper-intrauterine devices (3.3%), and subdermal implants (1.4%). Although the proportion of women who used LARC was low, those who used hormone-releasing IUS or subdermal implants reported high levels of satisfaction. The findings revealed discordant results between women and OB/GYN doctors regarding the initiation and quality of information provided by doctors about contraception and overall satisfaction with counseling. Most women (83.1%) expressed a desire to have more information about various contraceptive methods. More than 60% of women reported a willingness to use LARC, such as hormone-releasing IUS or subdermal implants, when provided with detailed information in counseling.ConclusionThe majority of Korean women are familiar with condoms and natural methods, but lack knowledge about alternative contraceptive methods, including LARC. Women who used LARC reported higher levels of satisfaction than those who used other methods.© Copyright: Yonsei University College of Medicine 2022.

13 keywords...

hide…