Perceptions and Knowledge of Women Regarding Contraception and Current Trends in Contraceptive Use in Korea

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and behaviors of Korean women of reproductive age in regards to con-traception counseling.Materials and Methods: The study sample was collected in Korea and comprised 1011 women aged 20-44 years and 150 obstet-rics and gynecology (OB/GYN) doctors. Participants completed online questionnaires assessing their current methods of contra-ception, knowledge of and satisfaction with contraceptive methods, and willingness to learn about and use other contraceptive methods.Results: Women used condoms (74.2%), natural methods (cycle control or withdrawal, 52.4%), and combined oral contracep-tives (COCs) (36.9%) more frequently than long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, such as hormone-releasing in-trauterine 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 satisfac-tion. The findings revealed discordant results between women and OB/GYN doctors regarding the initiation and quality of infor-mation 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.Conclusion: The majority of Korean women are familiar with condoms and natural methods, but lack knowledge about alterna-tive contraceptive methods, including LARC. Women who used LARC reported higher levels of satisfaction than those who used other methods.