A new survey found that there is a significant gap between patient preferences and provider perceptions when it comes to contraceptive choices. The survey found that 60% of women prefer hormone-free birth control, but 59% of healthcare providers recommend hormonal contraception. Additionally, 20% of women using IUDs had not discussed other birth control methods with their healthcare providers. The survey’s findings highlight the need for better communication between patients and healthcare providers about contraceptive choices. By working together, patients and providers can ensure that women are making informed decisions about their reproductive health.
A new survey has found that there is a significant gap between patient preferences and provider perceptions when it comes to contraceptive choices. The survey, which was conducted by HealthyWomen, a non-profit organization that focuses on women’s health, surveyed 5,000 women between the ages of 18 and 55.
The survey found that while 60% of respondents preferred hormone-free birth control, 59% of healthcare providers recommended hormonal contraception when patients didn’t mention a specific preference. Additionally, 20% of individuals using IUDs had not discussed other birth control methods with their healthcare providers.
When choosing a contraceptive, 91% of patients prioritize effectiveness as the most critical factor. Yet, only 26% of patients understand that intrauterine devices (IUDs) are the most effective contraception. This is a stark disparity to surveyed healthcare providers’ understanding, as 64% of healthcare providers believe that their patients comprehend that, aside from abstinence, sterilization, and vasectomy.
Interestingly, while nearly half of women preferred a regular menstrual cycle or period, only 37% desired no period. In contrast, a majority of healthcare providers (51%) believed their patients would prefer to have no period.
Regarding the Supreme Court decision on reproductive healthcare, two-thirds of respondents had not changed their contraceptive method in response. However, a quarter of respondents reported having already made or planned to make changes.
For healthcare providers, almost one in three (27%) stated that the decision had influenced how they counsel patients about birth control options. Many of them have begun or will begin advising more patients to consider long-lasting birth control methods.
“We have to encourage better conversation between women of reproductive age and their healthcare professionals to ensure that women are being informed of their birth control options,” said Beth Battaglino, RN-C, CEO of HealthyWomen, which commissioned the survey.
“The survey calls for us to re-visit — and perhaps even re-invent — patient-HCP interactions to ensure contraceptive solutions are tailored to meet each individual’s needs; further, we must continue to call for the development of even more innovative contraception options that meet the quickly changing needs of individuals of childbearing age,” continued Battaglino.
The survey’s findings highlight the need for better communication between patients and healthcare providers about contraceptive choices. By working together, patients and providers can ensure that women are making informed decisions about their reproductive health.
