Many reproductive health care clinics have treated individuals’ sexuality needs as separate and distinct from contraceptive and other reproductive health needs. Practitioners are often not trained in addressing clients’ sexual health concerns. Clinics can help clients manage their sexual lives in a way consistent with the client’s values and goals for their sexual lives.
Practitioners have a unique opportunity to provide information, education, and counseling to clients who might otherwise have no other resource for help. Addressing sexual concerns directly with clients when they choose their method may improve how effectively they use contraception.
Impact of Contraceptives on Sexuality1
Attitudes about sexuality and the characteristics of sexual relationships influence the choice of a contraceptive method, how effectively the method is used, and satisfaction with the method. Ambivalence about sexuality contributes to unintended pregnancies and STDs. Studies have shown that women are less likely to be satisfied with their birth control method if they believe that birth control makes sex less pleasurable. 2
There is no perfect, 100 percent effective, 100 percent easy-to-use, pleasurable contraceptive. Providers can advise clients to consider comfort with their body, desire to keep contraception independent of intercourse, the degree of cooperation they can expect from their partner, and whether they also need protection against STDs.
The table "Sexuality Issues and Contraceptive Methods" can help clients understand the sexuality issues for different contraceptive methods:
Sexuality Issues and Contraceptive Methods
|
Contraceptive Method: |
Used at Time of Coitus |
Partner Support Required |
Affects Sexual Functioning |
Can Be Used in Love-Making |
Okay for Multiple Partners |
|
Pill |
No |
No |
May |
No |
Yes? With condoms |
|
Diaphragm |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes? With condoms |
|
Condom |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
IUD |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Abstinence |
NA |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Coitus Interruptus |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes? With Condoms |
|
Fertility Awareness |
Yes |
Yes |
May |
Yes |
No |
|
Sterilization |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes? With condoms |
1. D.W. Haffner y W. R. Stayton, "Sexuality and
Reproductive Health," Contraceptive Technology, (Nueva York: Ardent Media
Inc., 1998) pp13-41.
2. J.D. Forrest. y J. J. Frost, "The Family Planning Attitudes and Experiences of
Low-Income women," Family Planning Pespectives, 1996, vol. 28, no. 6, pp
246-255, 277.
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