Medical conditions, pregnancy perspectives and contraceptive decision-making among young people: an exploratory, qualitative analysis

Anu Manchikanti Gomez; Stephanie Arteaga; Natalie Ingraham; Jennet Arcara

doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2019.03.046

Medical conditions, pregnancy perspectives and contraceptive decision-making among young people: an exploratory, qualitative analysis

Contraception. 2019 Jul;100(1):72-78. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2019.03.046. Epub 2019 Apr 10.

Authors

Anu Manchikanti Gomez¹, Stephanie Arteaga², Natalie Ingraham³, Jennet Arcara²

Affiliations

¹ Sexual Health and Reproductive Equity Program, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, 110 Haviland Hall MC 7400, Berkeley, CA 94720-7400, USA. Electronic address: anugomez@berkeley.edu.
² Sexual Health and Reproductive Equity Program, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, 110 Haviland Hall MC 7400, Berkeley, CA 94720-7400, USA.
³ Department of Sociology and Social Services, California State University, East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94542, USA.

PMID: 30980830
PMCID: PMC6589374
DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2019.03.046

Abstract

Objective: To explore perspectives on family planning among young people who perceive they are infertile or will have difficulty carrying a pregnancy to term owing to medical conditions or procedures.

Methods: This exploratory analysis examined pregnancy plans and contraceptive behavior among 12 young adults with a diagnosed medical condition or who had undergone a medical procedure associated with impaired fertility, and who had discussed fertility with a healthcare provider. We utilized data from a larger study investigating prospective pregnancy intentions and plans among 50 young (ages 18-24) women and their male partners (n=100).

Results: Medical conditions included endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and lupus. For some, medical conditions/procedures led to use of no or less effective contraception; perceived risk for pregnancy was low, though seven participants had previously experienced pregnancies. Participants also described how medical conditions altered their timelines for pregnancy and overall desire for children; for example, one participant described continuing an unplanned pregnancy because she feared it would be her only chance to parent.

Conclusion: This exploratory analysis suggests that among young people, medical issues perceived to affect fertility and pregnancy may influence pregnancy planning and contraceptive behavior. Young people may lack knowledge about fertility and the impact of a medical condition; thus it is critical that providers clarify the difference between anticipated difficulty conceiving and complete infertility. Tailored contraceptive care is needed for young adults with medical conditions that may affect fertility to ensure they have the necessary information to make informed family planning decisions.

Implications: Medical conditions known to affect fertility may influence young people's family planning desires and behaviors. Understanding how young adults process information about medical conditions' impact on their fertility and change or make plans in response is important in order to best meet their family planning needs.

Keywords: Emerging adulthood; Endometriosis; Family planning; PCOS; Perceived infertility; Pregnancy.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
California
Choice Behavior*
Contraception / methods
Contraception / psychology*
Decision Making
Female
Fertility*
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Humans
Male
Medical History Taking*
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, Unplanned
Qualitative Research
Young Adult

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding