Post-coital contraceptive use by adolescents: analysis of contraceptive behaviour before and after
Merra, R.; Repossi, A.; Fantini, D.
Planned Parenthood in Europe Regional Information Bulletin 17(2): 55-60
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0309-0736 PMID: 12178345 Document Number: 358389
A sample of 339 girls aged 13-19 who requested postcoital contraception from the Centri Educazione Matrimoniale e Prematrimoniale in Milan between 1983 and 1987 is analyzed in terms of contraceptive behavior. The majority were aged 16-19, although 8.8% were 15. 75.5% had had their 1st sexual experience between age 17 and 19. 43% had relied on withdrawal; 20% had used no contraceptive; and 51.2% had used condoms, and broken or improperly used condoms accounted for 36.8% of the requests for postcoital contraception. 41% came to the Center within 3 months of commencing sexual activity. 50% returned to the Center to request contraceptives; in 78% of the cases they chose the pill. Several cogent facts about adolescents' knowledge and attitudes emerged from the analysis. Many of the girls had only vague or inaccurate knowledge of reproductive physiology and menstruation. Many considered contraception unnecessary because they had intercourse only occasionally. Many feared the side effects of contraceptives. Adolescents often do not use contraceptives because they fear that their parents will find out. Others fear going to a gynecologist, and often the girls say that the boys do not want to use a condom.