Condom replaces the pill as the number one contraceptive
The condom has replaced the pill as the number one contraceptive in Germany. This was the result of a study by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) in Cologne, which was published on Thursday. More than half of those surveyed (53 percent) stated that they use condoms for contraception. Only 38 percent mentioned the pill. In 2007, the ratio was almost reversed: at that time, 55 percent used the pill and only 36 percent used condoms.
Other contraceptive methods such as the IUD, sterilization and the calendar method currently play only a minor role. For the representative study, the BZgA surveyed 1001 sexually active adults between the ages of 18 and 49 in August and September.
According to the study, a negative attitude towards hormonal contraception is on the rise. 61% of women and men agree with the statement that contraception with hormones has "negative effects on body and soul" - in 2018, only 48% agreed with this.
Criteria for the choice of contraceptive
When asked about the most important criteria for choosing a contraceptive, 39% of respondents cited reliability, 30% ease of use and 25% good tolerability.
Overall, 70 percent stated that they use contraception during sex. The most important source of information for women is gynecological advice (73%), for men the Internet (49%).
The pill is considered a safe contraceptive and is relatively easy to use. However, it must be taken at the same time every day. As it contains hormones, a number of side effects can occur. Condoms are also considered safe when used correctly and are relatively inexpensive. They also offer protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The shift in contraceptive preference in Germany is reflected in the findings, as the pill, once the most popular method, now trails behind condoms. In the recent study conducted by BZgA, only 38% of participants mentioned the pill as their contraceptive of choice, while 53% opted for condoms.
Interestingly, the positive perception of using hormonal contraceptives, like the pill, seems to be on the decline, with 61% of respondents agreeing that contraception with hormones has negative effects on body and soul, compared to the 48% who shared this view in 2018.
Source: www.dpa.com
