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Forgotten pill and condom, condom that breaks… Emergency contraception is to be used in the event of unprotected or poorly protected sex, to prevent possible pregnancy. Its access is simplified but how do French women use it? An Ifop study for Biogaran reveals that it is still a pill “that we are ashamed to take”.
Emergency contraception refers to all contraceptive methods that a woman can use to avoid an unwanted pregnancy, after poorly or unprotected sex. Hormonal emergency contraception is one of them, but it is not intended for regular use, in particular because of a higher risk of contraceptive failure than regular methods.
More than a third of women will have used emergency contraception in 2023
According to the results of this study, in 2023, more than one in three women (38%) have used emergency contraception during their lifetime, while only 9% in 2000. If we only base ourselves on the last twelve months, 10% of women have used it. Moreover, 10% of women anticipate this risk by having this type of contraceptive within reach at home.
Contraception collected directly in pharmacy
Since January 1, emergency contraception can be delivered in pharmacies without a medical prescription and without advance payment, for any minor or adult. 75% of women obtained it this way, without a prescription. This is often a process undertaken alone, as 27% of the women interviewed explain that they do not inform their partner.
“Shameful” contraception for 33% of women
In 2023, some women are still ashamed of having to use this pill. 33% associate this feeling with this pill, and this feeling rises to 38% among 25-34 year olds. Paradoxically, almost seven out of ten of them easily ask their pharmacist for it despite the significant proportion of women (66%) unaware that it is now free and without any advance payment, for everyone.
Finally, information must continue to be given to all women because the study reveals that 70% of respondents are still unaware.that there is effective emergency contraception up to 5 days after poorly or unprotected sexual intercourse.