Young Women Shying Away from Hormonal Contraceptives: Here's the Breakdown
Decreasing numbers of young females are opting for oral contraceptives
The downward trend in hormonal contraceptive use among younger females, as per research by Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), continues unabated. In 2024, only 26% of TK's female insurees aged 13-21 were taking the pill, a sharp drop from 39% in 2020.
Regional discrepancies are substantial, with Berlin reporting a mere 17% of young women receiving prescriptions for the pill in 2024, contrasting Saarland's 34%. TK board member Jens Baas emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making between young individuals and their doctors, and acknowledges that like any medication, the pill could bear side effects.
The study sheds light on potentially problematic new preparations containing higher thrombosis-inducing gestagens. In 2024, around half of the TK-insured young woman pill userswere opting for such higher-risk preparations.
While efforts are underway to make prescription contraceptives accessible until age 22, affordability and accessibility can still prove barriers in some regions, resulting in higher teenage birth rates. Additionally, there's a shift in preferences towards alternative methods, such as IUDs and implants, often perceived as more convenient and less laden with side effects.
Newer preparations with elevated thrombosis risks carry certain complications, such as increased health risks, stricter regulatory scrutiny, and the necessity for enhanced patient education. It is essential for healthcare providers to openly discuss potential risks and benefits, enabling users to make informed decisions about their contraceptive choices.
- The rapid decline in the use of hormonal contraceptives among young women, as observed in TK's research, has led some to explore alternative methods like IUDs and implants, which are perceived as more convenient and less side-effect prone in the realm of health-and-wellness.
- Amid the growing concern about new hormonal contraceptive preparations with elevated thrombosis risks, mental-health professionals and women's health advocates stress the importance of thorough science-backed education on potential side effects and risks associated with these products, to empower individuals with the information needed for informed decision-making.
