An Attitudinal Survey: Hong Kong Women on Birth ControlBack


 

Date of Release : 12 August 2003

 
 

2/3 Women Opts For Abortion In Case Of Unplanned Pregnancy
Women having less sex under high pressure and bad economy. Expert warns of detrimental impacts on health and life quality

 
 

A local survey conducted by The Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Hong Kong recently revealed that 33% women are having less sex due to the bad economy, and two-third opt for abortion for unplanned pregnancy, risking their health and quality of life. O&G experts urged fertile women to better understand the consequences of abortion as this will bring negative impacts on health and emotions.

 
 

The survey was conducted by the Public Opinion Programme of the University of Hong Kong via phone interviews in May 2003, and participated by 504 women aged between 18-45 using different means of contraception during the past 6 months. Major findings of the survey reveal that:

 
 

Nearly 80% Women Considered Unplanned Pregnancy Affect Work or Finance of the Family

  • 79% cite unplanned pregnancy will exert pressure on work or family.
  • 55% of the respondents are feeling more stressful this year than a year ago, while 67% of respondents say their partners are more stressful than before.
  • 33% women having less sex under the current economic situation.
  • 62% opt for abortion for unplanned pregnancy under the current economic downturn.

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    HK Women Ignorant of Failure Rate of Birth Control Methods

  • 11% consider male condoms 100% effective.
  • 8% cite abortion as an effective birth control method.
  • Majority of them do not have a clue of the failure rates of birth control injections and rings.
  • 74% consider oral contraceptive the best birth control device. However, 72% women will not use it if it causes weight gain.

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    "The situation is worrying", said Dr Dominic Li, President of the The Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Hong Kong, "Many women do not have a full picture of the birth control choices. And misconception is leading them to the wrong direction."

     
     

    These misconceptions have somehow led to undesirable consequences. The fact is, the failure rate of male condom (as commonly used) is 14%. A survey conducted by the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong last year reveals that, of the abortion cases taken at the Association's clinics, 23% are resulted from failed condoms.

     
     

    Bad Economy Should Result in Demand of Highly Effective Birth Control Method, Instead of Less Sex or Abortion
    Experts take no time in addressing their concerns. Dr Dominic Li warned of the undesirable impact of abortion due to unplanned pregnancy. He urged women to learn more about choices of the effective contraceptives available.

     
     

    "At times of bad economy, the demand for effective birth control devices is very apparent. Abortion is a very demoralizing mean that will affect their health and emotion. A normal sex life is part of a quality life. Intimacy works to promote closer relationship. Women should be more informed on the choices of safe and effective birth control devices instead of staying away from sex or even put abortion on their think-about list." Commented Dr Li.

     
     

    Expert Dispels the Misconceptions of Oral Contraception
    Contraceptive pill is by and large the most effective mean of birth control, with a failure rate of less than 1%. However, many women are reluctant to take pills due to some profound misunderstandings. Many think that pills will cause breast cancer, birth of abnormal babies and weight gain.

     
     

    "Clinical researches have already proved that taking pills will not increase the risk of having breast cancer and abnormal babies," explained Dr Nancy Fok, council member of The Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Hong Kong, "Gaining weight after taking pills is related to water retention. New generation of pills has already addressed this issue."

     
     

    Besides, oral contraceptive have value-added "non-contraception" benefits, such as improvement in skin and acne, menstrual symptoms and more regular cycles. The risk of breast cysts, ovarian cysts, endometrial carcinoma and ovarian cancer will also be reduced.

     
     

    Doctors alert caution in choosing effective contraceptive devices. As said by Dr Li, "Women seeking prudent birth control devices should seek medical consultation to determine what is best for them."

     
     

    - Ends -

     
     

    Media Contact:

     

    Dorothy Yung, Grey Healthcare
    Tel: 2510-6765 / 9363-0084