Young Women Steer Away from Hormonal Birth Control: A Changing Trend
Decreasing Number of Young Females Opting for Oral Contraceptives
The use of the contraceptive pill among young women is on a downward spiral, as per a study by Techniker Krankenkasse (TK). In 2020, 39% of their insured female members aged between 13 and 21 were on the pill, whereas the figure dropped to 26% in 2023. The study further reveals a striking disparity in regional availability, with mere 17% of young women in Berlin receiving a prescription for the pill last year, compared to 34% in Saarland.
Jens Baas, TK board member, emphasized the importance of educated discussions between young people and their doctors about contraception. He clarified, "We don't aim to malign the contraceptive pill; it remains one of the safest contraceptive methods. However, like any medication, it carries potential side effects."
Studies by TK show that certain preparations, containing specific gestagens, pose a higher thrombosis risk compared to others. In 2024, approximately half of TK's insured pill users were utilizing preparations with a comparatively increased thrombosis risk.
Analyzing data from TK-insured women aged 13 to 21, the study reveals various factors contributing to the declining trend, such as health concerns and shifting societal viewpoints toward contraception. While there may be regional disparities in Germany, comprehensive data remains elusive. Available studies highlight Berlin as a region with relatively fewer young women opting for the contraceptive pill, although additional information about the contributing factors is scarce.
- Young women might be turning away from the contraceptive pill due to growing concerns about its health effects and a shift in societal perceptions towards contraception, as shown in a study by TK.
- In the realm of science and health-and-wellness, it's crucial to consider the nutritional aspects related to women's health, such as the potential risks associated with the use of certain hormonal birth control methods, like those with a higher thrombosis risk, as observed in a study by TK.
