Comparison of perspectives in women and men - About side effects of contraceptions in Iran

F Hejazi, H Malekafzali, F Ramezani tehrani, N Paykari, SH Djalalinia

NRCRH, Tehran-Tehran, Iran

Objectives Based on available data in Iran in spite of availability of the free of charge services, 1/5 eligible people for use of contraception, use traditional contraceptions. Majority of them express the fear of different side effects of modern contraceptions as a reason for non using them, therefore knowing their attitude regarding side effects is necessary for expanding its usage.

Materials and methods Our study was a cross-sectional study which conducted in 3 provinces Boushehr, Golestan, Kordestan and Islamshahr city in Tehran which UNFPA has provided specific family planning counseling and services through 2000-2004.By using systematic random sampling method 200 clusters (100 rural clusters & 100 urban clusters) which contain of 20 eligible families (married men or women age 15-45 y.o) were chosen.

Results OCP has been mentioned as the most known contraception method (83%) among both men and women.Minipill was the least known contraception among women (33%), however it was Norplant for men (12/8%). 32/9% of contraceptive users use hormonal methods and it was 10/9%, 9/5%, 29/2% and 16/6% for IUD, condom, permanent methods and traditional ones respectively. Men and women had the same perception regarding the side effects of the modern contraception methods except for minipill.Menstrual irregulation was mentioned as the most common complication of DMPA and IUD but it was mood change for OCP and low back pain for tubectomy. Menstrual irragulation has mentioned as the most common side effects of minipill among men but it was weight gain for women.

Conclusion It seems that enhancing men's awareness and their participation in family planning and introducing various modern contraceptive methods increase its usage among couples and eventually reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy and its complication.