Current contraceptive use in women with a history of unintended pregnancies: Insights from the Australian Contraceptive ChOice pRoject (ACCORd) trial

Abstract

Background and objective Clinical guidelines advocate using long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) to reduce unintended pregnancy, but LARC use in Australia is poor. Additionally, little is known about contraceptive practices of women with a history of unintended pregnancy. The aim of this study was to describe current contraception use according to a history of unintended pregnancy. Methods Data were analysed from women recruited into The Australian Contraceptive ChOice pRoject (ACCORd) trial. Results Approximately 47% (128/275) of women aged 16–45 years reported unintended pregnancies, and 30% had an abortion (83/275). Contraceptive data available from 117 women showed that condoms (24%, n = 28/117) and the oral contraceptive pill (22%, n = 26/117) were most commonly used among women reporting one unintended pregnancy or more. Discussion These findings support implementing interventions to increase the uptake of effective contraception, as successfully demonstrated in the ACCORd trial, in general practice.