Title: Contraceptive Shift: Condoms Gain Popularity Over Pill in Germany
It seems that the condom has 'stepped up' its game, overtaking the pill as the preferred contraceptive method in Germany, as revealed in a recent study by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) in Cologne. The findings, published last Thursday, show that a staggering 53% of the surveyed adults employ condoms for contraception, while only 38% opt for the pill. In contrast, back in 2007, the ratio was almost reversed, with 55% utilizing the pill and 36% relying on condoms.
Apart from condoms and the pill, other contraceptive methods, such as the IUD, sterilization, and the calendar method, remain relatively less sought-after options. For this representative study, the research team surveyed 1001 sexually active adults between the ages of 18 and 49, interviewing them in August and September.
The study also uncovered a growing skepticism towards hormonal contraception. An alarming 61% of respondents agreed with the statement that contraception with hormones can have 'negative effects on the body and soul'. In 2018, the figure was a lower 48%.
When asked about the crucial factors influencing their choice of contraceptive, 39% of respondents emphasized reliability, 30% prioritized ease of use, and 25% indicated good tolerability as the top characteristics. Seven out of ten (70%) respondents reported using contraception during sexual activities.
Women see gynecological advice as the primary source of information, while men rely more on the Internet to learn about contraceptive options. Condoms are recognized for their safety and cost-effectiveness, making them an appealing option for many users. Additionally, they provide dual protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
The shift in trends is evident, with condoms leading the charge in Germany. While the study does not provide explicit data on this topic, the ease of access, affordability, and dual protection offered by condoms contribute to their popularity, especially in regions that embrace progressive attitudes.
