Does Contraceptive Discontinuation Matter? Quality of Care and Fertility Consequences

This study conducted through the Demographic and Health Surveys in 15 countries examined the levels of contraceptive discontinuation and assessed the quality of service using this indicator as well as the contraceptive behavior and fertility consequences following contraceptive discontinuation. The most commonly used method reported was the pill followed by the IUD female sterilization withdrawal and periodic abstinence. Most common reasons for contraceptive discontinuation include side effects or health concerns followed by cost of and lack of access to contraceptive methods. The all-method discontinuation for quality-related reasons accounts for a half and three quarters of the total rate. Advantages in the use of this measurement indicator which closely approximates the overall quality of care include 1) focus on the discontinuation of any method of contraception rather on the specific method and 2) inclusion of discontinued contraception for reasons other than the desire to get pregnant. It is demonstrated in the study that there is a substantial effect to overall fertility and unwanted fertility rates. An average decrease in the total fertility rate of 14% and a decline between 0.2% and 1.1% in the total infertility rate was observed.