A landmark new study of over a thousand Australian women aged 18-27 has found that almost one in five has experienced an unintended pregnancy.
Leading experts say the ongoing issue of unintended pregnancies among women highlights the need for more education around choice of contraception.
With this in mind, FEMAIL consulted the Sydney-based sexologist and relationship expert, Dr Nikki Goldstein, as well as the Medical Director of Family Planning NSW, Dr Deborah Bateson.
They argued that we must prioritise our sexual health and ask the awkward questions with regards to contraceptives.
A landmark new study of over a thousand Australian women aged 18-27 has found that almost one in five has experienced an unintended pregnancy (stock image)
FEMAIL consulted the Sydney-based sexologist and relationship expert, Dr Nikki Goldstein (pictured), who argued that women must prioritise their sexual health
According to leading sexologist, Dr Nikki Goldstein, the key to safe sex is for young people to make smarter and more informed decisions around their choice of contraception (pictured: some of the findings)
The study also found that young women are prioritising buying a home and travel over children (pictured)
According to leading sexologist, Dr Nikki Goldstein, the key to safe sex is for young people to make smarter and more informed decisions around their choice of contraception:
‘It really shocked me that nearly one in five people aged between 18 and 27 have experienced an unwanted pregnancy,’ she told FEMAIL.
‘You have to question are we empowering and educating women to make the right contraceptive choices?’.
Dr Goldstein highlighted that many young women are unaware of the amount of contraceptive options which are available to them.
This why she supports the launch of website, Contraceptive Match, which has been designed to help people to learn more about what’s right for their personal circumstances:
‘I’m not dissing the pill, but because of movies and TV and things, lots of women think it’s their only option and so go into the doctor and say: “I want the pill”.
‘In fact, it might not be the right option for that woman there and then.’
While Dr Goldstein did add that unfortunately with contraceptives, ‘there is no perfect option’, she said it would help young Australians if they educated themselves better
While Dr Goldstein did add that unfortunately with contraceptives, ‘there is no perfect option’, she said it would help young Australians if they educated themselves better:
‘Have a look online, at a site like Contraceptive Match, before you go to the doctor, and have a read of everything available,’ she explained.
She then said it’s possible to have a discussion with your doctor, in which you’re informed about your various choices.
‘We talk about body confidence and we’re happy to put ourselves out there on Instagram, but we don’t know anything about a fundamental – our sexual health,’ she said.
‘This conversation needs to begin now.’
Both experts said that women need to speak to their GPs more frequently, to find out what the best contraceptive option for themselves and their lifestyle
Current priorities and life goals of respondents included buying their own home (71 per cent) and travel (68 per cent) (stock image)
Elsewhere in the survey of over a thousand women, researchers found that while just over one third of women would welcome an unintended pregnancy, most (62 per cent) would find it more stressful than losing their job, all of their savings or breaking up with their partner.
Current priorities and life goals of respondents included buying their own home (71 per cent) and travel (68 per cent).
While many identified starting a family as a future life goal, only 13 per cent wanted to have children in the next three years.
While many identified starting a family as a future life goal, only 13 per cent wanted to have children in the next three years (pictured: Dr Nikki Goldstein)
The Medical Director of Family Planning NSW, Dr Deborah Bateson (pictured), also spoke to FEMAIL
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about the new findings, the Medical Director of Family Planning NSW, Dr Deborah Bateson, admitted ‘condoms and the contraceptive pill remain the most popular contraceptive methods among Australian women’.
Over half (53 per cent) of women surveyed wish they knew more about contraception options available to them, and the majority (80 per cent) would like their GP to recommend a contraception option based on their lifestyle.
‘Many women don’t realise that there are other contraceptive methods available. There’s a gap in their knowledge,’ she explained.
‘Women need to be encouraged to have a more open discussion about the contraceptive options available to them during consultations with their GP,’ said Dr Bateson.
‘Contraception is a very personal decision that women should make with their doctor based on their health, future goals and lifestyle.
‘There are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there, it’s important to visit credible places for information.’
For more information about Contraceptive Match, please click here.