One in five women have experienced an unwanted pregnancy

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

FEMAIL consulted the Sydney-based sexologist and relationship expert, Dr Nikki Goldstein (pictured), who argued that women must prioritise their sexual health

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)

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)

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:

How to be more informed about contraception options

* Do your research. Sites like Contraceptive Match have been designed for people to learn more about what’s right for their personal circumstances.

* Read around the subject online before you visit your doctor.

* Have an informed conversation with your GP, and ask all the questions you want to ask – even if they feel awkward.

* Don’t assume that just because the contraceptive pill and condoms are the main forms of contraception, that they’re right for you. 

‘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

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:

What young women use contraception for 

* Peace of mind – 77 per cent

* Control – 65 per cent

* A sense of security – 63 per cent

* Reassurance – 60 per cent

Source: Galaxy Research and MSD Australia’s report.  

‘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

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)

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)

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)

Major findings from the report 

* Almost one in five Australian women aged 18 to 27 have experienced an unwanted pregnancy, according to a new report.

* While just over one third would welcome the event, most women (62 per cent) would find this more stressful than losing their job, losing all their savings or breaking up with their partner.

* The e incidence of unintended pregnancy increased with age with one in four women aged 22-27 experiencing an unintended pregnancy compared with only 1 in 20 in women aged 18-21 years.

* 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.

* In assessing contraceptive usage, the pill (69 per cent), condoms (66 per cent), and the morning after pill (31 per cent) were the most common forms of contraception used in young women.

* Over half (53 per cent) of women 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.

The Medical Director of Family Planning NSW, Dr Deborah Bateson (pictured), also spoke to FEMAIL

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

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk