Perceived Infertility and Contraceptive Use Among Reproductive-Aged Women in Ohio

Objective

This study examines the association between sociodemographic factors and perceived infertility, as well as between perceived infertility, contraceptive use, and contraceptive method type.

Study Design

We analyzed the Ohio Survey of Women baseline data collected in 2018–2019 (N = 2,568). Using logistic regression, we assessed the association between sociodemographic characteristics and perceived infertility. We then used multivariate logistic regression and multinomial regression to estimate the association between perceived infertility and any contraceptive use and contraception method type (long-acting reversible, hormonal short-acting reversible, and coital-dependent methods).

Results

Age, race, marital status, household income, and prior pregnancies were associated significantly with odds of perceived infertility. Of those who said they were not at all likely to be infertile, 73% reported using any contraception compared to 63% of those who said they were somewhat to very likely to be infertile. In multivariable analyses, those who reported perceived infertility had 31% lower odds of using contraception than those who did not (adjusted odds ratio = 0.7; 95% confidence interval [0.5, 1.0]). Those with perceived infertility had twice the odds of using no contraception than using long-acting reversible methods compared with those without perceived infertility.

Conclusions

Reproductive-aged women in Ohio who perceive they may have difficulty becoming pregnant or be infertile have lower odds of using contraception, particularly long-acting reversible methods, compared with those who do not perceive they may be infertile. Improved education on infertility may be warranted to support individuals, particularly in groups with higher odds of perceived infertility, in making informed choices about contraception.