University Students Seeking Hormonal Emergency Contraception: Why Do They Not Want Pregnancy Now? When is it Suitable to Have Children?

Authors

• Aira Virtala
• Irma Virjo

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23979/fypr.45001

Keywords:

family planning, contraceptive behaviour, hormonal emergency contraption, postponing pregnancy, university students, Finland

Abstract

University students who sought hormonal emergency contraception (EC) in the
Tampere Student Health Station during the period 1.9.2000-31.12.2001 received a
questionnaire on their use of it. Of the total, 114 responded (67%). The aim of this
study was to ascertain why the respondents did not want to get pregnant now and
when it would be suitable for them to get children. Free answers to these questions
were analysed using a collective consensus method. The main reasons for not
wanting pregnancy now were un? nished studies and the non-steady character of the
relationship. Almost all planned to become pregnant some day in the future when
their life situation was appropriate, usually at the age of about 30 years.