The “Control the Surprises” campaign, jointly organized by Bayer and the Bulgarian Scientific Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, conducted a nationally representative survey in early June across Bulgaria to understand attitudes towards contraception and preventing unplanned pregnancy. The survey targeted men and women over 18 years old.

According to the survey, the most popular method of preventing unwanted pregnancy is the male condom, cited by 90% of respondents, followed by birth control pills (87%) and the IUD (71%). However, the survey participants reported that the most frequently used methods are the male condom (28%) and interrupted intercourse (12%), despite these being less reliable in preventing pregnancy.

It’s worth noting that the effectiveness of these methods varies. With the male condom, 18 out of 100 women will become pregnant each year, while with interrupted sexual intercourse, the figure rises to 22 out of 100 women. In comparison, birth control pills result in 90 out of 1,000 women experiencing unplanned pregnancy annually, and with the use of an IUD, it’s 2 out of 1,000 women per year.

The survey also revealed a trend of women starting contraception at a younger age, with the average age dropping to 20 years among women aged 20-35. However, 75% of respondents believe that the responsibility for contraception falls on both partners.

Among women who participated in the survey, 18.5% reported having had an abortion, with 85% of them experiencing physical or mental discomfort, or both. Interestingly, 39% of women who do not plan to have a child at the moment would consider abortion if faced with an unplanned pregnancy, indicating the importance of effective family planning.

Better information about contraception methods is crucial in preventing unplanned pregnancies and subsequent abortions. While 59% of women consult their gynecologist when choosing contraception, 30% do not seek additional information about available methods.

Dr. Vyara Dzhongova, an obstetrician-gynecologist, emphasizes the significance of pregnancy planning, as approximately 41% of the 280 million pregnancies worldwide annually are unplanned, leading to numerous changes in women’s life plans. Unplanned pregnancy not only poses health risks but also places emotional and financial burdens on women and their families.

Investing in family planning and maternal and newborn health services can mitigate the impact of unintended pregnancies. Dr. Dzhongova recommends consulting a gynecologist when choosing contraception to find the most suitable method, considering various factors. Family planning extends beyond choosing a partner and having children; it encompasses sexuality education, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, contraception methods, and measures against infertility.

The “Control Surprises” campaign, initiated in late 2014, aims to provide accessible information about contraception methods, sexual health, and family planning to address the global issue of unplanned pregnancies.