Determinants of Withdrawal Use as a Contraception Method and its Impact on Sexual Satisfaction: Case Study of Shiraz County- Iran

Background & aim: Among Muslim nations, Iran holds the highest level of contraceptive practice. It was reported that the rate of traditional methods is relatively high particularly withdrawal. The present study aimed to define the determinants of withdrawal method and its effect on sexual satisfaction among the couples in Shiraz County, Iran. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted on all married women in reproductive age (age range: 15-49 years) living in Shiraz County (city and rural areas) in 2014-2015. Data were collected using a semi-enclosed questionnaire from 626 women selected by multi-cluster sampling and purposive sampling. Data analysis was performed in SPSS software (version 20) using Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression Results: The results of this study indicated that withdrawal was used by about 24.0% of the couples. There was a set of socioeconomic, cultural, and accessibility factors affected using this method. According to the respondents’ answers, the main advantage of withdrawal was its safety. However, 73% of the users stated that they were concerned about the method failure and unintended pregnancy risks. Moreover, 65% of them expressed that their stress about method failure decreased their sexual satisfaction. The findings of multiple logistic regression analysis indicated the residential place (OR=24.91, 95% CI=10.48-59.21, P<0.05) and participant’s authority were the main predictors of withdrawal practice (OR= 0.805, 95% CI=0.675-0.960, P<0.05).  Furthermore, the third predictor of withdrawal use was the negative perception of modern contraceptives (OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.25-1.61, P<0.05). Conclusion: Despite the fact that Iran is one the successful countries in family planning; however, some shortcomings in family planning programs are reflected by a high rate of withdrawal practice as a traditional contraceptive method, as well as some rumors and concerns regarding the modern contraceptives.

Keywords:

Withdrawal , Traditional contraceptives , Modern contraceptives , Sexual satisfaction