Birth Control, Relational Aspects

Birth Control by Relationship Characteristics

The method of birth control used by a couple varies as a function of relationship length and type.

Because couples protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), condoms are the preferred contraceptive method with casual sexual partners and in the early stages of relationships. Among heterosexual couples, a small proportion (about 10 percent) use both condoms and other hormonal methods (e.g., the Pill or contraceptive injections) at the beginning of a relationship. Many, however, initially rely solely on condoms to protect against both unintended pregnancy and STIs until the relationship becomes serious at which point they switch to other methods, often the Pill.

The decision to make this switch is typically taken as a function of sexual frequency and on the strength of one's feelings of commitment rather than on any actual evaluation of STI risk. Commitment refers to one's attachment to the relationship and to the decision to maintain the relationship into the future. High levels of commitment predict perceiving that one's partner is safe and thus deciding to adopt more effective, hormonal, birth control methods. However, commitment does not necessarily predict more consistent use of these methods.

Motivation to Use Birth Control

Commitment to the relationship can reduce one's motivation to avoid pregnancy. The motivation to avoid pregnancy influences how consistently and regularly a couple uses contraceptives, as well as the efficacy of the methods used. In established couples, the motivation to avoid pregnancy varies over the stages of the relationship and characteristics of the relationship. Motivation to avoid pregnancy tends to be lower if a couple is living together, has fewer children at home, and has a long-standing relationship.

Couples in highly committed relationships may be less motivated to avoid pregnancy because they are less concerned about an unplanned pregnancy. They may feel more confident in their partner's support should an unintended pregnancy occur and in their ability to deal with the consequences. In some cases, pregnancy, or the willingness to risk pregnancy, is offered as evidence of commitment even though a pregnancy is not explicitly intended. Feelings of commitment may therefore have a complicated relationship to birth control use and in some relationships, may be associated with decreased birth control use.

In established and married couples, individuals' own motives to avoid pregnancy are strongly influenced by their partner's motivation to avoid having children. The motivation of both members of the couple then predicts the regularity of the couple's contraceptive use. Perceived partner preferences regarding specific contraceptive methods also strongly influences the type of method preferred when couples consider changing contraceptive methods. Partner dissatisfaction and discomfort with a contraceptive method is often reported as a reason why individuals switch methods of contraception or use contraception inconsistently. Individuals are therefore influenced by their partners and their relationships not only in their motivation to avoid pregnancy but also in their motivation to use specific methods of contraception.

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