Opinion of male adolescents on contraception, unplanned pregnancy and induced abortion

Abstract

Adolescence and youth are phases of intense changes where the experiments and innovations are significant factors. In this world of discovery and adaptations, the adolescents feel their libido increasing and the emergence of their sexuality. As a result pregnancies and infection by sexually transmitted diseases (STD) can occur. Although sexual activity is striking for both genres, its consequences, particularly pregnancy, has its greatest impact on the female individuals. The purpose of this research was to identify and understand the views and experiences of the young men on contraception, unplanned pregnancy and induced abortion. This is a qualitative descriptive study, carried out in a public high school located in the northern of the city of Rio de Janeiro through semi-structured interviews with 13 young individuals between 18 and 23 years of age. The interviews were analyzed using the content analysis technique. The methods most frequently mentioned were the male condom and pill. The one used more often was the condom. Discussion between couples is said to be the best way to choose the method, and induced abortion is disapproved by all interviewed. Nowadays young people are more included in the process of contraception than in the past; however problematic educational strategies can qualify this participation and contribute to a broader discussion.