How would you summarize recent research in the area of contraception?
A summary of recent research would be that sexual pleasure is an important reason why some people discontinue contraceptive methods, things like the pill and condoms, and there should be much more research in this area. One area of research that many people are not aware of is that for a small subgroup of women, use of the birth control pill leads to less sexual interest, and that’s something that very few people are aware of.

What are your recommendations for contraception in developing and developed countries?
I think it’s very difficult to state clearly what the ideal method would be for any country, because I think that that depends very much on personal preference, and in many countries that’s going to depend on religious factors, cultural factors within the country. So I think it’s difficult. I think the best option is a greater choice of contraceptive methods within any country, for men and women.

Are some methods of contraception more reliable than others?
There are more reliable methods, but if depends very much on use of contraceptive methods. So actually, most contraceptive methods are pretty effective, but it depends on how they’re used, and part of that depends on how much information people are given about how to use them. So we know, for example, with condoms, that many people don’t use condoms correctly, and that’s the reason why often condoms break, condoms slip off, because people are not using condoms as they should be used.

Closing Statements…
I think that finding a contraceptive method that works for a couple should be something that depends on what affects their sexual relationship. It’s not just about physical risks and benefits – which are important – it’s also about how a contraceptive method affects the relationship, and the sexual relationship.