Greater than three quarters, or 77%, of reproductive-aged girls would help over-the-counter contraception tablets that don’t require a prescription from a doctor, supplied that analysis proves the tablets secure and efficient, a brand new survey reveals.
“Oral contraceptives are probably the most generally used technique of reversible contraception within the U.S., and research recommend that [over-the-counter] entry would enhance use of contraception and facilitate continuity of use along with saving time spent on journey, at a physician’s workplace, and off work,” the report acknowledged.
Kaiser Household Basis’s 2022 Ladies’s Well being Survey, launched final week, features a pattern of 5,201 individuals who mentioned they have been assigned feminine at beginning. It was carried out on-line from Might 10 to June 7.
The survey comes because the Meals and Drug Administration considers approving Perrigo’s contraceptive tablet referred to as Opill for over-the-counter use. Nonetheless, the FDA lately postponed a gathering to debate the contraceptive. Each the American Medical Affiliation and the American Faculty of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are in favor of over-the-counter oral contraceptive tablets, KFF mentioned.
If accredited by the Meals and Drug Administration, 39% of respondents mentioned they might be more likely to really use over-the-counter contraception tablets that don’t require a prescription. That is greater amongst those that presently use oral contraceptives, at 60%.
The principle issue behind why girls need over-the-counter contraception tablets is comfort, the survey discovered. Nearly 60% listed this as a cause, whereas 15% mentioned it could be sooner. One other 8% mentioned they don’t need to have a bodily or pelvic examination, 7% mentioned it could be extra confidential, 6% mentioned it could lower your expenses and three% mentioned they don’t need to use their medical insurance.
Of those that are unlikely to make use of over-the-counter contraception tablets — or are not sure if they might —53% mentioned it’s as a result of they don’t presently use contraception tablets or don’t plan to sooner or later. One other 16% mentioned they might somewhat speak to a supplier earlier than beginning or refilling contraceptives.
Ladies who would use over-the-counter contraceptives usually are not keen to pay large bucks for them, the survey additionally discovered. Almost 40% mentioned they might be “keen and in a position to pay” as much as $10 per 30 days.
Underneath the Reasonably priced Care Act, most personal medical insurance plans are required to cowl FDA-approved contraception, nevertheless it have to be prescribed. Nonetheless, 41% of girls at reproductive age are not conscious of this. About 70% of girls with personal insurance coverage mentioned their well being plan absolutely lined their contraception, however a couple of quarter mentioned they needed to pay some out-of-pocket.
Picture credit score: Andrii Shyp, Getty Pictures
