Condom use among unmarried women increases 6-fold in 10 years
Findings of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2015-16 are encouraging, a testament to the fact that more unmarried, sexually active women are now practising safe sex. Condom use among such women aged 15-49 has increased steeply from 2% to 12% in 10 years. This is particularly heartening considering three out of eight male respondents believe contraception is just women's duty.
Maximum condom use among unmarried women in 20-24 age-group
The survey found that unmarried women mostly use modern contraceptive methods, including condoms, sterilization, pills, diaphragms and intrauterine devices (IUDs). The maximum condom use was seen in women aged 20-24. Female sterilization was popular too, especially in the 25-49 age group. Less than 1% had ever used emergency contraceptive pills, known for the risks they present.
Two-thirds of married women demand family planning
99% of married men and women aged 15-49 know of at least one contraceptive method, which is good, since two-thirds of married women demanded family planning. 55% wanted to limit births, while 11% wanted to space them. 72% had heard or seen family planning messages. However, the overall contraceptive rate among such women was just 54%, with only 10% using a modern method.
Contraception use according to wealth, states and religion
Among states, contraception use was lowest in Bihar, Manipur and Meghalaya (24% each) and highest in Punjab (76%). In UTs, Lakshadweep (30%) and Chandigarh (74%) held the records. Modern contraceptive use increased with wealth: 36% women in the lowest wealth quintile used them, compared to 53% in the highest quintile. 65% of Sikh/Buddhist/Neo-Buddhist women used modern contraception, while 38% of Muslim women did.
Public sector the major provider of modern contraception
The public health sector played a major role: 69% of modern contraceptive users obtained their method from here, the survey found. It was in fact the major source of sterilization (both male and female) and IUDs. The private sector led in pills, condoms and injectables.
38% men believe they shouldn't have to worry about contraception
However, at one end, the survey was disappointing. 38% of men believe contraception is a "woman's business." Accordingly, the use of male sterilization, IUDs, pills and injectibles was less than 3%. 20% men also believe using contraception makes women promiscuous. In light of this, it isn't a surprise that many women still use "traditional" contraception, which includes following the menstrual cycle or withdrawal.
