Determinants of Withdrawal Contraceptive Method and its Impact on Sexual Satisfaction: A Case Study of Shiraz County, Iran

Background aim: Among Muslim nations, Iran holds the highest level of contraceptive practice. It was reported that the rate of traditional methods is relatively high particularly withdrawal method. The present study aimed to investigate the determinants of withdrawal contraceptive method and its effect on sexual satisfaction among the women in Shiraz County, Iran. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted on all married women in reproductive age (age range: 15-49 years) living in Shiraz County (city and rural areas) in 2015. Data were collected using a semi-enclosed questionnaire from 626 women selected by multi-cluster sampling. Data analysis was performed in SPSS software (version 20) using Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. Results: The withdrawal contraceptive method was used by 24.0% of the women. There was a set of socioeconomic, cultural, and accessibility factors affected using this method. According to the respondents’ answers, the main advantage of withdrawal method was its safety. However, 73% of the users stated that they were concerned about the method failure and unintended pregnancy risks. The results of multiple logistic regression showed that the residential place (OR=24.91, 95% CI=10.48-59.21, P 0.05) and participant’s authority were the main predictors of withdrawal practice (OR= 0.805, 95% CI=0.675-0.960, P 0.05). Another predictor of withdrawal method use was the negative perception of women towards modern contraceptives (OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.25-1.61, P 0.05). Moreover, 65% of women expressed that their stress about method failure decreased their sexual satisfaction. Conclusion: Despite the fact that Iran is one the successful countries in family planning; however, some shortcomings in family planning programs are reflected by a high rate of withdrawal practice as a traditional contraceptive method, as well as some rumors and concerns regarding the modern contraceptives.