Portugal hailed as contraception "achievement" following significant population decline
Portugal Emerges as a Leader in Contraceptive Policies Across Europe
A recent analysis has revealed that an staggering 68% of young Portuguese individuals are utilizing contraceptive methods, making Portugal the second country with the highest result on the list, trailing only Spain with 69%. This notable statistic reflects the general population's growing familiarity with contraception, according to Mara Carvalho, a representative from the Portuguese Family Planning Association (APF).
The analysis, conducted by the European Parliamentary Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF), also highlights that young Portuguese people have little hesitation when it comes to identifying male condoms (86%) and the contraceptive pill (91%). This keen understanding can be credited to Portugal’s comprehensive sex education programs and the widespread visibility of contraceptives in the healthcare landscape, particularly condoms as a means of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) prevention.
Despite this progress, there is still a lack of knowledge about other contraceptive alternatives such as the contraceptive patch (28%), injection (30%), implant (49%), vaginal ring (57%) or intrauterine device (IUD) (59%). Given this information gap, APF spokesperson Mara Carvalho emphasizes the necessity of improving young people's sexual and reproductive health literacy to enable them to experience their sexuality more fully.
Approximately 47% of Portuguese respondents reported using the pill, while 42% rely on male condoms as their preferred contraceptive methods. Less popular contraceptives like the intrauterine device, implant, and patch are only used by 3%, 2%, and 3%, respectively. Almost a third (32%) of interviewees believe there is a knowledge deficiency concerning contraceptives among young Portuguese individuals, a significant barrier to accessing a greater range of options. In addition, 25% of respondents indicated that health professionals frequently fail to address all available options during consultations.
To improve the sexual and reproductive health landscape in Portugal, Mara Carvalho advocates generalizing access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) care. This proposition includes strengthening the scientific knowledge base, improving health literacy, ensuring training for teachers and healthcare professionals, and activating information and support offices for education in schools.
As for sources of information, the Internet proves to be the primary resource (30%), followed by family doctors (22%) and gynecologists (15%). Schools also play a vital role for 15% of young people, establishing a critical network for distributing sexual and reproductive health information.
The EPF's European Atlas of Contraception Policies lauds Portugal as a "success story" in Europe. This accolade stems from the nation’s comprehensive legislative, educational, and healthcare system policies that facilitate easy access to contraception and family planning, reduce unintended pregnancies, and enhance the overall sexual and reproductive health of the population. Critical factors contributing to Portugal's success include supportive laws, widespread sexuality education, adequate training for healthcare professionals, easy access to contraceptives, community engagement, and regular monitoring and evaluation of policies.
- In an attempt to bolster the overall health and wellness of Portuguese citizens, Mara Carvalho, a representative from the Portuguese Family Planning Association (APF), proposes enhancing the scientific knowledge base, particularly in the field of mental health, to support comprehensive sex education.
- As Portugal increasingly prioritizes sexual health, the APF emphasizes the significance of addressing not only contraception but also other aspects of health-and-wellness, such as nutrition, to ensure a holistic approach to young people's well-being.
- Beyond contraception, Mara Carvalho advocates expanding the health services landscape in Portugal to include specialized mental health services and resources, which are currently underrepresented, to ensure the complete wellness of Portuguese individuals.
