Women's experiences of contraception, fertility and pregnancy after spinal cord injury: a Turkish perspective.

Abstract

A descriptive cross-sectional study. To investigate the experiences of Turkish women with spinal cord injury (SCI) in terms of contraception, fertility and pregnancy. Inpatient and outpatient clinics of a tertiary referral hospital in Türkiye. Seventy women (aged 18-55 years) with SCI were included. A comprehensive questionnaire containing questions about contraception, fertility, and obstetric experiences was administered. Among participants using a method of contraception (45.7%), the most frequently used method was condom (used by partner) (43.8%). The most common reason for choosing the contraceptive method used was that they thought the method of contraception they were using was safe (37.5%). The most common reason reported for not using a method of contraception was no longer being sexually active (55.3%). 68.6% of participants had completed family planning by the time they were diagnosed with SCI. 72.9% of participants had never discussed fertility-related issues with their physician before. Fifteen births were identified in participants with SCI. Of these 15 births, only 1 (6.67%) was vaginal, while 14 (93.33%) were by cesarean section. Of the 14 births performed via cesarean section, regional anesthesia was used in 5 (35.71%) and general anesthesia in 9 (64.29%). This study summarizes the experiences of Turkish women with SCI regarding contraception, fertility, and pregnancy. By drawing attention to these issues, the study may contribute to increased awareness among clinicians about the reproductive health of women with SCI.