A Biopsychosocial Model for the Counseling of Hormonal Contraceptives: A Review of the Psychological, Relational, Sexual, and Cultural Elements Involved in the Choice of Contraceptive Method

Filippo Maria Nimbi; Roberta Rossi; Francesca Tripodi; Kevan Wylie; Chiara Simonelli

doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.06.005

A Biopsychosocial Model for the Counseling of Hormonal Contraceptives: A Review of the Psychological, Relational, Sexual, and Cultural Elements Involved in the Choice of Contraceptive Method

Sex Med Rev. 2019 Oct;7(4):587-596. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.06.005. Epub 2019 Jul 24.

Authors

Filippo Maria Nimbi¹, Roberta Rossi², Francesca Tripodi², Kevan Wylie³, Chiara Simonelli⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Institute of Clinical Sexology, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: filipponimbi@hotmail.it.
² Institute of Clinical Sexology, Rome, Italy.
³ Sexual Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
⁴ Institute of Clinical Sexology, Rome, Italy; Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

PMID: 31351917
DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.06.005

Abstract

Introduction: Hormonal contraceptives are among the most popular contraceptives used by women worldwide. Long-term adherence may vary significantly among users because of fear of side effects, unhealthy habits, and lack of knowledge, despite their proven effectiveness.

Aim: To analyze the psychological, relational, sexual, and cultural factors associated with choice and use of hormonal contraceptives. We highlight the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to contraceptive counseling.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in September 2018.

Main outcome measures: 99 articles published in Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Library about counseling to hormonal contraception and related biopsychosocial factors were reviewed.

Results: In the current work, we have analyzed a broad range of factors involved in the contraceptive choice among psychological, relational, sexual, and cultural spheres under the umbrella of the biopsychosocial model. The literature has highlighted that counseling provided by a specialized health care professional may help women in selecting a contraceptive method that best suits their personal needs and lifestyles, maximizing compliance and well-being.

Conclusion: The importance of psychological, relational, sexual and cultural aspects involved in the selection of a contraceptive should be acknowledged by health care professionals and addressed during individualized counseling to ensure that the option selected and offered is tailored to the personal preferences, lifestyle, and practices of each woman. Nimbi FM, Rossi R, Tripodi F, et al. A Biopsychosocial Model for the Counseling of Hormonal Contraceptives: A Review of the Psychological, Relational, Sexual, and Cultural Elements Involved in the Choice of Contraceptive Method. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:587-596.

Keywords: Biopsychosocial Model; Contraception; Counseling; Hormonal Contraceptives; Women’s Health.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Choice Behavior
Contraception / psychology
Contraception Behavior / psychology
Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal*
Counseling*
Culture
Female
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Mental Health
Patient Education as Topic
Personal Satisfaction
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / chemically induced
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / chemically induced
Sexual Partners

Substances

Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal