The Difference a Man Makes: How Partner and Relationship Characteristics Affect Contraceptive Use

Ellen K. Wilson, Research Triangle Institute
Helen P. Koo, Research Triangle Institute

The purpose of this paper is to identify the characteristics of women’s male partners and their relationships that facilitate effective contraceptive use. Data are drawn from an integrated quantitative and qualitative study conducted as the third follow-up of the Longitudinal Study of Contraceptive Choice and Use Dynamics. Analysis of the qualitative data suggest that women’s contraceptive use is influenced by the quality of their relationships with their current partners and their expectations of them as fathers. We hypothesize that women who do not intend a pregnancy may be less rigorous in their use of contraception if they believe that their partners or their partners’ relatives will provide support to any children born. In contrast, we hypothesize that women who have good relationships with their partners may receive more support from their partners in achieving their fertility intentions and therefore may be more likely to use contraception effectively.