A qualitative study of sexuality and contraceptive choice among women using withdrawal

Simetinger, Gabrijela (author)

This study examines the impact of withdrawal on women’s sexuality and its continued use in Slovenia despite modern contraceptive alternatives. Through in-depth interviews with 45 Slovenian women using withdrawal, findings reveal significant effects on sexual satisfaction, particularly pleasure and orgasm. Many participants reported decreased sexual desire due to pregnancy fears, while concerns about their partner’s performance affected arousal. Difficulties in achieving orgasm were common, with some experiencing reduced intensity and frequency. The decision to use withdrawal was often shaped by male preference, limited access to other contraceptive methods, and societal judgment. Some women preferred withdrawal for its perceived naturalness, aligning with a cultural shift toward naturalism, which may reinforce traditional gender roles and sexual norms. Historically, withdrawal was a widely accepted contraceptive method influenced by social norms and a lack of alternatives. The contemporary preference for natural contraception continues despite its risks, demonstrating how cultural beliefs shape reproductive choices. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive contraceptive counselling that acknowledges both personal and societal factors affecting women’s decisions. Addressing these influences can help ensure informed choices that enhance both sexual well-being and reproductive autonomy.

• Language: English
• Keywords: women’s sexuality, contraception, natural contraception, sexuality, sexual behavior
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: MF - Faculty of Medicine
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2026
• Number of pages: Str. 481–485
• Numbering: Vol. 38, iss. 6
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-183301
• UDC: 613.888.15
• ISSN on article: 1476-5489
• DOI: 10.1038/s41443-025-01148-w
• COBISS.SI-ID: 245607683
• Publication date in RUL: 10.06.2026

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: International journal of impotence research
• Shortened title: Int. j. impot. res.
• Publisher: Springer Nature
• ISSN: 1476-5489
• COBISS.SI-ID: 519024153

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: ženska spolnost, kontracepcija, naravna kontracepcija, spolnost, spolno vedenje