Interviews conducted as part of the Ask Us Project support the idea that contraception is important to youth. The sample of 79 youth and 27 health care professional interview participants who contributed to the study demonstrated high engagement and critical thought around options for contraception.

Notably, the barriers that youth face in accessing contraception are different from those faced by adults. While cost is a well-established barrier, youth are additionally susceptible to social and cultural stigmas around sex. Many youth are wary of the cultural optics of seeking contraception as members of their age group, and are motivated to seek options that are discreet, “grab-and-go,” and can be obtained without a healthcare appointment. Some noted that while pharmacy prescribing is helpful for avoiding a doctor’s visit, obtaining contraception from a pharmacist in a public shop still puts them in a visible, and potentially vulnerable position. This risk is amplified for youth living in rural and remote communities, where they are more likely to be recognized by a pharmacist or other shop patrons.

Youth are in the process of getting used to contraception, and are drawn to methods that feel more approachable, like condoms and oral contraceptives. While many providers want to acknowledge that Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) such as IUDs are more effective, the choice to have an IUD implanted can feel like a bigger decision for youth. It’s important for providers and parents to trust that youth are making thoughtful and deliberative choices about their contraceptive methods.

Male and AMAB study participants also showed keen interest in more male-led options for pregnancy prevention, beyond condoms. Participants of all genders noted that contraception often feels like a burden that girls, women, and AFAB individuals are expected to bear, rather than a collaborative choice between sexual partners.