Koko Maxwella 
ABUJA, Nigeria – A new World Health Organisation (WHO) study reveals that one in 20 people discontinue contraception due to perceived negative impacts on their sex lives, despite still needing protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
The review, titled The Sex Effect: The Prevalence of Sex Life Reasons for Contraceptive Discontinuation, released on Friday, analysed 64 studies with over 125,000 participants.
It found that users report concerns ranging from reduced libido to discomfort during intercourse and partner dissatisfaction.
“The ability to enjoy sex without fear of unintended pregnancy is a major reason people use contraception,” said the Director of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing at WHO and HRP, Dr Pascale Allotey. “These findings highlight a missing link in improving family planning programmes globally.”
Experts say the study underscores the need for family planning providers to normalise conversations about sexual satisfaction, train health workers to manage sexual side effects, and integrate sexual well-being into contraceptive counselling.
If global contraceptive needs were met, WHO estimates maternal mortality could fall by up to 35%, with unintended pregnancies reduced from 80 million to 26 million annually.
“Ensuring contraception supports both a satisfying and safe sex life is critical for advancing sexual health,” said Dr Lianne Gonsalves, WHO scientist and senior author of the study.
The report also highlights broader benefits, including the prevention of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, chlamydia, and syphilis, when barrier methods are used.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
