New survey finds the top access challenge cited by women is feeling uncomfortable discussing sex or birth control
SAN FRANCISCO (September 16, 2019) – Medicines360, a nonprofit women’s health organization tackling the most pressing needs in women’s health, today announced the launch of #NotAwkward, a campaign to encourage positive conversations about birth control and reproductive health. The campaign was created in response to a national survey finding that of the nearly half (46%) of 18-34-year-old women who have experienced an issue getting birth control, feeling uncomfortable talking about sex or birth control with family was a major barrier (39%).
The survey was conducted by international polling firm, YouGov, for Medicines360 to better understand the various obstacles women face when trying to get birth control.
“It is stunning that even today so many women face obstacles when seeking birth control, including feeling uncomfortable talking about it,” said Jessica Grossman, M.D., CEO of Medicines360. “This affects every woman, and we should never be made to feel awkward bringing it up. Women are not alone in this experience, so we can all make a difference by sharing our stories and quality information about birth control and our reproductive health.”
Medicines360 is inviting women to share their stories about accessing birth control using #NotAwkward on Twitter and Instagram.
“We want to change this conversation by talking about it openly,” said Dr. Grossman. “If you’ve ever had an awkward conversation about birth control or sexual health – or a great one – let’s talk about it. We can learn from, and lean on, each other.”
According to the survey, almost two in five 18-34-year-old women (36%) are not getting their birth control information from an HCP, and instead are looking to the internet (54%) and friends (28%). The data also found that 38% of women 18-34 are aware of five or fewer birth control options, signaling limited or no knowledge of their birth control options.
#NotAwkward is part of Medicines360’s ongoing commitment to removing the barriers women face when seeking birth control. Among other efforts, the organization provides its hormonal IUD to public health clinics at a low cost. Medicines360 is also actively working to expand access to IUDs to women across the globe, most recently in Madagascar and Zambia.
To learn more about the campaign and to hear other women’s stories, visit https://www.medicines360.org/women. To share your story on Twitter or Instagram, use #NotAwkward.
ABOUT MEDICINES360
Medicines360, located in San Francisco, California, is a nonprofit global women’s health pharmaceutical company with a mission to remove cost as a barrier to health by developing and providing affordable Women’s Health products. Medicines360 is committed to working with healthcare providers, advocacy groups and patients to deliver innovative and meaningful treatments that help women around the world have greater access to the medicines they need. For more information, visit www.medicines360.org
ABOUT THE YOUGOV SURVEY
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 583 women, ages 18-34. Fieldwork was undertaken between July 9-12, 2019. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).
