New Study: 4 in 10 Canadians Admit They Or A Partner Have Had A 'Pregnancy Scare'

Survey found that worrying about a birth control fail negatively impacts quality of sex

TORONTO, Feb. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - Ahead of Valentine's Day, Bayer Inc. commissioned a national survey testing Canadians' IQs about their sexual health and their knowledge of all things contraception. While 33 per cent of Canadians surveyed anticipate having sex on February 14, 43 per cent who use birth control worry about their contraception failing. Thirty-nine per cent of Canadians surveyed have, or have had a partner, experience a pregnancy scare, and the majority of Canadians (56 per cent) discuss their birth control options less than once per year.

"In addition to it being Valentine's Day, February 12 is Sexual Health and Reproduction Day, which means this is the perfect time to continue the conversation about birth control," said Dr. Marjorie Dixon, sexual health expert. "I want Canadians to know there are many different options - including ones they might not be aware of - that could be right for them."

HAVING THE TALK PAYS OFF

Thirty-five per cent of Canadians surveyed have been asked about birth control 'in the moment' and of that group, half said it kills the mood. Of the Canadians who worry that their birth control will fail, 1 in 3 (33 per cent) said it has a negative impact on the quality of sex. At the same time, 1 in 4 (24 per cent) Canadians surveyed who have confidence in their birth control said it means they have sex more often.

"Finding an effective birth control option has clear benefits to your sexual health, future plans, and your sex life," said Dr. Dixon. "For those who don't plan on having kids in the next three to five years, considering a long-term option like an IUS - intrauterine system - could provide them with peace of mind making their sex lives even better!"

I-U-WHAT?

An intrauterine system (IUS) is a highly effective, reversible and reliable contraceptive method that releases a low dose hormone without the user having to remember to administer it. As a long-acting method of birth control, it can be removed at any stage by a physician and women can expect a rapid return to their usual level fertility. It is ranked by most physicians as one of the most reliable birth control methods besides abstinence, yet the survey found 66 per cent of Canadians are unfamiliar with the IUS and only 6 per cent of Canadians consider it the most effective method. At the same time, polled Canadians ranked the birth control pill (49 per cent) and condoms (25 per cent) as the highest.

"When you see numbers like condoms being ranked among the most effective methods of birth control - it's clear that it all comes down to awareness," concludes Dr. Dixon. "Canadians have false confidence with the methods they are familiar with but it's important to consider all the options out there to find the contraception that is not only going to be effective, but will also fit your lifestyle. It doesn't matter how well your birth control works if you forget to use it or don't want to bring it up with your partner before having sex."

ADDITIONAL FINDINGS & REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

• How many Canadians surveyed are having sex this Valentine's Day?
• 40 per cent of Atlantic Canadians surveyed
• 29 per cent of Quebecers surveyed
• 35 per cent of Ontarians surveyed
• 37 per cent of Albertans surveyed
• 28 per cent of British Columbians surveyed
• Battle of the Sexes - men and women on birth control effectiveness
• 35 per cent of men think condoms are the most effective method of birth control compared to just 16 per cent of women
• 54 per cent of women consider the birth control pill to be the most effective method of birth control compared to 42 per cent of men
• Who has had, or has a partner who has had, a pregnancy scare?
• 48 per cent of 18-34 year olds surveyed
• 36 per cent of 35 to 54 year olds surveyed
• 21 per cent of 55+ year olds surveyed
• How often do Canadians surveyed speak to their partners about contraception choices?
• At least once per month - 13 per cent
• At least once per year, but less than once per month -  31 per cent
• Less than once per year - 56 per cent
• What do Canadians consider the most effective method of birth control method (other than abstinence)?
• Birth control pill - 49 per cent
• Condoms - 25 per cent
• IUS - 6 per cent
• Other - 9 per cent
• What kind of birth control are Canadians surveyed using?
• Condoms - 58 per cent
• Birth control pill - 46 per cent
• Withdrawl - 8 per cent
• IUS - 7.6 per cent
• Other - 4 per cent

About the poll:

From January 16th to January 20th, 2014 an online survey was conducted among 1,530 randomly selected Canadian adults age 18+ who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to education, age, gender and region (and in Quebec language) Census data to ensure a representative sample Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About Bayer in Canada
Bayer Inc. is a Canadian subsidiary of Bayer AG and the corporate headquarters for the Canadian operations.  Founded in 1863, Bayer AG is an international research-based group with core businesses in healthcare, crop science and innovative materials committed to creating a better life for all through science.

In Canada, Bayer operates its healthcare business - Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, Animal Health and Radiology & Interventional - from its headquarters in Toronto, ON, and Bayer CropScience Inc. operates out of its head office in Calgary, AB. Together with its material science business, Bayer improves the quality of life for Canadians through products that fight disease, protect crops and animals, and provide high-performance materials for numerous daily life uses.

With more than 1,300 employees across the country, in 2012, Bayer had sales of $1.6 billion and invested $55.9 million in research and development in Canada. Globally, Bayer AG had sales of €39.8 billion and invested €3 billion in research and development.

For more information about Bayer, please visit www.bayer.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Image with caption: "Survey of Canadians finds birth control can affect quality and quantity of sex (CNW Group/Bayer Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140205_C7646_PHOTO_EN_36278.jpg

SOURCE: Bayer Inc.

Contact:

Shelley Thomas, Narrative PR, 416.357.7829
E-Mail: [email protected]

Kate Makinson, Narrative PR, 647.829.7011
E-Mail: [email protected]

Emily Hanft, Bayer Inc., 416 240 5466
E-mail: [email protected]