Sexual self-schema: a cognitive schema and its relationship to choice of contraceptive method among Polish women.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to examine sexual self-schema in women using different methods of contraception.

Methods

Women (N = 560) aged 18-55 years were divided into two groups: those who used hormonal contraception (n = 285) and those who used non-hormonal contraception (n = 275). Participants were assessed using the Sexual Self-Schema Scale (SSSS), the Well-Matched Marriage Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and were also asked to fill in a structured questionnaire, giving information on their socioeconomic status, reproductive and medical history, sexual behaviours, psychosexual orientation, sexual experience and type of contraception used.

Results

Women in the hormonal group scored lower on romantic, passionate and direct subscales of the SSSS, compared with women in the non-hormonal group. Of the total sample, 35% were classified as positive schematic. Women in the hormonal group were found to be more negative schematic and aschematic as well as less co-schematic compared with women in the non-hormonal group. Furthermore, women in the hormonal group were significantly less religious and perceived their self-evaluated weight to be higher compared with women in the non-hormonal group. Logistic regression revealed that negative schematic (odds ratio [OR] 6.6) and aschematic women (OR 3.7), as well as women with more deliveries (OR 1.6), were more likely to choose hormonal contraception.

Conclusion

A sexual self-schema might be a relevant factor affecting the choice of contraceptive method. All women seeking hormonal contraception who are aschematic or negative schematic should consult with a sexual medicine specialist, because those individuals may have more profound reasons underlying their need for this type of contraception.