A Virtual Talk by the NIH Sex and Gender in Health Disease Scientific Interest Group: Sexual Acceptability's Role in Contraceptive Choices and Behavior
Date and Time
– February 16, 2021, 4:00 PM ESTVirtual only.
Time of meeting subject to change. All times are in the Eastern Time zone.
The NIH Sex and Gender in Health and Disease scientific interest group will host a virtual talk, Sexual Acceptability’s Role in Contraceptive Choices and Behavior, featuring guest speaker Jenny A. Higgins, Ph.D., M.P.H., Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of Gender and Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Although contraception is designed to be used during sex, few large longitudinal studies examine contraceptive methods’ effects on sexual functioning, satisfaction, and well-being over time. In this presentation, Dr. Higgins will present findings from a study of sexual outcomes among 3,500 contraceptive clients who initiated one of six short- or long-acting methods (a combined oral contraceptive, a levonorgestrel intrauterine device [IUD], a copper IUD, an implant, an injectable, or a vaginal ring). The research team found that most new-start contraceptive users did not experience changes in sexual functioning or satisfaction, but many perceived both positive and negative sexual changes because of their method. A substantial minority of people experience contraceptive-related sexual improvements, particularly when experiencing minimal side effects and decreased vaginal bleeding. Dr. Higgins will make suggestions for future efforts to understand and promote the sex-enhancing aspects of contraceptive methods, as well as for how to match clients with methods that will work for them sexually.
Jenny A. Higgins, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of Gender and Women's Studies
Director, Collaborative for Reproductive Equity
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Jenny A. Higgins, Ph.D., M.P.H., is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of Gender and Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she also directs a research center called the Collaborative for Reproductive Equity. She conducts mixed-methods research on sexuality, gender, and reproductive health, and over 60 peer-reviewed articles share results from these projects. In all her research and translation efforts, she endeavors to help people achieve their sexual health goals—for example, avoiding unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and maximizing sexual well-being—within the context of their lives, relationships, and communities. She recently completed two terms as a board member at the Guttmacher Institute, serves on the editorial board of The Journal of Sex Research, and just concluded her role as a member of the editorial advisory board of Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health.