title: Analysis why nulliparous women over age 33 wish to use contraception.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In industrialized countries, the average age of first childbirth is increasing and more women are having no children. An understanding of the reasons for delay might provide strategies aimed at reversing this trend.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire survey of 234 nulliparous women aged 34 and over attending a family planning clinic in Scotland in 2006 for contraception to determine fertility intentions; awareness of fertility decline with age; and factors influencing the decision to delay childbearing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and sixteen women (49.6%) definitely/possibly wanted children; 118 women (50.4%) did not. Of those wanting children, 71% were concerned or very concerned about their future fertility. Most were realistic about the time it may take to conceive. Seventy-four percent of women who definitely/may want children gave reasons to do with their relationship/s as the most common reason for delay. The second most common reason was having other distractions in life. Only 34% of those wanting children, and 15% of those who did not, reported that work/training issues caused the delay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most women were aware of the risks of delaying childbirth; however, the most common reason for delay concerned lack of the 'right' partner, something which does not lend itself to intervention.
authors.affiliation: NHS Lothian Family Planning and Well Woman Service, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Proudfoot
authors.forename: Kaye
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wellings
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Glasier
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires