“As If It Were a Punishment for Him, Rather Than Protection for Both of Us”: Impacts of Contraceptive Interference on Emerging Adults’ Sexuality, Intimacy, and Health

Contraceptive interference alters contraceptive use, impacting not only sexual and reproductive health but also intimacy and well-being, particularly for emerging adults. Using a feminist and emotion work approach, this study analyzes semi-structured interviews with 17 women, trans and non-binary people (ages 17–23). It identifies four targeted contraceptive methods and highlights how partner-imposed constraints led to unprotected sex, fear of pregnancy or STIs, and diminished contraceptive autonomy. While some participants developed mistrust toward cis men, others reclaimed agency post-relationship. The study underscores the need for greater attention to contraceptive interference in sex education and healthcare to address its broader relational and emotional consequences.