Developing countries suffers the dual burden of population explosion and unmet need of contraception across the country; however the trend may not be same everywhere. Unmet need of contraception coupled with their beliefs and choices largely based on unreliable sources of information and hearsay has a significant impact on fertility. Unregulated fertility can disrupt the health of a woman and her family, but has a much greater economic burden to the country. This questionnaire based study was conducted with the aim to gain insight into the contraceptive use, knowledge, practices and their beliefs regarding different contraceptives in young eligible married women of reproductive age [18-45 yrs] in the urban women attending gynecology OPD. Most women belonged to urban areas and the mean age was 29.5 years. Most were parous , majority being Para 2. Media [TV, radio and newspaper] and the elder women in family and neighbours were the main sources of information. Very few of them visited a clinic / nearby hospital for contraceptive advice. Majority women were aware about different contraceptives, both temporary and permanent. There were awareness about the emergency contraception also, but very low [34%]. There were many myths associated with contraception especially with IUCD eg- long term side effects, causing pain abdomen, cancer, migration to head, chest and long term fertility problems etc. Even with combined OCP many believed it may cause cancer of uterus and long term health hazard, though were not clear about the type of hazards. Permanent method of sterilisation were the commonest method used in the study group [38%]; however very few couples had vasectomy. Fear of impotency, long term health problems and cancer were the concerns. This study stresses the importance of further strengthening the family planning program in this part of the country along with addressing the myths and concerns for adequate utilisation of the services. This being a hospital based study may not be a true representative of contraceptive prevalence practices of western Rajasthan.

Keywords: Contraception; Awareness; Practices of Contraception; Myths for Contraception.