In 2024, the global use of contraceptive methods among women reached 50 percent, yet varied greatly from one region of the world to another. Only 21 percent of women aged 15 to 49 years used a contraceptive method in West and Central Africa. Contraceptive use was consistently higher in married women. In 2024, the global use of contraceptive methods among married women, aged 15 to 49 years old, reached 65 percent.

In Europe, just under 61 percent of women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) used a modern contraceptive method in 2023. The prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women in Southern and Eastern European countries was lower than in Northern and Western countries, and thus varied greatly from one country to another. Finland had the highest prevalence in Europe, with 74 percent of women using a modern contraceptive method, whereas the prevalence in Albania was just over five percent.

In the period 2023/24, 58 percent of women in England aged 16 and 17 years who were in contact with sexual health services were using user dependent contraceptives, compared to 42 percent who were using long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). It is visible that younger age groups were more likely to use user-dependent contraceptives compared to older age groups. Contact with sexual health services In total, over 1.9 million women in England contacted NHS sexual and reproductive health services for contraceptive reasons in the period 2020/21. The age group with the highest number of women contacting the service was those aged 25-34 years. Types of contraception used Across the whole United Kingdom in 2018, the birth control pill was the most common method of contraception for women aged between 15 and 49 years, with 28 percent using it as their main method. Across Europe, the UK had the seventh highest share of women in the country using the pill as their main method of contraception, with Czechia having the highest share at 54 percent of women in the country using the pill.

United States US: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 63.100 % in 2014. This records a decrease from the previous number of 70.100 % for 2012. United States US: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 68.100 % from Dec 1965 (Median) to 2014, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 73.200 % in 1975 and a record low of 49.100 % in 1965. United States US: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence rate is the percentage of women who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, at least one modern method of contraception. It is usually measured for women ages 15-49 who are married or in union. Modern methods of contraception include female and male sterilization, oral hormonal pills, the intra-uterine device (IUD), the male condom, injectables, the implant (including Norplant), vaginal barrier methods, the female condom and emergency contraception.; ; Household surveys, including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Largely compiled by United Nations Population Division.; Weighted average;

Central African Republic CF: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 17.800 % in 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 15.200 % for 2011. Central African Republic CF: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 17.800 % from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2019, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 27.900 % in 2000 and a record low of 14.800 % in 1995. Central African Republic CF: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Central African Republic – Table CF.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence, any method is the percentage of married women ages 15-49 who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, any method of contraception (modern or traditional). Modern methods of contraception include female and male sterilization, oral hormonal pills, the intra-uterine device (IUD), the male condom, injectables, the implant (including Norplant), vaginal barrier methods, the female condom and emergency contraception. Traditional methods of contraception include rhythm (e.g., fertility awareness based methods, periodic abstinence), withdrawal and other traditional methods.;Household surveys, including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Largely compiled by United Nations Population Division.;Weighted average;

According to the data, the contraceptive prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa was only 27.9 percent. This means that only 27.9 percent of women or their sexual partner were currently using at least one method of contraception. This statistic depicts contraceptive prevalence worldwide as of 2019, by region.

Mexico MX: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 66.900 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 72.300 % for 2014. Mexico MX: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 67.650 % from Dec 1977 (Median) to 2015, with 16 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 74.500 % in 2003 and a record low of 30.300 % in 1977. Mexico MX: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mexico – Table MX.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence rate is the percentage of women who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, any form of contraception. It is usually measured for women ages 15-49 who are married or in union.; ; UNICEF's State of the World's Children and Childinfo, United Nations Population Division's World Contraceptive Use, household surveys including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys.; Weighted average; Contraceptive prevalence amongst women of reproductive age is an indicator of women's empowerment and is related to maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and gender equality.

Laos LA: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 42.700 % in 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 35.000 % for 2005. Laos LA: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 31.950 % from Dec 1993 (Median) to 2012, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 42.700 % in 2012 and a record low of 15.100 % in 1993. Laos LA: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Laos – Table LA.World Bank: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence rate is the percentage of women who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, at least one modern method of contraception. It is usually measured for women ages 15-49 who are married or in union. Modern methods of contraception include female and male sterilization, oral hormonal pills, the intra-uterine device (IUD), the male condom, injectables, the implant (including Norplant), vaginal barrier methods, the female condom and emergency contraception.; ; Household surveys, including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Largely compiled by United Nations Population Division.; Weighted Average;

From 1990 to 2019, the use of contraceptive methods increased in all countries regardless of income. The largest increase was seen in low-income countries where the use of contraception increased from 12.5 percent to 28 percent. This statistic shows the prevalence of any method of contraception among women of reproductive age in 1990, 2019, and a forecast for 2030, by country income level.

Switzerland Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 72.900 % in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 82.000 % for 1995. Switzerland Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 72.900 % from Dec 1980 (Median) to 2012, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 82.000 % in 1995 and a record low of 71.200 % in 1980. Switzerland Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Switzerland – Table CH.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence rate is the percentage of women who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, any form of contraception. It is usually measured for women ages 15-49 who are married or in union.; ; UNICEF's State of the World's Children and Childinfo, United Nations Population Division's World Contraceptive Use, household surveys including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys.; Weighted average; Contraceptive prevalence amongst women of reproductive age is an indicator of women's empowerment and is related to maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and gender equality.

Guyana GY: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 33.900 % in 2014. This records a decrease from the previous number of 42.500 % for 2009. Guyana GY: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 34.600 % from Dec 1975 (Median) to 2014, with 7 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 42.500 % in 2009 and a record low of 29.500 % in 1975. Guyana GY: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Guyana – Table GY.World Bank: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence rate is the percentage of women who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, any form of contraception. It is usually measured for women ages 15-49 who are married or in union.; ; UNICEF's State of the World's Children and Childinfo, United Nations Population Division's World Contraceptive Use, household surveys including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys.; Weighted average; Contraceptive prevalence amongst women of reproductive age is an indicator of women's empowerment and is related to maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and gender equality.

United States US: Unmet Need for Contraception: % of Married Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 9.000 % in 2014. This records an increase from the previous number of 8.000 % for 2010. United States US: Unmet Need for Contraception: % of Married Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 6.000 % from Dec 1988 (Median) to 2014, with 7 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.000 % in 2014 and a record low of 4.000 % in 1988. United States US: Unmet Need for Contraception: % of Married Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Health Statistics. Unmet need for contraception is the percentage of fertile, married women of reproductive age who do not want to become pregnant and are not using contraception.; ; Household surveys, including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Largely compiled by United Nations Population Division.; Weighted Average; Unmet need for contraception measures the capacity women have in achieving their desired family size and birth spacing. Many couples in developing countries want to limit or postpone childbearing but are not using effective contraception. These couples have an unmet need for contraception. Common reasons are lack of knowledge about contraceptive methods and concerns about possible side effects.

The use of Most or Moderately effective contraceptive (M/M) or Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) types by disability status, contraceptive type, age group, and year of interest, for 2014-2016. This data was compiled for the Measure CCW: Contraceptive Care – All Women Ages 15-44, as part of the Maternal and Infant Health Initiative, Contraceptive Care Quality grant.

Panama PA: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 60.100 % in 2013. This records an increase from the previous number of 48.800 % for 2009. Panama PA: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 54.100 % from Dec 1976 (Median) to 2013, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 60.100 % in 2013 and a record low of 45.900 % in 1976. Panama PA: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Panama – Table PA.World Bank: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence rate is the percentage of women who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, at least one modern method of contraception. It is usually measured for women ages 15-49 who are married or in union. Modern methods of contraception include female and male sterilization, oral hormonal pills, the intra-uterine device (IUD), the male condom, injectables, the implant (including Norplant), vaginal barrier methods, the female condom and emergency contraception.; ; Household surveys, including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Largely compiled by United Nations Population Division.; Weighted Average;

In 2024, a survey of reproductive-aged women in the U.S. found that around 25 percent used male condoms and 22 percent used oral contraceptives in the past year.

Hong Kong HK: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 71.900 % in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 75.400 % for 2007. Hong Kong HK: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 75.000 % from Dec 1972 (Median) to 2012, with 9 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 81.300 % in 2002 and a record low of 43.300 % in 1972. Hong Kong HK: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Hong Kong SAR – Table HK.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence rate is the percentage of women who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, at least one modern method of contraception. It is usually measured for women ages 15-49 who are married or in union. Modern methods of contraception include female and male sterilization, oral hormonal pills, the intra-uterine device (IUD), the male condom, injectables, the implant (including Norplant), vaginal barrier methods, the female condom and emergency contraception.; ; Household surveys, including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Largely compiled by United Nations Population Division.; Weighted average;

Nicaragua NI: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 77.400 % in 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 69.800 % for 2007. Nicaragua NI: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 61.750 % from Dec 1981 (Median) to 2012, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 77.400 % in 2012 and a record low of 22.800 % in 1981. Nicaragua NI: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nicaragua – Table NI.World Bank: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence rate is the percentage of women who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, at least one modern method of contraception. It is usually measured for women ages 15-49 who are married or in union. Modern methods of contraception include female and male sterilization, oral hormonal pills, the intra-uterine device (IUD), the male condom, injectables, the implant (including Norplant), vaginal barrier methods, the female condom and emergency contraception.; ; Household surveys, including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Largely compiled by United Nations Population Division.; Weighted Average;

United Kingdom UK: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 84.000 % in 2009. This records an increase from the previous number of 82.000 % for 2008. United Kingdom UK: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 82.000 % from Dec 1976 (Median) to 2009, with 20 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 84.000 % in 2009 and a record low of 69.000 % in 1989. United Kingdom UK: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence rate is the percentage of women who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, any form of contraception. It is usually measured for women ages 15-49 who are married or in union.; ; UNICEF's State of the World's Children and Childinfo, United Nations Population Division's World Contraceptive Use, household surveys including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys.; Weighted average; Contraceptive prevalence amongst women of reproductive age is an indicator of women's empowerment and is related to maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and gender equality.

Nigeria NG: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 10.800 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 16.000 % for 2016. Nigeria NG: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 9.750 % from Dec 1982 (Median) to 2017, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 16.000 % in 2016 and a record low of 0.900 % in 1982. Nigeria NG: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.World Bank: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence rate is the percentage of women who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, at least one modern method of contraception. It is usually measured for women ages 15-49 who are married or in union. Modern methods of contraception include female and male sterilization, oral hormonal pills, the intra-uterine device (IUD), the male condom, injectables, the implant (including Norplant), vaginal barrier methods, the female condom and emergency contraception.; ; Household surveys, including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Largely compiled by United Nations Population Division.; Weighted Average;

Spain ES: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 69.900 % in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 71.700 % for 2014. Spain ES: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 66.000 % from Dec 1977 (Median) to 2016, with 7 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 71.700 % in 2014 and a record low of 18.600 % in 1977. Spain ES: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.World Bank: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence rate is the percentage of women who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, at least one modern method of contraception. It is usually measured for women ages 15-49 who are married or in union. Modern methods of contraception include female and male sterilization, oral hormonal pills, the intra-uterine device (IUD), the male condom, injectables, the implant (including Norplant), vaginal barrier methods, the female condom and emergency contraception.; ; Household surveys, including Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Largely compiled by United Nations Population Division.; Weighted Average;