In 2024, the global use of contraceptive methods among women reached ** percent, yet varied greatly from one region of the world to another. Only ** 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 ** percent.

The tables provide data on contraceptive activity taking place at dedicated Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services in England, as recorded in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Activity Dataset (SRHAD), a mandated collection for all providers of NHS SRH services. A limited amount of data is presented from other sources; sterilisations and vasectomies in NHS hospitals and contraceptives dispensed in the community.

In 2024, family planning demands were satisfied, by modern contraceptives, for 78 percent of women across the globe. In Latin America and the Caribbean, around 83 percent of women had their family planning needs fulfilled by modern contraceptives. However, in West and Central Africa, only 47 percent of women had their family planning needs satisfied.

Contraceptive use among women in the United States has seen a substantial increase in recent years, with 82 percent of sexually active women reporting use of at least one contraceptive method in 2024, up from 48 percent in 2017. This trend reflects a growing emphasis on reproductive health and family planning, as more women take control of their fertility. The rise in contraceptive use coincides with efforts to improve access to preventive care services, though challenges in healthcare utilization persist. Contraceptive methods and challenges Among the various contraceptive options available, male condoms and oral contraceptives remain the most popular choices for American women. In 2024, 25 percent of reproductive-aged women reported using male condoms in the past year, while 22 percent used oral contraceptives. However, the use of contraception is not without challenges. Many women experience side effects due to contraceptive use, with mood changes and weight gain being the most commonly reported issues in 2022. Nearly eight out of ten women reported experiencing 2 or more side effects that were either unexpected or more severe than anticipated, underscoring the importance of comprehensive education and support for contraceptive users. Preventive care and contraception While contraceptive use has increased, there are still gaps in overall preventive care for women. As of 2022, 22 percent of women in the U.S. reported forgoing preventive health services, such as yearly check-ups or routine tests, in the past year. This highlights the need for continued efforts to improve access to and utilization of comprehensive women's health services, including both contraception and other preventive measures. The relationship between contraceptive use and overall health awareness is complex, with room for improvement in both areas.

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.

In Europe, just under ** 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 ** percent of women using a modern contraceptive method, whereas the prevalence in Albania was just over **** percent.

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.

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;

Vietnam VN: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 65.000 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 57.000 % for 2014. Vietnam VN: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 61.100 % from Dec 1988 (Median) to 2015, with 19 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 68.800 % in 2008 and a record low of 37.700 % in 1988. Vietnam VN: 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 Vietnam – Table VN.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;

Nigeria NG: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 13.400 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 20.400 % for 2016. Nigeria NG: Contraceptive Prevalence: Any Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 13.800 % from Dec 1982 (Median) to 2017, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 20.400 % in 2016 and a record low of 6.000 % in 1990. Nigeria NG: 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 Nigeria – Table NG.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.

Gabon GA: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 19.400 % in 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 13.400 % for 2000. Gabon GA: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 16.400 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2012, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 19.400 % in 2012 and a record low of 13.400 % in 2000. Gabon GA: 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 Gabon – Table GA.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;

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.

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.

Central African Republic CF: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 14.400 % in 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 11.332 % for 2010. Central African Republic CF: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 11.332 % from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2019, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 14.400 % in 2019 and a record low of 3.200 % in 1995. Central African Republic CF: 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 Central African Republic – Table CF.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Contraceptive prevalence, any modern method is the percentage of married women ages 15-49 who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing, at least one modern method of contraception. 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 (World Contraceptive Use 2024).;Weighted average;

Lesotho LS: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data was reported at 59.800 % in 2014. This records an increase from the previous number of 45.600 % for 2010. Lesotho LS: Contraceptive Prevalence: Modern Methods: % of Women Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 35.200 % from Dec 1977 (Median) to 2014, with 11 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 59.800 % in 2014 and a record low of 3.400 % in 1977. Lesotho LS: 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 Lesotho – Table LS.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;

I’d like to request data on the number of prescriptions for the contraceptive pill in the UK over the past 5 years 2019 – 2023. I would like this data broken down year by year. Response Under Section 21 of the Act, we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you. There is Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) monthly administrative data published in the Open Data Portal that includes contraceptive prescriptions items dispensed in the community in England on a monthly basis and submitted to the NHSBSA for reimbursement. These files can be filtered by product name to locate the information you require: Prescription cost analysis (PCA) contains information on all prescription items dispensed in England and submitted to the NHSBSA for reimbursement: https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/dataset/prescription-cost-analysis-pca-annual-statistics The English prescribing dataset (EPD) contains information on prescriptions issued in England that have been dispensed in England, Wales, Scotland, Guernsey, Alderney, Jersey, and the Isle of Man. https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/dataset/english-prescribing-data-epd On the Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) Monthly Administrative Data page scroll down to Data and Resources and find the month required. Click the explore button. Then click Preview (to download only contraceptive data) rather than the entire (all BNF Sections) dataset. Use the Add Filter button and choose BNF_SECTIONs Contraceptive Devices and Contraceptives. The data includes items, total quantity, and NIC. There is a Data Dictionary describing each column of data (once you select a time period at the bottom of the screen). Go to the Data Explorer options and select Download filtered records. You will need this for each month required. Please note, that to obtain the figures for contraceptive prescriptions, you will need to add a filter for the BNF_SECTIONs Contraceptive Devices and Contraceptives. The data includes items, total quantity and NIC. There is a Data Dictionary describing each column of data once you select a time period (at the bottom of the screen). To view a video on how to use the Open Data Portal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNC1EQJAPNY

Contains statistics regarding contraceptive use among women aged under 50; women ‘at risk’ of pregnancy; sterilisations and vasectomies; sexual behaviour and condom use; and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections. Source agency: Office for National Statistics Designation: National Statistics Language: English Alternative title: Contraception and Sexual Health

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.

Population that did not use contraception among sexually active population not trying to conceive, aged 15 to 49 years old, by sex and other characteristics, Canada, provinces and territories.