Female sterilization is the most common contraceptive method used worldwide with over 200 million users. In comparison, 189 million women used male condoms to avoid pregnancy. This statistic shows the number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 2019.
Estimated number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 2019*
(in millions)
Based on data from 1,247 surveys for 195 countries or
areas of the world and additional tabulations obtained from
microdata and survey reports.
* Reproductive age = 15-49 years
"Traditional methods of contraception:
Rhythm (calendar) method: Women monitor their pattern of menstrual
cycle (includes fertility awareness-based methods, periodic abstinence).
Withdrawal (coitus interruptus): Man withdraws his penis from his partner’s
vagina and ejaculates outside the vagina, keeping semen away from her
external genitalia.
Other methods:
For the purpose of this data booklet, these include modern methods such
as female condoms, vaginal barrier methods (including the diaphragm,
cervical cap and spermicidal foam, jelly, cream and sponge), the lactational
amenorrhea method (LAM), emergency contraception and other modern
methods (e.g., the contraceptive patch or vaginal ring), and traditional
methods such as douching, prolonged abstinence, gris-gris, incantation,
medicinal plants, abdominal massage and other local methods."
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UN DESA. (December 31, 2019). Estimated number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 2019* (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1235160/number-of-women-contraceptive-method-worldwide/
UN DESA. "Estimated number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 2019* (in millions)." Chart. December 31, 2019. Statista. Accessed October 12, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1235160/number-of-women-contraceptive-method-worldwide/
UN DESA. (2019). Estimated number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 2019* (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: October 12, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1235160/number-of-women-contraceptive-method-worldwide/
UN DESA. "Estimated Number of Women of Reproductive Age Worldwide Using Various Contraceptive Methods in 2019* (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 31 Dec 2019, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1235160/number-of-women-contraceptive-method-worldwide/
UN DESA, Estimated number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 2019* (in millions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1235160/number-of-women-contraceptive-method-worldwide/ (last visited October 12, 2024)
Estimated number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 2019* (in millions) [Graph], UN DESA, December 31, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1235160/number-of-women-contraceptive-method-worldwide/