CDC REPORT: Contraceptive Methods Women Have Ever Used: United States, 1982–2010
Results—Virtually all women of reproductive age in 2006–2010 who had ever had sexual intercourse have used at least one contraceptive method at some point in their lifetime (99%, or 53 million women aged 15–44), including 88% who have used a highly effective, reversible method such as birth control pills, an injectable method, a contraceptive patch, or an intrauterine device. In 2006–2010, the most common methods that women or their partners had ever used were: the male condom (93%), the pill (82%), withdrawal (60%), and the injectable, Depo-Provera (23%). Method use varied by race and Hispanic origin, nativity among Hispanics, education, and religious affiliation, with significant proportions of women in all categories having used one or more of the most effective methods. The median number of methods ever used by women was about three, but nearly 30% have used five or more methods. Side effects were the most common reason for discontinuing use of the pill, Depo-Provera, and the patch among women who had ever discontinued using these methods due to dissatisfaction.