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."
Citation formats
Number of women worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 1994 and 2019
Since 1994, the use of nearly all methods of contraception have increased, most noticeably the use of the male condom, which nearly tripled from 1994 to 2019. This statistic shows the number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 1994 compared to 25 years later.
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United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). (December 31, 2019). Number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 1994 and 2019* (in millions) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved July 24, 2026, from /statistics/1235230/women-contraceptive-methods-change-worldwide/
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). "Number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 1994 and 2019* (in millions)." Chart. December 31, 2019. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed July 24, 2026. /statistics/1235230/women-contraceptive-methods-change-worldwide/
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). (2019). Number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 1994 and 2019* (in millions). ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 24, 2026. /statistics/1235230/women-contraceptive-methods-change-worldwide/
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). "Number of Women of Reproductive Age Worldwide Using Various Contraceptive Methods in 1994 and 2019* (in Millions)." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 31 Dec 2019, /statistics/1235230/women-contraceptive-methods-change-worldwide/
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 1994 and 2019* (in millions) ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/1235230/women-contraceptive-methods-change-worldwide/ (last visited July 24, 2026)
Number of women of reproductive age worldwide using various contraceptive methods in 1994 and 2019* (in millions) [Graph], United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), December 31, 2019. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1235230/women-contraceptive-methods-change-worldwide/