Shift in Contraceptive Choices: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Gains Popularity as Pill Use Declines
A notable shift in contraceptive practices is underway, with women increasingly turning away from daily oral contraceptives toward long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods like intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. data from a recent survey reveals a significant decline in pill usage-from 56.4% in 2000 to 26.8% in 2023-among women who have had heterosexual intercourse,are not pregnant or sterile,and do not desire pregnancy. this trend coincides with a rise in the adoption of other methods, signaling a potential evolution in how women approach family planning.
This evolving landscape has implications for public health, reproductive healthcare providers, and women themselves. The increased use of highly effective LARC methods could lead to fewer unintended pregnancies, while the decline in pill usage raises questions about access, affordability, and potential side effects. Understanding thes shifts is crucial for ensuring women have access to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, and for healthcare systems to adapt to changing needs.
In 2000, 21.6% of women surveyed utilized LARC methods. By 2023, that figure had risen to 32%, with IUDs accounting for 27.7% of respondents that year.Simultaneously, the use of barrier methods-including condoms-and natural family planning techniques increased from 17.2% in 2000 to 26.1% in 2023, with condoms representing 18.6% of that total.
The data also indicates a growing number of women opting out of contraception altogether, rising from 3.5% in 2000 to 9% in 2023. Additionally, sterilization rates have increased, with 5.5% of women reporting having undergone the procedure in 2023, a 4.5 percentage point increase from 2000.
(Image: Chart illustrating contraceptive method usage trends from 2000-2023. source: Valentine Fan for Statista)
