U.S. women who needed contraceptive services, 2017-2019, by method of contraception

Notes: Women with ongoing or potential need for contraceptive services were defined as women considered to be at risk for unintended pregnancy not using permanent contraception (female sterilization or male partner vasectomy). The number of women with ongoing or potential need for contraceptive services can be used to estimate how many women might seek services.
Categories of contraceptive methods reflect different levels of effort for method initiation and continuation. Long-acting reversible contraception methods include intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants; these methods require the most clinical effort for initiation but require minimal follow-up until time for removal or reinsertion and minimal action by the woman. Short-acting reversible contraception methods include injectables, pills, transdermal patches, and vaginal rings; these methods require less clinical effort for initiation than long-acting reversible methods but require ongoing clinical services and supplies and action by the woman to maintain use. Barrier or other reversible contraception methods included diaphragms, condoms (male or female), withdrawal, cervical caps, sponges, spermicides, fertility-awareness–based methods, and emergency contraception; these methods have little or no need for clinical services for initiation, but require action by the woman or her partner to maintain use.
Contraceptive method use at last sexual encounter was ascertained by the answers to the questions, “The last time you had sex with a man, did you or your partner do anything to keep you from getting pregnant?” (2019) or “What did you or your partner do the last time you had sex to keep you from getting pregnant?” (2017).