Juliette Gagliardi
Junior Researcher
Contraceptive methods in Italy - Statistics & Facts
Contraception includes all female and male contraceptive methods, which prevent unintended pregnancies and, in some cases simultaneously protect against STDs including HIV. However, as of 2021, among people with STDs in Italy just a minority always used a condom during intercourse. Regarding access to modern contraception, defined by factors as affordability, availability, and information, Italy ranked quite low among other European countries in 2020. This figure was consistent with the share of young adults not using any kind of contraceptives in 2023, which in Italy amounted to 16.4 percent.
Use of contraceptives in Italy
In 2022, most contraceptives consumed in Italy were fourth, third, or second generation estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives. Since 2015, northern regions in the country have had the highest consumption of contraceptives in daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants, while the lowest rate was in the southern regions and islands. However, in 2022, the region with the highest level of consumption was Sardinia, with 270 daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants, more than double the national average.Contraceptive market and cost in Italy
The average cost of contraceptives slowly grew from 2015 to 2022, to an amount of 0.51 euros per defined daily dose (DDD). As of 2022, the highest per-capita expenditure on contraceptives was for fourth and third generation estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives, while the morning after pill had the highest average cost per dose. However, as it is an emergency contraceptive, this cost should not be considered as an everyday expense for the user. The sales volume of EllaOne, one of the emergency contraceptives produced by the French Pharmaceutical company HRA Pharma, increased massively from 2012 to 2021.
