Contraceptive practices and trends in Spain: 1997-2003.

Objective: To know the contraceptive use and trends in the Spanish female population.

Study Design: Since 1997, we have conducted a survey every 2 years on the use of contraceptive methods among a representative sample of Spanish women of childbearing potential (15-49 years).

Results: In the period 1997-2003, the percentage of use of contraceptive methods in Spain rose from 55.6% to 71.2%. The most commonly used method was the condom (21% in 1997, 21.9% in 1999, 29.5% in 2001 and 35.7% in 2003), followed by the contraceptive pill (14.2%, 16.5%, 19.2% and 18.3%, respectively). Male or female sterilization remained stable with percentages of use of 5-7%. IUDs are used by about 5% of women.

Conclusions: The use of contraceptive methods among Spanish women of childbearing potential generally fits quite well the patterns found in other developed countries, and we observed a trend towards increased use of effective methods.