State of World Population 2012 - Country Page List - UNFPA

methods are several times more effective in preventing
pregnancy than no method. About 85 of
every 100 sexually active women who chose not
to use a method will become pregnant within
the first year (Guttmacher Insititute, 2012).
Method effectiveness—measured in pregnancies
per 100 women in the first year of typical
use—ranges from .05 for the implant, to 28 for
spermicides, compared with 85 for no method
at all (Guttmacher Institute 2012). Worldwide,
almost one in three women using contraception
relies on female sterilization. About one in four
relies on an intrauterine device. More than one
in 10 relies on a traditional method, predominantly
withdrawal and rhythm.
Use depends on available options, ease
of use and information
Women may have unmet need or discontinue
contraceptive use because they are dissatisfied
with current options (Frost and Darroch, 2008;
Bradley, Schwandt and Khan, 2009). Most of
the available options depend on technologies
developed in the 1960s and 1970s, and there has
since been nominal investment into the discovery
and dissemination of new methods (Harper,
2005; Darroch, 2007). In addition to strengthening
the quality of information services about
modern methods, national efforts to fulfil the
rights of women and men may require investment
into new contraceptive methods, including
methods that do not cause systemic side effects,
can be used on demand, and do not require
partner participation or knowledge (Darroch,
Sedgh and Ball, 2011).
New methods alone would not eliminate
unmet need. However, newer methods that governments
have recently approved could enable
women to exercise their right to more reliably
and safely prevent pregnancies. Studies find
that the leading causes of discontinuation —
Global contraceptive use by method
23%
12%
11%
14%
6%
4%
30%
Source: United Nations. 2011 World Contraceptive Data Sheet
side effects and fear of side effects —impede
efforts to meet unmet need (Cottingham,
Germain and Hunt, 2012).
Effectiveness and a full range of methods are
part of demand but also reflect supply. The quality
of services may be poor and the full range
of methods is not available to most people; as a
consequence, family planning may not be attractive
to them even if they wish to postpone or
end their childbearing.
Family planning use and reliability
of supplies
A growing number of contraceptive options
are available, especially in developed countries.
However, women in most developing countries
have far fewer options, although the range of
methods available is improving and now often
includes injectables and implants in addition
to pills and condoms. Obtaining contraceptive
Female Sterilization
Male Sterilization
Injectables
Pill
Condom
IUD
Traditional
Implant - Less than 1%
Other barrier
methods - Less than 1%
THE STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2012
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