NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 173 ■ December 2014

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Health Statistics

Current Contraceptive Status Among Women Aged 15–44: 

United States, 2011–2013

Kimberly Daniels, Ph.D.; Jill Daugherty, Ph.D.; and Jo Jones, Ph.D.

Key findings

Data from the 2011–2013 

National Survey of Family 

Growth

• In 2011–2013, 61.7% of 

the 60.9 million women aged 

15–44 in the United States were 

currently using contraception. 

The most common 

contraceptive methods currently 

being used were the pill 

(16.0%), female sterilization 

(15.5%), male condoms (9.4%), 

and long-acting reversible 

contraceptives (7.2%).

• Use of long-acting reversible 

contraceptives was higher 

among women aged 25–34 

(11.1%) compared with women 

aged 15–24 (5.0%) and aged 

35–44 (5.3%).

• Current condom use was 

similar across the three 

Hispanic origin and race groups 

shown in this report (about 9%).

• Current use of female 

sterilization declined, and 

use of the pill increased with 

greater educational attainment. 

Use of long-acting reversible 

contraceptives was similar 

across education, about 8%–10%.

Nearly all women use contraception at some point in their lifetimes (1), 

although at any given time they may not be using contraception for reasons 

such as seeking pregnancy, being pregnant, or not being sexually active. Using 

data from the 2011–2013 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) on 

contraceptive use in the month of the interview, this report provides a snapshot 

of current contraceptive status among women aged 15–44 in the United States. 

In addition to describing use of any method by age, Hispanic origin and race, 

and educational attainment, patterns of use are described for the four most 

commonly used contraceptive methods: the oral contraceptive pill, female 

sterilization, the male condom, and long-acting reversible contraceptives, 

which include contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices (2).

Keywords: pill • condom • long-acting reversible contraceptives • National 

Survey of Family Growth

In 2011–2013, approximately 62% of women aged 15–44 were 

currently using contraception.

1

Significantly different from age group 15–24.

2

Significantly different from Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women.

NOTES: The population size referenced in this figure for women aged 15–44 is 60.9 million. Analyses of education are limited to

women aged 22–44 at the time of interview. GED is General Educational Development high school equivalency diploma. BA is 

bachelor’s degree. Access data table for Figure 1 at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db173_table.pdf#1.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Survey of Family Growth, 2011–2013.

Figure 1. Percentage currently using any contraceptive method among all women aged 15–44, by 

selected characteristics: United States, 2011–2013

Percent

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

BA or higher

Some college, no BA

High school or GED

Less than high school

Education

Hispanic origin and race

Non-Hispanic black

Non-Hispanic white2

Hispanic

Age in years

1

35–44

1

25–34

15–24

Total 61.7

47.4

67.2

66.7

69.2

67.3

67.4

70.0

57.3

65.3

57.9
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 173 ■ December 2014

■  2  ■

• In 2011–2013, 61.7% or 37.6 million of the 60.9 million women aged 15–44 in the 

United States were currently using a method of contraception (Figure 1).

• Current contraceptive use was higher among women aged 25–34 (67.4%) and 35–44 

(70.0%) compared with women aged 15–24 (47.4%).

• A higher percentage of non-Hispanic white women (65.3%) was currently using 

contraception compared with Hispanic women (57.3%) and non-Hispanic black women 

(57.9%).

• Current contraceptive use was similar across education (67%–69%).

The pill, female sterilization, condoms, and long-acting reversible 

contraceptives were the most common methods women were currently 

using.

• The most common contraceptive methods currently being used were the oral contraceptive 

pill (16.0%), female sterilization (15.5%), condoms (9.4%), and long-acting reversible 

contraceptives (7.2%) (Figure 2).

• Approximately 38% of women were not currently using contraception.

Figure 2. Percent distribution of women aged 15–44, by current contraceptive status: United States, 2011–2013

1

Additional reasons for nonuse, such as nonsurgical sterility, are shown in the accompanying data table.

2

Other methods grouped in this category, such as withdrawal and natural family planning, are shown in the accompanying data table.

NOTES: Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding. Women currently using more than one method were classified according to the most effective method 

they were using. Long-acting reversible contraceptives include contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices. Access data table for Figure 2 at: http://www.cdc.

gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db173_table.pdf#2.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Survey of Family Growth, 2011–2013. Percent

0

20

40

60

80

100

Never had sexual intercourse

 or did not have sex in the past

 3 months

Pregnant, postpartum, or 

 seeking pregnancy

Nonuser who had sexual 

 intercourse in the past 

 3 months

All other nonusers1

Female sterilization

Male sterilization

Pill

Male condom

Long-acting reversible

 contraceptives

Depo-ProveraTM, contraceptive

 ring, or patch

All other contraceptive methods2

38.3% of women

not currently using

contraception

61.7% of women

currently using

contraception

19.0

9.5

6.9

2.9

15.5

5.1

16.0

9.4

7.2

4.4

4.1
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 173 ■ December 2014

■  3  ■

Current use of female sterilization, the pill, condoms, and long-acting 

reversible contraceptives varied by age.

• A higher percentage of women aged 35–44 was using female sterilization compared with 

younger women. Nearly one in three women aged 35–44 (31.0%) used female sterilization 

compared with less than 1% of women aged 15–24 (0.7%) (Figure 3).

• Pill use was higher among younger women. Almost 1 woman out of 4 aged 15–24 (22.4%) 

was currently using the pill compared with about 1 woman in 12 aged 35–44 (8.7%).

• Similar percentages of women aged 15–24 (10.1%) and 25–34 (11.5%) were using 

condoms; use was lower among women aged 35–44 (6.6%).

• Use of long-acting reversible contraceptives was higher among women aged 25–34 (11.1%) 

compared with women aged 15–24 (5.0%) and with women aged 35–44 (5.3%).

Percent

Figure 3. Percentage of all women aged 15–44 who were using female sterilization, the pill, the male condom, and 

long-acting reversible contraceptives, by age: United States, 2011–2013

1

All percentages are significantly different from each other across age groups.

2

Percentages for age groups 15–24 and 25–34 are significantly different from age group 35–44.

3

Percentages for age groups 15–24 and 35–44 are significantly different from age group 25–34.

NOTES: Women currently using more than one method were classified according to the most effective method they were using. Long-acting reversible 

contraceptives include contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices. Access data table for Figure 3 at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/

db173_table.pdf#1.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Survey of Family Growth, 2011–2013.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Long-acting reversible

contraceptives3

Pill1 Condom2 Female sterilization1

0.7

14.6

31.0

22.4

16.9

8.7

10.1

11.5

6.6

5.0

11.1

5.3

15–24 25–34 35–44
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 173 ■ December 2014

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Current contraceptive method use varied by Hispanic origin and race.

• Current use of female sterilization was higher among non-Hispanic black women (21.3%) 

compared with non-Hispanic white women (14.0%) (Figure 4).

• Current use of the pill was higher among non-Hispanic white women (19.0%) than among 

Hispanic (10.9%) and non-Hispanic black (9.8%) women.

• Current condom use was similar across the three Hispanic origin and race groups shown, 

around 9%.

• Current use of long-acting reversible contraceptives was higher among Hispanic (8.7%) and 

non-Hispanic white (7.4%) women compared with non-Hispanic black women (5.0%).

Percent

Figure 4. Percentage of all women aged 15–44 who were currently using female sterilization, the pill, the male condom, 

and long-acting reversible contraceptives, by Hispanic origin and race: United States, 2011–2013 

1

Percentage for non-Hispanic white women is significantly different from non-Hispanic black women.

2

Percentage for Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women is significantly different from non-Hispanic white women.

3

Percentage for Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women is significantly different from non-Hispanic black women.

NOTES: Women currently using more than one method were classified according to the most effective method they were using. Long-acting reversible 

contraceptives include contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices. Access data table for Figure 4 at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/

db173_table.pdf#1.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Survey of Family Growth, 2011–2013.

Long-acting reversible

contraceptives3

Female sterilization1 Pill2 Condom

0

5

10

15

20

25 Hispanic Non-Hispanic white Non-Hispanic black

18.8

14.0

21.3

10.9

19.0

9.8

8.6

9.3 9.4

8.7

7.4

5.0
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 173 ■ December 2014

■  5  ■

Current use of female sterilization and the pill varied by educational 

attainment, while current condom and long-acting reversible contraceptive 

use did not.

• Current use of female sterilization declined with greater educational attainment; 27.0% of 

women with a high school diploma or GED were using female sterilization compared with 

10.3% of women with a bachelor’s degree or higher (Figure 5).

• Current pill use was more common with greater educational attainment. One in 5 women 

(21.5%) with a bachelor’s degree or higher was using the pill. Fewer than 1 woman in 20 

(3.6%) without a high school diploma or GED was using the pill.

• Similar percentages of women across education groups were currently using condoms 

(8%–11%) or long-acting reversible contraceptives (8%–10%).

Percent

Figure 5. Percentage of all women aged 22–44 who were currently using female sterilization, the pill, the male condom, 

and long-acting reversible contraceptives, by educational attainment: United States, 2011–2013

1

Significant linear trend.

NOTES: Women currently using more than one method were classified according to the most effective method they were using. Long-acting reversible 

contraceptives include contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices. GED is General Educational Development high school equivalency diploma. Access data 

table for Figure 5 at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db173_table.pdf#1.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Survey of Family Growth, 2011–2013.

Long-acting reversible

contraceptives

Female sterilization1 Pill1 Condom

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Bachelor's degree

or higher

Some college, no 

bachelor's degree

High school diploma

or GED

No high school

diploma

33.1

27.0

20.2

10.3

3.6

8.5

15.7

21.5

10.1

7.9 8.5

11.1

7.9 7.7

9.5

7.6
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 173 ■ December 2014

■  6  ■

Summary

In 2011–2013, approximately 62% of women aged 15–44 were using some type of contraceptive 

method while 38% were not currently using a method. This is unchanged from the percentage in 

2006–2010 (62.2% using contraception) (3). Women were not using contraception for various 

reasons such as seeking pregnancy, being pregnant or postpartum, or not being sexually active. 

Current use of any method of contraception was higher among older women and non-Hispanic 

white women compared with younger women and those of other Hispanic origin and race groups 

shown. The most commonly used methods were the pill (16.0%), female sterilization (15.5%), 

condoms (9.4%), and long-acting reversible contraceptives (7.2%). There was variation in the use 

of these four methods across age, Hispanic origin and race, and educational attainment.

Understanding variation in contraceptive use across social and demographic characteristics offers 

potential insight into larger fertility patterns, including birth rates and incidence of unintended 

pregnancies. The chance that a woman not seeking a pregnancy will have an unintended 

pregnancy varies by whether any method of contraception is used and which method she or her 

partner uses (4). Using the most recent NSFG data available, this report provides a snapshot of 

current contraceptive use among U.S. women aged 15–44 in an effort to increase understanding 

of contraceptive use.

Definitions

Age: Refers to the respondent’s age at the time of the interview. The recode variable used was 

AGER.

Contraceptive status: Measures the contraceptive method used (if any) in the month of the 

interview (not at a specific act of sexual intercourse). The recode variable used was CONSTAT1. 

In this report, as in prior NSFG reports (3), women who were currently using more than one 

method are classified by the method that was most effective in preventing pregnancy, because 

that method has the greatest impact on their risk of unintended pregnancy. For example, women 

who report using both birth control pills and male condoms in the current month are classified as 

using birth control pills because pills are more effective at preventing a pregnancy. In 2011–2013, 

10.7% of women who were currently using contraception used more than one contraceptive 

method during the same month.

Education: Educational attainment at the time of interview, indicating the highest degree or grade 

finished. Results are presented only for women aged 22 and over as many younger women had 

not completed their education (75% of women aged 15–21 were in school at the time of the 

interview; analysis not shown). The recode variable used was HIEDUC. 

Hispanic origin and race: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines for the 

presentation of race and origin data in federal statistics are used for these classifications (5). The 

1997 OMB guidelines that allow respondents to report more than one race or ethnic origin are 

followed and the recode variable, HISPRACE2, is used. In this report, the categories Hispanic, 

non-Hispanic white single race, and non-Hispanic black single race are presented. Given the 

diversity of women categorized as non-Hispanic other single and multiple race, those results are 

not shown here.
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 173 ■ December 2014

■  7  ■

Data source and methods

This report is based on data from the 5,601 women in the female respondent file of the 2011–2013 

NSFG. Among other information, NSFG provides detailed information about contraceptive use 

among U.S. women aged 15–44. The fieldwork plan, interview content, and other procedures 

of the survey are similar to what was done in previous surveys (6). NSFG is jointly planned and 

funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics 

and several other programs of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. All estimates 

in this report were weighted to reflect the U.S. female household population aged 15–44 across 

the midpoint of 2011–2013 interviewing (July 2012).

Statistics for this report were produced using the SURVEY procedures in SAS software version 

9.3. Percentages were compared using two-tailed t tests at the 5% level. No adjustments were 

made for multiple comparisons. A weighted least squared regression was used to test differences 

across education. The data presented in this report are bivariate associations that may be explained 

by other factors not controlled for in the figures or included in the report. For example, women 

at older ages were more likely to have completed their childbearing compared with women at 

younger ages. Therefore women at younger ages would be more likely to choose nonpermanent 

contraceptive methods including the pill, condoms, and long-acting reversible contraceptives 

compared with female sterilization, a mostly nonreversible form of contraception (3). 

About the authors

Kimberly Daniels, Jill Daugherty, and Jo Jones are with CDC’s National Center for Health 

Statistics, Division of Vital Statistics.

References

1. Daniels K, Mosher WD, Jones J. Contraceptive methods women have ever used: United 

States, 1982–2010. National health statistics reports; no 62. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for 

Health Statistics. 2013. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr062.pdf. 

2. Higgins J. Celebration meets caution: LARC’s boons, potential busts, and the benefits of a 

reproductive justice approach. Contraception 89(4):237–41. 2014.

3. Jones J, Mosher W, Daniels K. Current contraceptive use in the United States, 2006–2010, 

and changes in patterns of use since 1995. National health statistics reports; no 60. Hyattsville, 

MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2012. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/

nhsr/nhsr060.pdf.

4. Trussell J. Contraceptive failure in the United States. Contraception 83(5):397–404. 2011.

5. Office of Management and Budget. Revisions to the standards for the classification of federal 

data on race and ethnicity. Fed Regist 62(210):58781–90. 1997. Available from: http://www.

whitehouse.gov/omb/fedreg_1997standards/. 

6. Lepkowski JM, Mosher WD, Davis KE, et al. The 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth: 

Sample design and analysis of a continuous survey. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health 

Stat 2(150). 2010. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_02/sr02_150.pdf.
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 173 ■ December 2014

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Suggested citation

Daniels K, Daugherty J, Jones J. Current 

contraceptive status among women aged 

15–44: United States, 2011–2013. NCHS 

data brief, no 173. Hyattsville, MD: National 

Center for Health Statistics. 2014.

Copyright information

All material appearing in this report is in 

the public domain and may be reproduced 

or copied without permission; citation as to 

source, however, is appreciated.

National Center for Health 

Statistics

Charles J. Rothwell, M.S., M.B.A., Director

Jennifer H. Madans, Ph.D., Associate 

Director for Science

Office of Vital Statistics

Delton Atkinson, M.P.H., M.P.H., P.M.P, 

Director

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