What are the most common contraceptive methods?

About 10.7 million women choose female sterilization for birth control, making it the most popular contraceptive method. Oral contraception is the second most common, followed by the male condom.

Modern contraceptive methods provide women with almost unlimited life options. Surveys show that 64% of reproductive-aged women use some form of contraception. About 10.7 million women choose female sterilization, in which the fallopian tubes are cut and tied, preventing the migration of an egg to the uterus.

Oral contraception is the second most common method of birth control, with about 10.4 million women using “the pill” each year. Studies have shown that oral contraception significantly contributes to low levels of vitamins and minerals. Women who use birth control pills may therefore need to supplement with a multivitamin.

Other common methods of contraception include the male condom, with 7.9 million users, and male sterilization, with 4.2 million users.