5 Birth Control Facts to Celebrate International Contraception Day 2017

As a way to celebrate International Contraception Day 2017, we wanted to share some fun and enlightening facts about birth control. Keep reading below to learn a thing or two about contraception!

Celebrating International Contraception Day 2017 with Birth Control Facts

1. Sterilization is more popular than you realize

Female sterilization is the most popular form of contraception in the US, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and India. On the other hand, male sterilization is most popular in Canada. Here are the other popular contraceptive methods around the world!

2. On a global scale, 64% of married women, or those with a partner, use contraception

According to a study by the UN, contraceptive use is much lower in the least developed countries (at about 40%). Furthermore, in North America, 75% of married or in-union women use contraception.

3. Abortion rates are declining in developed countries

As pointed out in the Washington Post’s article, the abortion rate amongst girls and women between 15 and 44 years of age in developed countries declined from 46 per 1000 people in 1990 to 27 per 1000 people in 2014.

The researchers behind this finding also concluded that in countries where birth control is more accessible, the number of unintended pregnancies went down. In this way, it also brought down the number of abortions.

4. Only 39% of high school students are taught how to put on a condom in health class

However, 82% of teen males used a condom the first time they had sex. In comparison, only 68% of teen girls used a condom the first time they had sex. For more facts about condoms, take a look at our infographic on condom use statistics.

5. 2 million women in the US went to publicly funded clinics for contraceptive services in 2015

According to Guttmacher, this accounted for 10,700 clinics across the US. Additionally, 2 million women visited Planned Parenthood clinics.

How to Find the Right Birth Control for You

One of the biggest facts to remember on International Contraception Day 2017 is that birth control has been improving women’s lives across the globe.

According to Guttmacher, 63% of women have said that access to contraception has allowed them to take better care of themselves and their families. In addition to this, birth control has also allowed them to financially support themselves (56%), complete their education (51%), and keep or get a job (50%).

So, if you’re trying to find the right contraception for you, check out this flowchart by Naughty North to help you get started: