Contraceptive practices and trends in Spain: 1997-2003.
OBJECTIVE
To know the contraceptive use and trends in the Spanish female population.


METHODS
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.
Lete
I
I
Servicio de Ginecología, Hospital Santiago Apóstol, Vitoria, Alava, Spain. ilete@hsan.osakidetza.net
Dueñas
J L
JL
Martínez-Salmeán
J
J
Parrilla
J J
JJ
Serrano
I
I
Bermejo
R
R
Coll
C
C
Doval
J L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013030:Spain