The Modernization of U.S. Contraceptive Practice

The National Fertility Studies between 1965 and 1970 involving probability samples of 4810 and 5884 married women indicated changes in the distribution of contraceptive methods used by couples, which showed a dramatic decline of unwanted births per 1000 woman-years.

Abstract

The National Fertility Studies between 1965 and 1970 involving probability samples of 4810 and 5884 married women indicated changes in the distribution of contraceptive methods used by couples. The proportion of couples who never used contraception declined from 14.8% to 11.1% between 1965 and 1970 while those not using contraceptives decreased from 36.1% to 34.9%. Although there was little change in the overall proportions of couples using contraception (63.9% to 65%) there was an increase in the use of the pill (23.9%-34.2%) and IUD (1.2%-7.4%). Sterilization also increased significantly for older couples (9.5%-13.1% for women 6.5%-12.1% for men) and for blacks with less than a high school education (10.8%-31.6% overall). Older methods excluding foam declined: condom (21.9%-14.2%) diaphragm 9.9%-5.7%) rhythm (10.9%-6.4%). The consequence of the new contraceptive distribution showed a dramatic decline of unwanted births per 1000 woman-years (35% for whites 56% for blacks). The 3 most effective methods sterilization the pill and the IUD have increased from 37.2% to 57.9% of all contraceptive practice and if added to the effective diaphragm and condom 4 out of 5 couples using contraception in 1970 were highly protected.