Shifts in Contraceptive Use in the City of Tehran, Iran: 2000-2014

Results: In 2014, 82% of women used contraceptive methods (48% modern methods, and 34% traditional methods). Withdrawal (33%) and condoms (21%) had the highest prevalence, compared with female sterilization (9%), IUD (7%) and Pills (7%). Over 2000-2014, the use of withdrawal and condoms increased by 69% and 20%, respectively. In contrast, the prevalence of female sterilization, pills, male sterilization, and IUD decreased respectively by 20%, 42%, 45% and 51% over the same period. The use of withdrawal method increased with women’s age. Withdrawal and condom were used by 67% of contraceptive users, who mostly hold higher education levels, were employed, and lived in upper residential districts. In contrast, users of modern methods, namely sterilizations, IUD and pills, mostly hold lower levels of education and income, were unemployed, lived in the lower residential districts, and had two or more children.