Patterns of contraceptive method of use by California family planning clinic clients, 1976-84

Trends in contraceptive method of use by California family planning clients, 1976-84, are reviewed. Although use of foam and condoms doubled from 1976 to 1980 and was sustained, interest peaked but markedly declined for the diaphragm. Oral contraceptive (OC) use declined overall and most notably for older women, but there are indications in 1983 and 1984 of a slight OC "come back". Older women were more likely to choose methods free from medical side effects than were younger women.