Increases in retail sales of over-the-counter levonorgestrel emergency contraception in the United States, 2016–2022

Abstract

ObjectivesTo understand patterns in demand for emergency contraception (EC), we characterize the sales of over-the-counter (OTC) levonorgestrel (LNG) EC in the United States from traditional retail outlets. Study designWe describe sales of OTC LNG EC using retail sales data aggregated from traditional retail channels, including grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, dollar stores, and military outlets. ResultsSales of OTC LNG EC doubled between 2016 and 2022 (approximately 7.2–14.8 million). ConclusionsIncreasing sales of EC are consistent with increased use and use frequency of EC by those at risk of pregnancy in the United States. ImplicationsOTC LNG EC sales since 2016 exceed what national survey usage estimates would suggest, indicating that national surveys underreport EC use, those using EC purchase it somewhat frequently, and/or individuals stockpile EC for later use. The role of EC in individual contraceptive strategies, particularly as access to reproductive healthcare is restricted, warrants further study.