OBJECTIVES: The potential high-unintended pregnancy rates have resulted in great productivity loss in China. Several contraceptive methods have been introduced by both the providers and the woman themselves to reduce the unintended pregnancy rates.A cost-benefit analysis on various hormonal contraceptive methods was performed in order to provide references for contraception selection in China. METHODS: A decision-tree model was used to compare contraception costs and effects among different contraceptive methods. All women were classified into three contraception profiles (continuation, discontinuation and switch, discontinuation and drop-out).Outcomes included no pregnancy, pregnancy with no birth and birth. All the probabilities, medical and medication data in this model were derived from the literature and interviews. RESULTS: A comparison of total estimated yearly and cumulative costs indicated that contraceptive implants, transdermal contraceptive, extended-cycle OC, vaginal ring, and IUD were less costly, less than $281733.7 in a three-year study period. While transdermal contraceptive, extended-cycle OC and vaginal ring were not available in the Chinese market, contraceptive implants and IUD were the only two choices in China with lowest cumulative costs. The further cost-benefit analysis also demonstrated contraceptive implants as good value for money. Using contraceptive implants were proved to have the lowest cost of pregnancy from failure of $839.9, with a total cost of $26814.9, and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.2, far over 1.0. Sensitivity analysis by tornado diagrams showed that cost of pregnancies, age and proportion of discontinuation and switch might have the greatest impact on the costs and failure risks of contraceptive implants. CONCLUSIONS: In order to reduce the unintended pregnancy rates, the implementation of hormonal contraception may lead to a benefit in terms of both costs and effects. And among all the hormonal contraception in the Chinese market, contraceptive implants tend to generate greater economic benefits. Note:1US dollar=6.46 Chinese yuan