Surveys conducted between 1979 and 1991 indicated that contraceptive practice in Italy underwent rapid changes over that period. In order to assess current contraceptive use and attitudes, a survey was conducted among a random sample of 2000 Italian women aged 15–45 years. Replies were received from 1542 women (77.1%). Of the self-defined non-sterile, sexually active women who wished to avoid pregnancy, 303% were using oral contraceptives, 8.1% an intrauterine device, and 1.1% sterilization, while 29.6% were using traditional methods, principally coitus interruptus. In reply to questions about the relative advantages and disadvantages of various contraceptive methods, women expressed worries with respect to the safety of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices and sterilization. Relatively high percentages of women answered ‘do not know’ with respect to the various aspects of intrauterine devices, periodic abstinence and sterilization that were investigated. In view of the findings of previous studies, the current data obtained suggested that traditional methods are being gradually displaced by modern methods in Italy. Nevertheless, the use of traditional contraception is widespread, the same probably being true of inconsistent use of condoms. Furthermore, lack of information on the contraceptive options available seems to be a central issue in Italy.