Introduction. The fertility crisis in most regions of the Russia, the negative characteristics of the abortive behavior of young Russian women are mediated by the low quality of their contraceptive behavior. Purpose of the study was to assess contraceptive behavior, knowledge and perceptions of women living in the northern region about contraceptive methods. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional sociological study was performed in a group of 779 women 18-49 years old living in the Arkhangelsk Oblast. The data collection tool included individual items of the Sample Surveillance of Population Reproductive Plans Questionnaire (approved by the Order of Rosstat dated April 7, 2022 N 193), and self-constructed questions for a quantitative description of respondents' ideas about contraceptive methods. Percentages were compared using Pearson's χ2 test. Results and discussion. In the group of women of reproductive age, the most preferred methods of contraception were male condom (49.3%), emergency contraception (27.9%), interrupted intercourse (27.6%). Female sterilization (31.2%), male condom (23.6%), hormonal pills (22.7%) were identified by them as the most effective ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy; male condom (56.1%), hormonal pills (40.8%), intrauterine devices (30.8%) and interrupted intercourse (30.8%) - as the most convenient methods; male condom (46.3%), periodic abstinence from sex (30.3%) - as the safest methods. Every second woman claimed to have sex only with contraceptive use; two thirds of women claimed that they are ready to use contraceptives even with a negative attitude of the sex partner to this practice, as well as in case of their high cost. Conclusion. A significant part of women of reproductive age does not have correct knowledge and ideas about the effectiveness and safety of contraceptives, which leads to low characteristics of their contraceptive behavior.