Effectiveness of Birth Control Methods
Birth Control Methods
Birth control methods are good at preventing pregnancy when used consistently and correctly.
Check out the difference between Perfect Use and Typical Use.
Make sure your method of choice is being used correctly!
* number of pregnancies in 100 typical users over one year’s use Sources: Hatcher, Robert, et al. Contraceptive Technology. (18th edition). New York: Irvington Publishers, Inc., 2004.
Birth control methods are good at preventing pregnancy when used consistently and correctly.
Check out the difference between Perfect Use and Typical Use.
Make sure your method of choice is being used correctly!
* number of pregnancies in 100 typical users over one year’s use Sources: Hatcher, Robert, et al. Contraceptive Technology. (18th edition). New York: Irvington Publishers, Inc., 2004.
| Method | Perfect Use | Typical Use | Pregnancies* | Risk Reduction for STIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abstinence | 100% | 100% | 0 | Some. Oral and anal sex have some risk. |
| Sterilization | 99+% | 99+% | 0-1 | None |
| Depo-Provera | 99+% | 97% | 3 | None |
| IUD | 99+% | 99+% | 0-1 | None |
| Birth Control Pills | 99+% | 92% | 8 | None |
| Contraceptive Patch | 98-99% | 92% | 8 | None |
| Intravaginal Ring (Nuva Ring) | 98-99% | 92% | 8 | None |
| Emergency Contraception Pills | 75-89% | 75-89% | 11-25 | None |
| Male Condom | 98% | 85% | 15 | Good against fluid STIs, fair against others |
| Coitus Interruptus (Withdrawal) | 96% | 81% | 19 | None |
| Diaphragm | 94% | 84% | 16 | None |
| Cervical Cap: Given birth Never given birth | 74% 91% | 68% 84% | 32 16 | None |
| Female Condom | 95% | 79% | 21 | Some |
| Natural Family Planning (Rhythm) | N/A | 75% | 25 | None |
| Spermicide | 82% | 81% | 19 | None |
| No Method (Chance or “Luck”) | 15% | 15% | 85 | None |
| Method | Perfect Use | Typical Use | Pregnancies* | Risk Reduction for STIs |
