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Comparing birth control options
How well each birth control option works is given as a percentage. The closer the percentage is to 100%, the better that option works to prevent pregnancy. This is during the first year of typical use. Using no birth control works about 15% of the time.
Implant
More than 99%
Lasts up to 5 years.
IUD
More than 99%
Lasts for 3 to 12 years.
Sterilization
More than 99%
Usually is permanent.
Shot (injection)
96%
Get every 3 months.
Pill
93%
Take daily.
Patch
93%
Change every week.
Vaginal ring
93%
Change about every 3 weeks.
Male condom
87%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Fertility awareness
85%
Track daily, and avoid vaginal sex when you're fertile.
Cervical cap
68% to 84%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Diaphragm
83%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Sponge
73% to 86%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Withdrawal
80%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Spermicide
79%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Female condom
79%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Comparing emergency contraception
Emergency contraception is a backup method to birth control. You can use it if you didn't use birth control or your birth control method failed. There are two types. They are IUDs and pills. How well each works is given as a percentage. The closer the percentage is to 100%, the better that option works to prevent pregnancy.
IUD
More than 99%
Use within 5 days. It's placed by your doctor.
Ulipristal pill
98% to 99%
Use within 5 days. Get it from your doctor (prescription).
Levonorgestrel pill
97% to 98%
Use within 3 days. Buy it at a drugstore (no prescription).
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
