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Overview
These tables compare how well different birth control methods work. They show how many women out of 100 will have an unplanned pregnancy in the first year of using a method. These numbers reflect studies of real-life usage.footnote 1, footnote 2
You can improve on the real-life failure rate of birth control methods by always using birth control methods as directed. But even with perfect use, a method will still fail to prevent a pregnancy in a certain number of women.
Hormonal
Method used |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 typical users |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 people who used the method exactly as directed |
|---|---|---|
Combination birth control pills |
9 |
Fewer than 1 |
Hormonal implant |
Fewer than 1 |
Fewer than 1 |
The shot |
6 |
Fewer than 1 |
Transdermal patch |
9 |
Fewer than 1 |
Progestin-only pills (mini-pills) |
9 |
Fewer than 1 |
Vaginal ring |
9 |
Fewer than 1 |
IUD
Method used |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 typical users |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 people who used the method exactly as directed |
|---|---|---|
Hormonal IUD |
Fewer than 1 |
Fewer than 1 |
Copper IUD |
Fewer than 1 |
Fewer than 1 |
Barrier methods
Method used |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 typical users |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 people who used the method exactly as directed |
|---|---|---|
Condom, male |
18 |
2 |
Withdrawal |
22 |
4 |
Condom, female |
21 |
5 |
Diaphragm with spermicide |
12 |
6 |
Spermicide alone |
28 |
18 |
Sponge with spermicide (no previous vaginal childbirth) |
12 |
9 |
Sponge with spermicide (after vaginal childbirth) |
24 |
20 |
Cervical cap (no previous vaginal childbirth) |
16 |
9 |
Cervical cap (after vaginal delivery) |
32 |
26 |
Fertility awareness
Method used |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 typical users |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 people who used the method exactly as directed |
|---|---|---|
Periodic abstinence and fertility awareness methods |
24 |
5 |
Surgery
Method used |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 typical users |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 people who used the method exactly as directed |
|---|---|---|
Vasectomy |
Fewer than 1 |
Fewer than 1 |
Tubal ligation or tubal implants |
Fewer than 1 |
Fewer than 1 |
No birth control
Method used |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 typical users |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 people who used the method exactly as directed |
|---|---|---|
No birth control |
85 |
85 |
Related Information
References
Citations
- Trussell J, Guthrie KA (2011). Choosing a contraceptive: Efficacy, safety, and personal considerations. In RA Hatcher et al., eds., Contraceptive Technology, 20th ed., pp. 45–74. Atlanta: Ardent Media.
- Abramowicz M (2010). Choice of contraceptives. Treatment Guidelines From The Medical Letter, 8(100): 89–96.
Credits
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.
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.
