Effectiveness Rate of Birth Control Methods 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 1footnote 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 How well does hormonal birth control work? 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 How well do IUDs work? 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 How well do barrier methods work? 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 How well does fertility awareness work? 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 How well does surgery work? 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 How well does no birth control work? 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 Contraceptive Technology , 20th ed., pp. 45–74. Atlanta: Ardent Media.Treatment Guidelines From The Medical Letter , 8(100): 89–96.Load More Information about Effectiveness Rate of Birth Control Methods
Credits
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Current as of: April 30, 2024
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.
