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 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
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 |
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: November 27, 2023
Author: Healthwise 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: November 27, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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.
