This table compares how well different birth control methods work. The column on the right shows 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.
You can improve on the real-life failure rate of birth control methods by consistently 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.
|
Type |
Method used |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 typical usersfootnote 1, footnote 2 |
Number of unplanned pregnancies out of 100 people that used the method exactly as directedfootnote 1, footnote 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hormonal |
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 |
Hormonal IUD |
Fewer than 1. |
Fewer than 1. |
|
Copper IUD |
Fewer than 1. |
Fewer than 1. |
|
|
Barrier methods |
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 |
Periodic abstinence and fertility awareness methods |
24 |
5 |
|
Surgery |
Vasectomy |
Fewer than 1. |
Fewer than 1. |
|
Tubal ligation or tubal implants |
Fewer than 1. |
Fewer than 1. |
|
|
No birth control |
No birth control |
85 |
85 |
The numbers shown in this table show the typical use rates for the average population. This includes people who use their birth control very carefully and those who do not.
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.
Current as of: June 16, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Femi Olatunbosun MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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