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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Effectiveness Rate of Birth Control Methods

Effectiveness Rate of Birth Control Methods

Overview

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.

External (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.

Internal (female) condom

79%

Use each time you have vaginal sex.

*The implant is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used for up to 3 years. But studies show that extended use of the implant safely prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years. The copper IUD is approved by the FDA to be used for up to 10 years. But studies show that extended use of the copper IUD safely prevents pregnancy for up to 12 years. Talk to your doctor about what might be right for you.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, 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.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

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