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Effectiveness of Birth Control Methods
Birth control methods are good at preventing pregnancy when used consistently
and correctly. Check out the difference between Perfect Use and Typical
Use. Make sure your method of choice is being used correctly!
| Method |
Perfect Use |
Typical Use |
Pregnancies* |
Risk Reduction for STIs |
| Abstinence |
100% |
100% |
0 |
Some. Oral and anal sex have some risk. |
| Sterilization |
99+% |
99+% |
0-1 |
None |
| Norplant** |
99+% |
99+% |
0-1 |
None |
| Depo-Provera |
99+% |
97% |
3 |
None |
| Combined Monthly Injection (Lunelle)** |
99+% |
97% |
3 |
None |
| IUD |
99+% |
99+% |
0-1 |
None |
| Birth Control Pills |
99+% |
92% |
8 |
None |
| Contraceptive Patch |
98-99% |
92% |
8 |
None |
| Intravaginal Ring (Nuva Ring) |
98-99% |
92% |
8 |
None |
| Emergency Contraception Pills |
75-89% |
75-89% |
11-25 |
None |
| Male Condom |
98% |
85% |
15 |
Good against fluid STIs, fair against others |
| Coitus Interruptus (Withdrawal) |
96% |
81% |
19 |
None |
| Diaphragm |
94% |
84% |
16 |
None |
Cervical Cap:
Given birth
Never given birth |
74%
91% |
68%
84% |
32
16 |
None |
| Female Condom |
95% |
79% |
21 |
Some |
| Natural Family Planning (Rhythm) |
N/A |
75% |
25 |
None |
| Spermicide |
82% |
81% |
19 |
None |
| No Method (Chance or "Luck") |
15% |
15% |
85 |
None |
| Method |
Perfect Use |
Typical Use |
Pregnancies* |
Risk Reduction for STIs |
|
