Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board 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 and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Effectiveness Rate of Birth Control Methods
Overview
Hormonal
IUD
Barrier methods
Fertility awareness
Surgery
No birth control
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Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardEffectiveness Rate of Birth Control Methods
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.