Understanding Your Risks

Effective Contraception

Updated Failure Rates for this Year

The chart below compares some of the reversible contraceptives discussed in this guide. Each method is listed with its estimated "perfect use failure rate," that is, the percentage of pregnancies which occur if the method is used perfectly and consistently. The "actual failure rate," also listed below, is the percentage of pregnancies reported by typical users. [More about these statistics...]

All of these figures are among couples using the specified method for one year. Failure rates are lower for teens, low-income users, and users who are not highly motivated to avoid pregnancy. The columns in the center indicate how each method works, giving an idea of which mechanisms are employed as birth control. Failure rates for hormonal methods and the IUD tend to be lower because of post-fertilization mechanisms that take effect when fertilization is not prevented. On the right is information about STD protection and one year continuation rates for each method.

For added protection against pregnancy, you can use more than one method of contraception at a time. For example, many clinicians recommend that when using condoms, spermicides be used as well. If a woman is allergic to spermicides she can use a natural method and a condom and for extra protection. Any of these combinations will reduce the predicted failure rate.

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