How Effective Is Contraception?
Method | Percentage of Women Who Become Pregnant During the First Year of Perfect Use* | Percentage of Women Who Become Pregnant During the First Year of Typical Use* |
|---|---|---|
Hormonal methods (with estrogen and/or a progestin) | ||
0.3% | 9% | |
0.3% | 9% | |
0.3% | 9% | |
0.2% | 6% | |
Contraceptive implant inserted under the skin | 0.05% | Same as perfect use |
0.2–0.6%, depending on the type used | Same as perfect use | |
Barrier contraceptives | ||
2% with external (male) condoms 5% with internal (female) condoms | 18% with external (male) condoms 21% with internal (female) condoms | |
Diaphragm with spermicide | 6% | 12% |
Cervical cap with spermicide | 10–13% | 8% (higher among women who have had children) |
Contraceptive gel | 7% | 14% |
Contraceptive sponge (which releases spermicide continuously) | 9% for women who have not had children 20% for women who have had children | 12% for women who have not had children 24% for women who have had children |
Spermicide alone | 18% | 28% |
Other methods | ||
Copper IUD | 0.6% | Same as perfect use |
4% or higher, depending on the method | 24% | |
Withdrawal method (coitus interruptus) | 4% | 22% |
* About 85% of women become pregnant during 1 year of frequent intercourse if no contraception is used. | ||