Effectiveness figures are based on the percentage of women who don't get pregnant while using the method for 1 year. The effectiveness of various contraceptive methods depends on consistent and correct use and is described as fair, good, or excellent.
Fair means the method is effective 80-90% of the time
Good means the method is effective 90-96% of the time
Excellent means the method is effective 97-99% of the time
At this time, only abstinence is 100% effective.
Relative Effectiveness of Contraceptives*
The effectiveness of a birth control method is defined in two ways:
- Use Effectiveness: How well a birth control method works in actual use, taking into consideration human error and other factors which are not ideal.
- Theoretical Effectiveness: How well a birth control method works when it is used correctly and when all other conditions are ideal.
To make an informed choice, a person needs to understand what correct use of the method requires, and what success can be achieved if used consistently and correctly. Although most people are typical users (use effectiveness), everyone can achieve better (theoretical effectiveness).
If you are interested in a method that has lower effectiveness,you might want to ask yourself what you would do if the method failed.
The table below summarizes the effectiveness of most methods of birth control.
| METHOD | USE EFFECTIVENESS (Actual Use) | THEORETICAL EFFECTIVENESS (Perfect Use) |
|---|---|---|
| EVRA PATCH | 92% | 99.7% |
| PILL - Combined - Progestin | 92% 92% | 99.7% 99.7% |
| NUVARING | 92% | 99.7% |
| IUD - Copper T - Levonorgenestrel (Mirena) | 99.2% | 99.4% |
| DIAPHRAGM & SPERMICIDE | 84% | 94% |
| SPERMICIDE & MALE CONDOMS** | no confirmed data | 99% |
| FEMALE CONDOM ALONE | 79% | 95% |
| MALE CONDOM ALONE | 85% | 98% |
| SPERMICIDES*** | 71% | 82% |
| TUBAL LIGATION | 99.5% | 99.5% |
| VASECTOMY | 99.85% | 99.9% |
| CERVICAL CAP -woman has had children -woman has not had children | 68% 84% | 74% 91% |
| DEPO-PROVERA | 97% | 99.95% |
| SPONGE - has had children - has not had children | 68% 84% | 80% 91% |
| NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING | - | 91-99% |
| WITHDRAWAL | 73% | 96% |
| NO METHOD (CHANCE) | 15% | 15% |
*Adapted from Contraceptive Technology, 18th Revised Edition, Hatcher, et al (New York: Irvington, 2004).
**Separate spermicide in addition to spermicidal condoms.
***Foams, creams, gels, vaginal suppositories, and vaginal film.
Reviewed by Danielle Chard 11/20/07
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Relative Effectiveness Fact Sheet.pdf | 49.75 KB |
