Download Contraceptive Methods and Effectiveness

Contraceptive Methods and Effectiveness Rates
Category
Method
Birth Control
Effectiveness Rate%
PERFECT USE TYPICAL USE
100%
67%
74%
99.2%
99.5%
15%
Does It Protect
Against
Bacterial
& Viral STI’s
(Not Parasitic)?
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Does It
Require a
Doctor’s
Prescription /
Appointment?
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Other
Abstinence
Withdrawal
Fertility Awareness
Male Sterilization (Vasectomy)
Female Sterilization (Tubal Ligation)
Chance (No Method)
100%
84%
90%
99.8%
99.5%
15%
Hormonal
Birth Control Pill (Oral)
NuvaRing (Vaginal Insertion)
Evra Patch (Skin Application)
Depo-Provera (Injection)
Spermicides Alone (Foams, Gels)
99.7%
99.7%
99.7%
99.7%
82%
92%
92%
92%
97%
71%
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Barrier
Male Condom
Female Condom
Diaphragm
Cervical Cap
Sponge
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
98%
95%
94%
91%
80%
99.4%
85%
79%
84%
84%
68%
99.2%
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Notes:
1. PERFECT USE: refers to how effective each method can be at preventing pregnancy when the user follows the
directions flawlessly and consistently.
2. TYPICAL USE: refers to how effective each method can be at preventing pregnancy when the user follows the
directions incorrectly and inconsistently (also called “actual use”).
3. “PLAN B” Emergency Contraceptive Pill: is not an actual contraceptive method and should only be used in
emergency situations.
4. Fertility Awareness: refers to Natural Family Planning methods that incorporate knowledge of ovulation, postovulation, shedding periods during a female’s menstrual cycle.
5. There are slight differences in effectiveness rates for women who have previously given birth (called “Parous”) and
women who have never given birth (called “Nulliparous”). In general, effectiveness rates of certain methods (e.g.,
sponge, cervical cap, diaphragm) are higher in women who have never given birth (Nulliparous). There are no
significant differences between Parous and Nulliparous women in most hormonal methods.
6. Spermicides can be used in combination with other contraceptive methods (e.g., male condom with spermicidal jelly
or foam). Adding spermicide increases effectiveness rates.
7. Douching is a method used to clean / sterilize the vagina and should not be used a contraceptive method.
8. There is no method to protect against Parasitic STI’s as they can be transferred without an exchange of fluids during
unprotected sex with an infected carrier.