Some Methods Work Better Than Others
Some birth control methods work better than others. The chart on
the following page compares how well different birth control
methods work.
The most effective way to prevent pregnancy is abstinence.
However, within the first year of committing to abstinence, many
couples become pregnant because they have sex anyway but don't
use protection. So it's a good idea even for people who
don't plan to have sex to be informed about birth control.
Couples who do have sex need to use birth control
properly
and
every time
to prevent pregnancy. For example, the chart below shows that the
birth control pill can be effective in preventing pregnancy. But if
a girl forgets to take her birth control pills, then this is not an
effective method for her. Condoms can be an effective way to
prevent pregnancy, too. But if a guy forgets to use a condom or
doesn't use it correctly, then it's not an effective way
for him to prevent pregnancy.
For every 100 couples using each type of birth control, the
chart shows how many of these couples will get pregnant within a
year. The information shown is for
all
couples, not just teenage couples. Some birth control methods may
be less effective for teen users. For example, teenage girls who
use fertility awareness (also called the rhythm method) may
have an even greater chance of getting pregnant than adult
women because their bodies have not yet settled into a regular
menstrual cycle.
We list the effectiveness of different birth control
methods based on their typical use rates. Typical use refers to how
the average person uses that method of birth control (compared to
"perfect" use, which means no mistakes are made in using
that method).
For us to consider a birth control method
completely effective
, no couples will become pregnant while using that method.
Very effective
means that between 1 and 2 out of 100 couples become pregnant while
using that method.
Effective
means that 2 to 12 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using
that method.
Moderately effective
means that 13 to 20 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using
that method.
Less effective
means that 21 to 40 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using
that method. And
not effective
means that more than 40 out of 100 couples become pregnant while
using that method.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, abstinence and condoms
provide some protection against
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
. However, most birth control methods do not provide much
protection against STDs.
Birth Control Methods: Comparison Chart
Choosing a birth control method based on how well it works is
important, but there are other things to keep in mind when choosing
a form of birth control. These include:
- how easy a particular birth control method is to use
- how much a particular birth control method costs
- whether a person has a health condition or is taking
medication that will interfere with how well a particular birth
control method works
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: March 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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