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How well contraception works at preventing pregnancy

Some methods of contraception are more effective than others.

For example, the contraceptive implant works very well at preventing pregnancy. It's over 99% effective if used correctly all the time (sometimes called perfect use).

This means that if 100 women use the implant for a year, less than 1 will get pregnant in that time.

This page lists the methods in order of how well they work if used correctly all the time, starting with the most effective first.

It also shows how well each method works if not used correctly all the time. Incorrect use (sometimes called typical use) includes things like forgetting to take your pill.

Important

Contraception is less effective if not used correctly all the time.

Incorrect use (also called typical use) includes things like missing a pill, a condom coming off during sex or forgetting to replace a vaginal ring.

How effective contraception methods are

How effective each method of contraception is at preventing pregnancy
Method Correct use Incorrect or typical use
Method

Contraceptive implant

Correct use

Over 99%

Incorrect or typical use

Over 99%

Method

IUS (hormonal coil)

Correct use

Over 99%

Incorrect or typical use

Over 99%

Method

IUD (copper coil)

Correct use

Over 99%

Incorrect or typical use

Over 99%

Method

Contraceptive injection

Correct use

Over 99%

Incorrect or typical use

94%

Method

Combined pill

Correct use

Over 99%

Incorrect or typical use

91%

Method

Progestogen-only pill

Correct use

Over 99%

Incorrect or typical use

91%

Method

Contraceptive patch

Correct use

Over 99%

Incorrect or typical use

91%

Method

Vaginal ring

Correct use

Over 99%

Incorrect or typical use

91%

Method

Condoms

Correct use

98%

Incorrect or typical use

82%

Method

Internal (female) condoms

Correct use

95%

Incorrect or typical use

79%

Method

Diaphragms and caps

Correct use

92 to 96% (estimate)

Incorrect or typical use

Unknown

Method

Natural family planning

Correct use

91 to 99% (estimate)

Incorrect or typical use

76%

Page last reviewed: 31 January 2024
Next review due: 31 January 2027