Birth Control Methods: How Well Do They Work?
Some Birth Control Methods Work Better Than Others
Some birth control methods work better than others. This chart compares how well different methods work to prevent pregnancy.
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 learn about birth control.
Couples who do have sex need to use birth control properly and consistently to prevent pregnancy. For example, the birth control pill can be effective in preventing pregnancy. But if pills are skipped, it isn't an effective method. Condoms can be an effective form of birth control too. But forgetting to use one or not using one correctly is not an effective way to prevent pregnancy.
Birth Control Methods Chart & Ratings
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, teens who use fertility awareness (also called the rhythm method) may have an even greater chance of getting pregnant than adults 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 with "perfect" use, which means no mistakes are made in using that method).
Here are the ratings and what they mean:
- completely effective: no couples will become pregnant while using that method
- very effective: 1–2 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method
- effective: 2–12 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method
- moderately effective: 13–20 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method
- less effective: 21–40 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method
- not effective: more than 40 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method
Besides preventing pregnancy, abstinence and condoms provide some protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Most other birth control methods do not provide much protection against STDs, so condoms should also be used.
Birth Control Methods: Comparison Chart
| Birth Control Method | Couples Using This Method Who Get Pregnant in a Year | How Well It Works to Prevent Pregnancy | Protection Against STDs? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstinence | None | Completely effective | Yes |
| Birth Control Implant | Fewer than 1 out of 100 | Very effective | No |
| IUD | Fewer than 1 out of 100 | Very effective | No |
| Birth Control Patch ("The Patch") | 9 out of 100 | Effective | No |
| Birth Control Pill ("The Pill") | 9 out of 100 | Effective | No |
| Birth Control Ring ("The Ring") | 9 out of 100 | Effective | No |
| Birth Control Shot | 6 out of 100 | Effective | No |
| Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill) | up to 11 out of 100 (if taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex) | Effective | No |
| Male Condom | 18 out of 100 | Moderately effective | Yes |
| Diaphragm | 12 out of 100 | Moderately effective | No |
| Female Condom | 21 out of 100 | Less effective | Yes |
| Fertility Awareness | 24 out of 100 | Less effective | No |
| Spermicide | 29 out of 100 | Less effective | No |
| Withdrawal ("Pulling Out") | 27 out of 100 | Less effective | No |
| Sex Without Birth Control | 85 out of 100 | Not effective | No |
Choosing a birth control method based on how well it works is important. But also think about:
- how easy the birth control method is to use
- how much it costs
- whether you have a health condition or take medicine that could affect how well a particular birth control method works
Reviewed by: Lonna P. Gordon, MD
Date Reviewed: Jan 1, 2022
