How well each birth control option works is given as a percentage. The closer the percentage is to 100%, the better that option works to prevent pregnancy. This is during the first year of typical use. Using no birth control works about 15% of the time.
Implant
More than 99%
Lasts up to 5 years.*
IUD
More than 99%
Lasts for 3 to 12 years.*
Sterilization
More than 99%
Usually is permanent.
Shot (injection)
96%
Get every 3 months.
Pill
93%
Take daily.
Patch
93%
Change every week.
Vaginal ring
93%
Change about every 3 weeks.
External (male) condom
87%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Fertility awareness
85%
Track daily, and avoid vaginal sex when you're fertile.
Cervical cap
68% to 84%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Diaphragm
83%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Sponge
73% to 86%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Withdrawal
80%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Spermicide
79%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
Internal (female) condom
79%
Use each time you have vaginal sex.
*The implant is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used for up to 3 years. But studies show that extended use of the implant safely prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years. The copper IUD is approved by the FDA to be used for up to 10 years. But studies show that extended use of the copper IUD safely prevents pregnancy for up to 12 years. Talk to your doctor about what might be right for you.
