Birth Control Effectiveness

Method Typical Use - Effectiveness Perfect Use - Effectiveness
Continuous Abstinence 100% 100%
Depo-Provera® Shot 97% 99.7%
Tubal Ligation 99.5% 99.5%
NuvaRing® Vaginal Ring 92% 99.7%
Ortho Evra tm Skin Patch 92% 99.7%
Oral Contraceptives 92% 99.7%
IMPLANONTM Implant no data yet 99.6%
IUC-Paragard® 99.2% 99.4%
IUC-Mirena® 99.9% 99.9%
Vasectomy 99.85% 99.9%
Fertility Awareness
(Natural Family Planning
75% 98%
Male Condom 85% 98%
Withdrawal 73% 96%
Female Condom 79% 95%
Diaphragm (with spermicide) 84% 94%
Spermicidal Foam, Cream, Film,
Jelly, Suppository
71% 82%
Cervical CAP (with spermicide)
(never given birth)
84% 91%
Cervical CAP (with spermicide)
(has given birth)
68% 74%
Chance (sexually active) 15% 15%

Emergency contraceptive pills reduce your risk of pregnancy by 75-89% if taken within 72 hours and up to 95% if started within 24 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner you take them, the better they work!