Consumer Information Center Birth Control Guide

Birth Control Guide

Efficacy rates in this chart are based on Contraceptive Technology (16th edition, 1994). They are yearly estimates of effectiveness in typical use, which refers to a method's reliability in real life, when people don't always use a method properly. For comparison, about 85 percent of sexually active women using no contraception would be expected to become pregnant in a year.

This chart is a summary; it is not intended to be used alone. All product labeling should be followed carefully, and a health-care professional should be consulted for some methods.

Male Condom

Estimated Effectiveness: 88% (a)
Some Risks (d): Irritation and allergic reactions (less likely with polyurethane)
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Except for abstinence, latex condoms are the best protection against STDs, including herpes and AIDS.
Convenience: Applied immediately before intercourse; used only once and discarded.
Availability: Nonprescription

Female Condom

Estimated Effectiveness: 79%
Some Risks (d): Irritation and allergic reactions
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): May give some STD protection; not as effective as latex condom.
Convenience: Applied immediately before intercourse; used only once and discarded.
Availability: Nonprescription

Diaphragm with Spermicide

Estimated Effectiveness: 82%
Some Risks (d): Irritation and allergic reactions, urinary tract infection
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Protects against cervical infection; spermicide may give some protection against chlamydia and gonorrhea; otherwise unknown.
Convenience: Inserted before intercourse and left in place at least six hours after; can be left in place for 24 hours, with additional spermicide for repeated intercourse.
Availability: Prescription

Cervical Cap with Spermicide

Estimated Effectiveness: 64-82% (b)
Some Risks (d): Irritation and allergic reactions, abnormal Pap test
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Spermicide may give some protection against chlamydia and gonorrhea; otherwise unknown.
Convenience: May be difficult to insert; can remain in place for 48 hours without reapplying spermicide for repeated intercourse.
Availability: Prescription

Sponge with Spermicide (not currently marketed)

Estimated Effectiveness: 64-82% (b)
Some Risks (d): Irritation and allergic reactions, difficulty in removal
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Spermicide may give some protection against chlamydia and gonorrhea; otherwise unknown.
Convenience: Inserted before intercourse and protects for 24 hours without additional spermicide; must be left in place for at least six hours after intercourse; must be removed within 30 hours of insertion; used only once and discarded.
Availability: Nonprescription; not currently marketed.

Spermicides Alone

Estimated Effectiveness: 79%
Some Risks (d): Irritation and allergic reactions
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): May give some protection against chlamydia and gonorrhea; otherwise unknown.
Convenience: Instructions vary; usually applied no more than one hour before intercourse and left in place at least six to eight hours after.
Availability: Nonprescription

Oral Contraceptives--combined pill

Estimated Effectiveness: Over 99% (c)
Some Risks (d): Dizziness; nausea; changes in menstruation, mood, and weight; rarely cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack, and strokes
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): None, except some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease.
Convenience: Must be taken on daily schedule, regardless of frequency of intercourse.
Availability: Prescription

Oral Contraceptives--progestin-only minipill

Estimated Effectiveness: Over 99% (c)
Some Risks (d): Ectopic pregnancy, irregular bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): None, except some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease.
Convenience: Must be taken on daily schedule, regardless of frequency of intercourse.
Availability: Prescription

Injection (Depo-Provera)

Estimated Effectiveness: Over 99%
Some Risks (d): Irregular bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): None
Convenience: One injection every three months
Availability: Prescription

Implant (Norplant)

Estimated Effectiveness: Over 99%
Some Risks (d): Irregular bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches, difficulty in removal
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): None
Convenience: Implanted by health-care provider--minor outpatient surgical procedure; effective for up to five years.
Availability: Prescription

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

Estimated Effectiveness: 98-99%
Some Risks (d): Cramps, bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, perforation of uterus
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): None
Convenience: After insertion by physician, can remain in place for up to one or 10 years, depending on type.
Availability: Prescription

Periodic Abstinence

Estimated Effectiveness: About 80% (variable, based on method)
Some Risks (d): None
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): None
Convenience: Requires frequent monitoring of body functions (for example, body temperature for one method).
Availability: Instructions from health-care provider

Surgical Sterilization--female or male

Estimated Effectiveness: Over 99%
Some Risks (d): Pain, bleeding, infection, other minor postsurgical complications
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): None
Convenience: One-time surgical procedure
Availability: Surgery

Footnotes

(a) Effectiveness rate for polyurethane condoms has not been established.

(b) Less effective for women who have had a baby because the birth process stretches the vagina and cervix, making it more difficult to achieve a proper fit.

(c) Based on perfect use, when the woman takes the pill every day as directed.

(d) Serious medical risks from contraceptives are rare.

FDA Consumer magazine (April 1997)

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