"How well does this method work?" is one of the most common questions. The answer depends on both the method and how consistently and correctly it is used.

What does "typical use" mean?

Typical use reflects real life: a pill can be forgotten and a condom can be put on incorrectly. The figures below, from the CDC, show how many of 100 women become pregnant within a year with typical use.

Most effective (fewer than 1 in 100)

  • Implant: 0.1
  • Levonorgestrel IUD: 0.1 to 0.4
  • Copper IUD: 0.8
  • Tubal surgery: 0.5; vasectomy: 0.15

Once placed, these need no daily attention.

Moderately effective (4 to 7 in 100)

  • Injection: 4
  • Combined pill, progestin-only pill, patch, vaginal ring: 7

Consistency matters here; taking or changing them on time improves results.

Less effective (13 to 23 in 100)

Male condom: 13 Diaphragm and sponge: 17 Female condom and spermicides: 21 Cervical cap:…