Birth control failure
Various birth control methods
can be very effective in preventing pregnancy, but birth control failure is
more common than most people think.
Here is a chart showing the
percentage of contraceptive failures as well as the overall risks and side
effects.
Birth control failure chart
Please note that the failure
rate is for the average use of the method. Consistent and correct use can lower
your chances even more. For specific hormonal contraceptive methods, the risk
of pregnancy if used correctly should be stated in the instructions/details.
When discussing hormonal
contraception, it is important to consider both the high success rate and the
ethical issues of the third act of contraception: the alteration/thinning of
the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
Since it can prevent the
continuation of a pregnancy that has already begun, it is said to have abortive
properties. This will be the action of one of the listed hormonal methods of
contraception.
Below are some brief
explanations of how each method of birth control works, as well as the risks
and side effects associated with each:
Abstinence:
the absence of sexual intercourse and contact between the male and female
genital organs, in which the exchange of bodily fluids is possible.
Failure
rate = 0%
Has
no side effects
Cervical cap: a
soft rubber barrier that covers the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the
uterus
Failure
rate = 12% (higher after delivery)
No
side effects (except allergies)
Condom - female: A
sheath, often made of latex rubber, is inserted into the vaginal canal to block
the passage of semen.
Failure
rate = 21%
No
side effects (except allergies)
Condom - male: a
sheath, often made of latex rubber, that covers the erect penis and prevents
the passage of semen.
Failure
rate = 18%
No
side effects (except allergies)
Depo-Provera Injection:
A progestogen injection every 3 months to prevent ovulation, change cervical mucus to block sperm, and change the lining of the uterus to prevent
implantation of a fertilized egg.
Failure
rate = 6%
Side effects: irregular,
missed or heavier than usual menstrual cycle, weight gain, breast tenderness,
depression, bloating, abdominal pain, headache, allergic reactions.
Diaphragm: A soft rubber dome that covers the cervix and prevents
the passage of sperm.
Failure
rate = 12%
No
side effects (except allergies)
Fertility awareness:
using the menstrual cycle and other predictive tools
ovulation and abstaining from
sex during these expected fertile periods
Failure rate = 25%
Has no side effects
Implant - Hormonal: A
small, matchstick-sized implant inserted into the upper arm that lasts for 3
years causing a hormonal surge. Works the same way as Depo-Provera.
Failure rate = 0.05%
Side effects: Absence of
menstruation, spotting, light or heavy and prolonged bleeding; painful periods,
acne, weight gain, depressed mood; blood clots, implant mobility, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts
Intrauterine device - Copper: A device is inserted into a woman's uterus (by a doctor)
to block sperm and change the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg
from implanting.
Failure rate = 0.8%
Side effects: ectopic
pregnancy, increased bleeding during the menstrual cycle, severe menstrual
pain, uterine perforation, pelvic inflammatory disease.
Intrauterine device
- progestogen:
Failure rate = 0.2%
Side effects: ectopic
pregnancy, increased bleeding during the menstrual cycle, severe menstrual
pain, uterine perforation, pelvic inflammatory disease.
Nothing/Chance: No
method of contraception
Failure rate = 85%
No side effects; high risk of
unwanted pregnancy
Oral contraceptives (estrogen/progestin): taken daily by women
to suppress ovulation, change cervical mucus, and change the lining of the
uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.
Failure rate = 9%
Side effects: Nausea,
headache, weight gain, depression, irregular bleeding, acne, blood clots *
Women who smoke are not recommended to take oral contraceptives.
Oral contraceptives (progestin only): women take daily to
change cervical mucus to block sperm and also change the lining of the uterus
to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.
Failure rate = 9%
Side effects: breast
tenderness, weight gain, menstrual cycle changes * Women who smoke are not
recommended to take oral contraceptives.
Birth control patch: a
patch containing synthetic hormones applied to the skin; works in the same way
as oral contraceptives
Failure rate = 9%
Side effects: similar to oral
contraceptives.
Spermicide (only): A
jelly, foam, or cream containing chemicals that kill sperm.
Failure rate = 28%
No side effects (other than
allergies)
Sponge:
Saucer-shaped soft polyurethane sponge that blocks the cervix and absorbs
semen.
Failure rate = 20% (40% after
delivery)
No side effects (other than
allergies)
Sterilization - Female:
permanent surgery to prevent pregnancy: the fallopian tube is damaged (cut,
bandaged, burned) to prevent the passage of eggs and sperm.
Failure rate = 0.5%
Side effects: If a woman
becomes pregnant after the sterilization procedure, there is a risk of an
ectopic pregnancy. The earlier the woman's age at the time of the procedure,
the higher the risk of pregnancy after 10 years (up to ~5%).
Sterilization - Male:
permanent surgery to prevent pregnancy: the vas deferens tube is damaged (cut,
bandaged, burned) to prevent semen from entering the ejaculatory fluid.
Failure rate = 0.15%
No Side Effects
Vaginal ring - hormonal:
a flexible ring placed in the vagina near the cervix. Active 3 weeks. It has an
action similar to oral contraceptives.
Failure rate = 9%
Side effects: blood clots,
liver or gallbladder problems, depressed mood, acne, headache, weight gain,
nausea/vomiting, circular motion.
Withdrawal:
Withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation
Failure rate = 22%
No Side Effects
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