Birth control failure

Birth control failure

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 


Related Links

Previous Post Next Post