| Categorization | Specific Methods | Typical Failure Rates (one year) |
|---|---|---|
| Highly effective | Tubal ligation, hysterectomy | 0.50% |
| Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women in a year | Vasectomy | 0.15% |
| Hormonal implant | 0.05% | |
| IUD, coil, or loopA | 0.2–0.8% (depending on type) | |
| Effective | Emergency contraception B | |
| 6–12 pregnancies per 100 women in a year | Birth control pills | 9% |
| Depo-Provera (injectables) | 6% | |
| Contraceptive patch | 9% | |
| Diaphragm | 9% | |
| Vaginal contraceptive ring | 9% | |
| Least effective | Condom | 18% |
| 18–28 pregnancies per 100 women in a year | Female condom | 21% |
| Withdrawal | 22% | |
| Sponge | 12–22% (nulliparous & parous women, respectively) | |
| Foam | 28% | |
| Jelly or cream | 28% | |
| Suppository or insert | 28% | |
| Calendar rhythm, Standard days, or Cycle Beads | 24% | |
| Safe period by temperature or cervical mucus test | 24% | |
| No method | ||
| 85 pregnancies per 100 women in a year | ||
A
These three methods were grouped together in the original question in the NSFG survey.
B
Emergency contraception (EC) failure rates are generally not calculated in the same manner as other methods, as they are linked to specific experiences of unprotected sex. If EC was the only form of contraception used for an entire year, the risk of getting pregnant would range from 20% to 35%44. However, for a single instance, EC lowers the risk of pregnancy by 65%–95% in the case of oral pills (depending on formulation and when the pills were taken relative to unprotected sex) and up to 99% when a copper IUD is inserted.