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HOW WELL WILL MY METHOD WORK?
Many things determine how well the birth control method you choose works. For example, your age, how many children you have, if you have ever used the method before, how consistently you use the method, and the nature of the method it self.
The following table will show you how well a method might work for the typical first time user and how well it might work for the “perfect” user. The perfect user is someone who uses the method consistently and follows all the rules of use completely.
PERCENT GETTING PREGNANT WITHIN FIRST YEAR OF USE
|
| Method |
Typical User |
“Perfect” User |
| |
| Sterilization |
less than 1% |
less than 1% |
| (female or male) |
| |
| Depo-Provera (the "shot") |
less than 1% |
less than 1% |
| |
| The Pill |
|
|
| Progestin only |
7% |
less than 1% |
| Combination |
3% |
less than 1% |
| |
| IUD |
less than 1% |
less than 1% |
| |
| Diaphragm |
20% |
6% |
| |
| Cervical Cap |
20% - 40% |
9% - 26% |
| |
| Condom |
14% |
3% |
| |
| Female Condom |
21% |
5% |
| |
| Contraceptive Foam, Cream, Jelly, Film, Suppository
|
26% |
6% |
| |
|
|
| Natural or Fertility Awareness Method |
25% |
1-9% |
| |
|
|
| Abstinence |
Variable |
0% |
| |
|
|
| Chance (no method) |
85% |
85% |
|
|
|
|
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