Interceptional Care - HealthyStart Coalition of Hillsborugh County
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Contraceptive Methods

Perfect Use – is the percentage of women that will NOT get pregnant when the method is used as directed each and every time without any mistakes.

Typical Use– is the percentage of women that do NOT get pregnant while practically using the method. This includes occasional irregular use, incorrect use, mistakes and biologic differences.

Primary Birth Control How to Use Perfect Use Typical Use Rx Needed Protects Against STDs
Abstinence Not having vaginal sex 100% 100% No See Handout
Birth Control Pills Take 1 pill at the same time every day as directed. You have a period every 28 days. 99.9% 95% Yes No
Progestin–only Pills Take 1 pill at the same time every day as directed, there are no hormone–free days. 99.7% 92% Yes No
Depo–Shot Get a shot every 3 months 99.7% 97% Yes No
Patch Apply to skin and change weekly 99.7% 92% Yes No
Vaginal Ring Insert monthly and leave in place for 21 days—leave out for 7days for period 99.7% 92% Yes No
Spermicide Apply every time before sex 82% 71% No No
Diaphragm Insert every time before sex, use with Spermicide 94% with spermicide 84% with spermicide Yes No
Cervical Cap
  • Before 1st pregnancy
  • After 1st pregnancy
 Insert every time before sex, use with Spermicide
  • 91% with spermicide
  • 80% with spermicide
  • 84% with spermicide
  • 68% with spermicide
 Yes No
Female Condom Insert every time before sex 95% 79% No Yes
Male Condom Wear every time during sex; Never use with a Female Condom 98% 85% No Yes
IUD (hormonal) Inserted in the uterus by a doctor and can remain in place for up to 5 years 99.9% 99.9% IUD inserted by a healthcare professional No
IUD (copper) Inserted in the uterus by a doctor and can remain in place for up to 10 years 99.4% 99.2% IUD inserted by a healthcare professional No
Withdrawal When the man withdraws his penis before ejaculating 96% 73% No No
Tubal Ligation "Tubes Tied" No action required after surgery 99.5% 99.5% Performed Surgically No
Vasectomy No action required after surgery 99.9% 99.85% Performed Surgically No
Emergency Contraception Take 1st pill within 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive method failure. Take second pill 12 hours after the 1st dose. 89% unknown No, if 18 years old or older.
Yes, if under 18 years old. 		No