The following chart compares some of the popular reversible contraceptives. Each method is listed with its estimated "perfect use failure rate," that is, the percentage of pregnancies which occur annually if the method is used perfectly and consistently. The "actual failure rate," also listed below, is the percentage of pregnancies reported by typical users. All of these figures are
among couples initiating the specified method for one year. The columns on the right indicate how each method works, giving an idea of which mechanisms are employed as birth control.

Failure rates for hormonal methods and the IUD may be lower because of the abortive mechanisms which take effect when conception is not prevented.

If you're a teen, read about some special issues concerning birth control failure rates for teens. Find out here.

BIRTH CONTROL FAILURE RATES Annually:

Method of Birth Control	perfect use	actual use
Abstinence	0%	0%
Spermicides	6%	21%
Male Condoms	3%	12%
Female Condoms	5%	21%
Diaphragm	6%	18%
Cervical Cap (w/o prior pregnancy)	9%	18%
Cervical Cap (w/ prior pregnancy)	26%	36%
Ovulation Method	3%	20%
Sympto-Thermal Method	2%	15%
Post-Ovulatory NFP	.01%	1%
Calendar Method	9%	24%
Lactation (LAM)	0.5%	6%
Withdrawal	4%	19%
Combined Oral Contraceptives	0.1%	3-8%
The Mini-Pill	0.5%	1-13%
Norplant	0.1%	0.1-9%
Depo-Provera	0.3%	—
IUD	0.6-1.5%	0.8-2%
No Method	85%	85%

* failure rates are based on the number of pregnancies occuring when 100 women use the method for one year

All methods of birth control can fail, even if used perfectly. Babies are precious, but an unplanned pregnancy can create stress and turmoil. Sex makes babies. Discuss the possiblity of pregnancy with your partner before becoming sexually active.