Table 6.1.

Contraceptive Failure Rates

Types of Ideal Failure Advantages Disadvantages

Contraceptive Failure Rate (%)
Rate (%) Typical
Perfect Use
Use
Natural Family Planning
Abstinence 100% 85% Acceptable to all religious Requires high
groups motivation and
periods of
abstinence
Lactation, 1%-5% 95% (after Effective while infant is Temporary
Amenorrhea (under 6 6 months) totally breastfeed; measure
months) approved by all religions Not reliable if
and cultures infant take
supplemental
feedings
Calendar 1%-9% 25% No cost Requires
motivation,
cooperation
Standard day 5% 12%-13% Visual aid can improve Initial cost
method: CycleBeads compliance May need to mark
Available as iPhone app on a calendar they
have moved a bead
rather than rely on
memory
Basal Body 3% 25% Cost of thermometer Requires
Temperature (BBT) motivation and
cooperation by
male partner
Ovulation Method 3% 25% No Cost Requires
motivation and
cooperation by
male partner
Symptothermal 0.4% 25% No Cost Requires
motivation and
cooperation by
male partner
Two-day method 3%-4% 13%-14% No cost Requires
motivation and
cooperation by
male partner
Withdrawal 4% 22% A male controlled method Sperm may be
present in pre-
ejaculatory fluid
Barrier Methods
Spermicide 18% 28% Easy to use May leave an
Sold over the counter annoying vaginal
discharge
Male condom 2% 18% Protects against STIs Requires
Male responsibility interruption of
No prescription necessary sexual activity
 Female condom 5% 21% Protection against STIs Insertion may be
difficult
Sponge (parous 20% 24% Easy to insert May cause leakage
woman) No prescription Necessary to take
measures to avoid
TSS

Sponge (multiparous 9% 12% Easy to insert May cause leakage

woman) No prescription Necessary to avoid
TSS

Diaphragm 6% 12% Easy to insert Prescription needed

Necessary to take
measures to avoid
TSS

Cervical cap (parous 23% 35% Can leave in place for May be difficult to
woman) several days if needed insert
Can irritate cervix
Necessary to take
measures to avoid
TSS
Cervical cap 9% 18% Can leave in place for May be difficult to
(multiparous several days if desired insert
woman) Can irritate cervix
Necessary to take
measures to avoid
TSS

Transdermal Patch 0.3% 9% Easy to apply Irritation at local

site

Vaginal Ring 0.3% 9% Easy to insert May need reminder

to insert
Combination Oral 0.3% 9% Coitus independent Continual cost
Contraceptives Possible side effect
(COCs) of
Thrombophlebitis

Progestin- only pills 0.5% 5%-8% Coitus independent Continual cost

(mini- pills) No side effects of COC’s
Injectable 1.2% 6% Coitus independent Continual cost
Progesterone Dependable for 12 weeks Continual injection
(DMPA)
Intradermal Implant 0.05% 0.05% Coitus independent Initial cost
(Nexplanon) Dependable for 5 years Appearance on arm

IUD (copper T) 0.6% 0.8% No memory or motivation Cramping,

needed bleeding
Expulsion possible
Mirena IUD 0.2% 0.2% No memory or motivation Cramping,
needed bleeding
Expulsion possible
Surgical Methods
Female Sterilization 0.5% 0.5% Permanent and highly Initial cost
reliable Irreversible
Male Sterilization 0.1% 0.15% Permanent and highly Initial cost
reliable Irreversible
Postcoital (Emergency) Methods
Postcoital Pills 1%-2% 25% Can be purchased over the May cause nausea
counter
Postcoital IUD 0.1% 0.1%-2% Can be inserted up to 5 Visit to a
days after unprotected healthcare provider
coitus is needed within 5
Can be left in place as days (120 hr) of
contraceptive measure unprotected coitus