Free tool

How effective is each method?

Editorially reviewed on October 29, 2026. [TODO: medical reviewer]

Quick answer

In typical use, fewer than 1 in 100 women get pregnant in a year with an implant or IUD, about 4 with the injectable, about 7 with the pill, 13 with condoms and 20 with withdrawal. The gap between typical and perfect use is mostly missed pills and late shots.

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Method

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Combined pill

7 in 100 get pregnant in a year

Implant

Less than 1 in 100 get pregnant in a year

Educational only. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if unsure.

How it works

Each figure is the number of pregnancies per 100 women in the first year of use, from the WHO Family Planning Handbook comparison table.^[src] Typical use is real life, including mistakes. Perfect use is the method used exactly as directed every time.

Method	Typical use	Perfect use
Implant	0.1 in 100 (99.9%)	0.1 in 100 (99.9%)
Hormonal IUD	0.7 in 100 (99.3%)	0.5 in 100 (99.5%)
Copper IUD	0.8 in 100 (99.2%)	0.6 in 100 (99.4%)
Injectable (DMPA)	4 in 100 (96%)	0.2 in 100 (99.8%)
Combined pill	7 in 100 (93%)	0.3 in 100 (99.7%)
Progestin-only pill	7 in 100 (93%)	0.3 in 100 (99.7%)
Male condom	13 in 100 (87%)	2 in 100 (98%)
Withdrawal	20 in 100 (80%)	4 in 100 (96%)
Calendar method	12 in 100 (88%)	5 in 100 (95%)

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Frequently asked questions

What is the most effective birth control?

The implant, followed closely by hormonal and copper IUDs. In typical use, fewer than 1 in 100 users get pregnant in a year.

Effective ba ang withdrawal?

Mas mababa ito sa ibang method. Ayon sa WHO, mga 20 sa 100 ang nabubuntis sa isang taon sa typical use.

This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or switching birth control.

Sources

Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
Family planning / contraception methods (fact sheet), World Health Organization
Effectiveness of family planning methods (chart), US CDC Added during build. [TODO: confirm exact chart URL]