Check out these contraception methods to learn about how use them, plus benefits and downsides of use.
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Methods are ranked by effectiveness, with most effective methods appearing first. Percentages indicate the number out of every 100 users who experienced an unintended preganacy within the first year of typical use of each contraceptive method.
Contraceptive methods
MOST EFFECTIVE (<1 pregnancy per 100 users per year with typical use)
Implant (<1 pregnancy per 100 users per year) -- long-acting, reversible
IUD (<1 pregnancy per 100 users per year) -- long-acting, reversible
Sterilization (<1 pregnancy per 100 users per year) -- long-acting, permanent
MODERATELY EFFECTIVE (6-40 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use)
Hormonal methods (6-9 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use):
Shot (6 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use)
Pill (9 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use)
Patch (9 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use)
Ring (9 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use)
Barrier methods (18-40 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use):
External (male) condom (18 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use) -- protects against sexually transmitted infections
Internal (female) condom (21 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use) -- protects against sexually transmitted infections
Other barrier methods: Diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge with spermicide (6-40 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use)
LEAST EFFECTIVE (22-28 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use)
Withdrawal (22 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use)
Fertility awareness (12-24 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use)
Spermicide alone (28 pregnancies per 100 users per year with typical use)