| Method |
Used
by |
Theoretical*
Failure Rate |
Actual**
Failure Rate |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Vasectomy |
Man |
.02-0.1% |
.02-0.2% |
Very
high effectiveness; no cumbersome methods to use before or during
intercourse
|
Should
be considered permanent; some risk of infection |
| Tubal
Ligation ("tying off tubes") |
Woman |
0.2%
|
0.2-0.4%
|
Comparable
in effectiveness to vasectomy |
More
expensive and complicated than vasectomy with higher surgical
risk
|
| Birth
Control Pill (combination) |
Woman |
0.1%
|
.16-3%
|
High
success rate; no loss of sensation; other established health benefits
|
Side
effects can be significant |
| Method |
Used
by |
Theoretical*
Failure Rate |
Actual**
Failure Rate |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Condom |
Man |
1-3% |
1-33% |
No
side effects; adds protection from sexually transmitted diseases |
Reduced
sensation; risk of pregnancy if not used correctly; application
cumbersome
|
| Diaphragm |
Woman |
1-6%
|
1-21%
|
No
loss of sensation |
Prescription
required; application cumbersome
|
| Spermicidal
jelly, foam, cream or suppositories |
Woman |
3%
|
13-28%
|
No
serious side effects or loss of sensation; prescription not required
|
Cumbersome;
lower effectiveness |
| Method |
Used
by |
Theoretical*
Failure Rate |
Actual**
Failure Rate |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Hormonal
Implants |
Woman
|
.2% |
.2% |
High
effectiveness; one implant lasts up to 5 years |
Requires
surgical insertion and removal; irregular vaginal bleeding
|
| Intrauterine
device (IUD) |
Woman |
0.6-1.5%
|
0.5-3%
|
One-time
application; high success rate; no loss of sensation
|
Prescription
required; some side effects |
| Natural
family planning ("rhythm method") |
Both
partners |
1-3% |
14-47% |
Nothing
to buy or apply |
Requires
abstention for 5-15 days per month; high risk of pregnancy
|
| Withdrawal |
Man |
4% |
19% |
Nothing
to buy or apply |
Reduced
satisfaction; high risk of pregnancy
|
| No
Method |
Both
partners |
85% |
85% |
Nothing
to buy or apply |
Play
now, pay later
|
