Birth control methods, failure rates, and side effects |
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Method |
Failure rate (the number of pregnancies expected per 100 women) |
Some side effects and risks |
| Sterilization surgery for women | Less than 1 pregnancy | · Pain· Bleeding
· Complications from surgery · Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy |
| Sterilization implant for women (Essure) |
Less than 1 pregnancy | · Pain· Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy |
| Sterilization surgery for men | Less than 1 pregnancy | · Pain· Bleeding
· Complications from surgery |
| Implantable rod (Implanon) |
Less than 1 pregnancyMight not work as well for women who are overweight or obese. | · Acne· Weight gain
· Ovarian cysts · Mood changes · Depression · Hair loss · Headache · Upset stomach · Dizziness · Sore breasts · Changes in period · Lower interest in sex |
| Intrauterine device (ParaGard, Mirena) |
Less than 1 pregnancy | · Cramps· Bleeding between periods
· Pelvic inflammatory disease · Infertility · Tear or hole in the uterus |
| Shot/injection (Depo-Provera) |
Less than 1 pregnancy | · Bleeding between periods· Weight gain
· Sore breasts · Headaches · Bone loss with long-term use |
| Oral contraceptives (combination pill, or “the pill”) | 5 pregnanciesBeing overweight may increase the chance of getting pregnant while using the pill.
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· Dizziness· Upset stomach
· Changes in your period · Changes in mood · Weight gain · High blood pressure · Blood clots · Heart attack · Stroke · New vision problems |
| Oral contraceptives (continuous/extended use, or “no-period pill”) | 5 pregnanciesBeing overweight may increase the chance of getting pregnant while using the pill. | · Same as combination pill· Spotting or bleeding between periods
· Hard to know if pregnant |
| Oral contraceptives (progestin-only pill, or “mini-pill”) | 5 pregnanciesBeing overweight may increase the chance of getting pregnant while using the pill. | · Spotting or bleeding between periods· Weight gain
· Sore breasts |
| Skin patch (Ortho Evra) |
5 pregnanciesMay not work as well in women weighing more than 198 pounds. | · Similar to side effects for the combination pill· Greater exposure to estrogen than with other methods |
| Vaginal ring (NuvaRing) | 5 pregnancies | · Similar to side effects for the combination pill· Swelling of the vagina
· Irritation · Vaginal discharge |
| Male condom | 11-16 pregnancies | · Allergic reactions |
| Diaphragm with spermicide | 15 pregnancies | · Irritation· Allergic reactions
· Urinary tract infection · Toxic shock if left in too long |
| Sponge with spermicide (Today Sponge) | 16-32 pregnancies | · Irritation· Allergic reactions
· Hard time taking it out · Toxic shock if left in too long |
| Cervical cap with spermicide | 17-23 pregnancies | · Irritation· Allergic reactions
· Abnormal Pap smear · Toxic shock if left in too long |
| Female condom | 20 pregnancies | · Irritation· Allergic reactions |
| Natural family planning (rhythm method) | 25 pregnancies | None |
| Spermicide alone | 30 pregnanciesIt works best if used along with a barrier method, such as a condom. | · Irritation· Allergic reactions
· Urinary tract infection |
| Emergency contraception (“morning-after pill,” “Plan B One-Step,” “Next Choice”) | 1 pregnancyIt must be used within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.
Should not be used as regular birth control; only in emergencies. |
· Upset stomach· Vomiting
· Lower stomach pain · Fatigue · Headache and dizziness · Irregular bleeding · Breast tenderness
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