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Side Effects and Failure

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 pregnancy

Might 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 pregnancies

Being overweight may increase the chance of getting pregnant while using the pill.

 
  • 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 pregnancies

Being 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 pregnancies

Being 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 pregnancies

May 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 pregnancies

It 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 pregnancy

It 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

 

Office on Women\’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, womenshealth.gov (or girlshealth.gov)