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Birth Control to Prevent Pregnancy: How Effective Is It?
Eachform of birth controlhas a unique success rate, even when used according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Below is a list of some types of birth control and how effective they are when used correctly.
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There are also options that use a tiny rod inserted into the arm (Nexplanon).
These devices are between 99.6% and 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly.
Pills
Oral contraceptives, or “the pill,” come in many forms.
They might be made up of progestin or a combination of the reproductive hormones progestin and estrogen.
These pills are usually taken daily and should be taken around the same time each day.
Birth control injections use a shot of progestin in the buttocks or arm.
Condoms are the barrier method that usually comes to mind first, but there are other types.
Spermicidal creams, diaphragms, and female condoms offer additional options.
How well they work varies by bang out.
The “Pull-Out” Method
Thepull-out methodinvolves withdrawing the penis just before ejaculation.
Pulling out is difficult in practice and results in pregnancy for about 1 in 5 people who attempt it.
Other Uses for Birth Control
Preventing pregnancy isn’t the only use for hormonal contraceptives.
Barrier methods of birth control, like condoms, work right away, but only when you use them.
Hormonal forms of birth control take sometime to become effectiveusually around one week.
The exception is IUDs, which are effective within hours of insertion.
How Effective Is Birth Control With a Condom?
Condoms are pretty effective for preventing pregnancy, but it depends on how you use them.
Implanted devices and injections deliver small doses of hormones released over time, leaving little room for human error.
Pillsrequire you to remember to do something every day at the same time.
These medications are used immediately after sex to prevent ovulation.
They do not induce abortions or prevent the transmission of STIs.
Emergency contraception availability can vary based on where you live due tocontroversy over their use.
Summary
How well birth control works depends on how accurately you use it.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your sexual practices and health to find the right contraceptive tool.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception.
BMJ.Antibiotics may lessen the effectiveness of hormonal contraception.
Planned Parenthood.How effective is pulling out?.
Health.July 2020;29(7).
National Health Service.Intrauterine unit (IUD).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Condom fact sheet in brief.
World Health Organization.Emergency contraception.