Method                     Actual Failure      Theoretical Failure Rate
 
Chance                        85%               85%
 
Spermicides only              21%                3%
 
Periodic Abstinence           20%              2 - 9%
 
Withdrawal                    18%                4%
 (pulling out)
 
Cervical Cap                  18%                6%
 
Diaphragm                     18%                6%
 
Condom                        12%                2%
 
IUD                            3%             0.8 - 2%
 
Oral Contraceptive Pill        3%                0.1%
 
Injected Depo-Provera          0.3%              0.3%
 
Female Sterilization           0.4%              0.2%
 (Tubal Ligation)
 
Male Sterilization             0.2%              0.1%
 (Vasectomy)
 
Levonorgestrel Implants        0.04%             0.04%
 (Norplant)
 
Method                     Actual Failure      Theoretical Failure Rate
 
 
From: Trussell J, Hatcher RA, Cates W, Stewart FH, Kost K.
A guide to interpreting contraceptive efficacy studies.
Obstet Gynecol  1990;  76:558-67.

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