Birth Control Methods: How Well Do They Work? (for Teens)

Some Birth Control Methods Work Better Than Others

Some birth control methods work better than others. This graph compares the effectiveness of various methods for preventing pregnancy.

The most effective way to prevent pregnancy is abstinence. However, many couples become pregnant within the first year of their commitment to abstinence because they engage in sex but do not use protection. So learning about birth control is a good idea even for those who don’t intend to have sex.

Couples who engage in sexual activity must use birth control effectively and consistently to avoid becoming pregnant. For instance, using the birth control pill to prevent pregnancy can be successful. But if pills are skipped, it isnt an effective method. Condoms can be an effective form of birth control too. However, failing to use one or using one incorrectly is not a reliable method of contraception.

Birth Control Methods Chart & Ratings

The graph displays how many of each type of birth control’s 100 couples will become pregnant within a year. The data displayed is applicable to all couples, not just young couples. For teenage users, some birth control methods might be less effective. For instance, because their bodies have not yet established a regular menstrual cycle, teens who practice fertility awareness (also known as the rhythm method) may have an even higher chance of becoming pregnant than adults.

We rank the efficacy of various birth control options according to how frequently they are used. In contrast to “perfect” use, which implies that no errors are made when using that method, “typical” use describes how the average person uses that birth control method.

Here are the ratings and what they mean:

completely effective: no couples will become pregnant while using that method

very effective: 1–2 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method

effective: 2–12 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method

moderately effective: 13–20 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method

less effective: 21–40 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method

not effective: more than 40 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method

Abstinence and condoms offer some protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), in addition to preventing pregnancy. Condoms should also be used because the majority of other birth control methods do not offer adequate protection against STDs.

HOW LONG WILL EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION PROTECT ME?

If you engage in unprotected sexual activity once more, do not rely on emergency contraception to protect you. If you intend to engage in sexual activity, you should use spermicide and condoms. Consult your physician about beginning an effective method of birth control.

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