The only method of birth control that can prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV is the condom and even condoms are not 100 percent effective against STDs. Contraception effectiveness rates for preventing pregnancy vary greatly depending on the method used.
Check out the following chart:
<caption>Methods of Birth Control</caption> <TH id=h1 WIDTH="50%]
Method </TH> <TH id=h2 WIDTH="25%]
Rate of Pregnancy with Typical Use </TH> <TH id=h3 WIDTH="25%]
Lowest Expected Rate of Pregnancy </TH>
Male Sterilization
0.15%
0.1%
Female Sterilization
0.5%
0.5%
Hormonal Methods:
Implant (Norplant)
0.09%
0.09%
Hormone Shot (Depo Provera)
0.3%
0.3%
Combined Pill (Estrogen/Progestin)
5%
0.5%
Minipill (Pregestin only)
5%
0.5%
Intrauterine Devises (IUDs):
Copper T
0.8%
0.6%
Progesterone T
2%
1.5%
Barrier Methods:
Male Latex Condom (1)
14%
3%
Diaphragm (2)
20%
6%
Vaginal Sponge (no prev. births) (3)
20%
9%
Vaginal Sponge (previous births) (3)
40%
20%
Cervical Cap (no prev. births) (2)
20%
9%
Cervical Cap (previous births)
40%
26%
Female Condom
21%
5%
Spermacide:
(gel, foam, suppository, film)
26%
6%
Natural Methods:
Withdrawal
19%
4%
Natural Family Planning(calendar, temperature,cervical mucus)
25%
1-9%
No Method:
85%
85%
(1) without spermacide, (2) with spermacide, (3) contains spermacide
Data adapted from: R. Hatcher, J. Trussell, F. Stewart, et al., Contraceptive Technology, 17th Revised edition, New York, NY: Irvington Publishers Inc. (in press). Table prepared by FDA: 5/13/97
Contraceptives Resource Center
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Adapted from the United States Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services
Updated 01/20/06
