Pregnancy Rates

Pregnancy Rates for Temporary Birth Control Methods
(For One Year of Use) 1

The following table shows estimates of the percentage of women who will likely become pregnant while using a particular birth control method for one year. These rates reflect typical use. Methods marked with an asterisk (*) do not have information for typical use and the rates are based on people in a clinical study. Some methods have lower pregnancy rates depending on whether or not you have had children.

Methods Rate of Pregnancy
Hormonal Methods
Implant (Norplant™ and Norplant™ 2)

Hormone shot (Depo-Provera™)
Birth control pills
Nuva Ring
Ortho Evra

 0.05%
0.3%
5%
1.2%*

1%*

Barrier Methods:
Male Latex Condom
Diaphragm

Cervical Cap
Female Condom
Lea’s Shield

 14%
17%
17%
21%
15%
Spermicide:
Gel, foam, suppository, film

26%

Natural Methods:
Withdrawal
Natural Family Planning
(calendar, temperature, cervical mucus)

19%
25%

No method

85%

1. Trussell J. Contraceptive failure. In: Hatcher R, Trussell J. Stewart FH, et al. Contraceptive technology, 18th Ed. New York, NY: Ardent Media, Inc; 2004.

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