Yes! Birth control is not 100% effective. There are many different forms of birth control, and they all work differently. Because they all work differently, they vary in how well they work!
Here are the various types of birth control your girlfriend might use, their effectiveness, and how they work. Remember, abstinence is the only way to guarantee the prevention of pregnancy and STDs.
Birth Control Type | How It Works | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
Condoms | A barrier method of contraception - designed to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. Has to be put on correctly, kept at the appropriate temperature, not used with oil-based lubricants, cannot be used more than once, and used before the expiration date on the package | 98% (when used correctly) |
Pill | A prescription pill taken at the same time each day. If you are older than 35, smoke, or have a history of blood clots or breast cancer, your doctor may advise you not to take the pill. | 93% |
IUD (Intrauterine Device) | A T-shaped device placed in the uterus by a doctor. It releases a steady amount of hormones to prevent pregnancy. Depending on the device, a doctor will replace it every 3-8 years. | 99.6-99.9% The copper form of the IUD has an effectiveness of 99.2% |
Implant | A hormonal rod placed in a woman's upper arm by a doctor. Typically stays in place for about three years before needing to be replaced. | 99.9% |
Shot | A shot given by your doctor every three months. | 96% |
Patch | A patch worn on the body in a specific location that is replaced once a week for three weeks every month. | 93% |
Ring | A hormonal ring placed inside the vagina once a week for three weeks, every month. | 93% |
These numbers might sound good, but you could be in that 1 - 7% failure rate. If you are not planning on getting pregnant or are unprepared to have a baby, your best action plan would be to refrain from sexual intercourse.
If you think you are pregnant, make an appointment with us today!
Sources:
CDC (2022, November 1). Contraception. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm
NHS (2022, November 1). Condoms. Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm
