Although all birth control methods have the same purpose of preventing unwanted pregnancies, these are not equal when it comes to efficiency. This only means that not all forms of birth control can prevent or delay pregnancy100 percent. While a number of these methods are reported as highly efficient, some methods are proven to be less effective or completely inefficient at all.
To reiterate the point, it is true that there is a chance for a woman to get pregnant on birth control. Pregnancy is still possible even while couples are using or practicing what they regard as the best contraception method for them. Below are the inefficiency rates of some of the common types of birth control methods:
Barrier methods:
1. Condom (male and female) – three to five percent
2. Diaphragm - six percent
3. Spermicide – six percent
4. Sponge – nine percent
Hormonal methods
1. Birth control pill – 0.1 percent
2. Depo-Provera shot – 0.3 percent
3. Mini-pill – 0.5 percent
4. Norplant – 0.09 percent
Natural method
1. Natural family planning – one to nine percent
2. Withdrawal – four percent
As seen on the list above, efficiency rates of birth control methods and practices vary according to types. The ones with the highest inefficiency rates are the birth control options on the barrier method, and the more effective forms are the hormonal contraception methods.
To get the most out of the various forms of birth control, the following are some helpful tips to consider when expecting high efficiency results from contraception methods:
1. Always seek the advice and recommendation of a specialist or doctor.
Before purchasing or practicing a particular type of birth control, it is always best to go and consult a specialist or a doctor first to hear out suitable recommendations. It is not advisable to immediately adhere to a particular contraception method, particularly medications and the ones involving minor operations, without the consent or recommendation of a specialist.
2. Combine two or more methods of contraception to increase efficiency.
Try to use or combine different types of birth control methods to even more lessen the risk of pregnancy. Perfect examples of this trick is to use a condom with spermicide and to use condoms even while on pill.
3. Determine the purpose and duration of using or practicing certain birth control methods.
To really get the most out of birth control means, one should have a fixed plan on the purpose and duration of using and practicing a particular contraception method. This only means that if a woman is determined not to get pregnant, she can adhere to permanent birth control forms instead of the ones that pose high inefficiency rates. As for those who are still planning to get pregnant but are just not ready, both emotionally and financially, they can use non-permanent contraception methods instead.
