Birth Control Pill Efficiency: A Closer Look
Having a baby isn't always on the agenda, and figuring out the perfect way to prevent pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Worry not, we've got you covered! Let's talk about hormonal birth control pills and other ways to keep those baby boots off the horizon.
Both combo and progestin-only birth control pills are pretty darn efficient if you're nailing that dosage every single time. But let's be real, who is perfect? With imperfect use, their effectiveness dips to 91%, and we all know that ain't exactly top-notch consistency! So, how do you know if your contraception really works and what that 91% figure means in real life?
Before you get jiggy, let's get the facts straight. Here's how effective hormonal birth control pills and other contraception techniques actually are at preventing those little bundles of joy from showing up uninvited.
How do birth control pills work?
The combo pill comes equipped with a double-Act heroes duo: estrogen and progestin. They gang up on your body, halting ovulation, and thickening that cervical mucus, which makes it a playground no more for the sperm.
The progestin-only pill, aka the "mini-pill," is just packing the progestin hormone on its own. It thickens the cervical mucus and thins the uterus lining, but it doesn't always play the ovulation-stopper. It's usually prescribed for specific cases, such as breastfeeding, estrogen concerns, certain medications, or specific health conditions.
But although both hormonal birth controls are slick in their anti-preggo skills, the mini-pill can stumble more easily with imperfect use.
Birth control pills effectiveness explained
If we talk percentages, 99% effective means 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant every year when using birth control pills perfectly. And 91% effective means 9 out of 100 people will get pregnant with imperfect use. That's right, ideally, you'll be chugging that pill at the exact same time every day and always prepared for factors that could make pills less effective (hello, condom back-up!).
But since perfection is a rare commodity, it's easy to slip up now and then. Imperfect use is when you're not using your BC correctly, and that's pretty much what we all are most of the time.
What makes birth control pills less effective?
Progestin-only pills drop the ball three hours late, according to Planned Parenthood. Combination pills, on the other hand, you're good to go even if there's a timing hiccup—so long as you take 1 pill every day.
When it comes to missing a dose, the ineffectiveness varies depending on the pill type, but it's always a good idea to set alarms and be regular, folks!
Both types of pills can become less effective when:
- you miss or skip a dose
- you aren't consistent regarding when you take it
- you're taking certain meds or antibiotics (especially rifampin) that decrease birth control's effectiveness.
- you have excessive weight
- you throw up within a 2-hour window of taking a dose
How effective is the pill when you first take it?
If you're thinking about starting the pill, you might be wondering, "How long will it take for the pill to kick in?" Well, that depends on many factors, particularly where in your menstrual cycle you choose to start.
If you take your first dose of a combination pill during the first five days of your period, those babies are blocked from ovulating from day one. But if you start after the fifth day, it'll take up to seven days for the pill to do its thing. So, it's essential to have other backup contraceptive methods during this initial period.
The minipill's on-duty time is similar. If you start on days one through four, you're protected instantly. Otherwise, it takes just two days for the minipill to do its job after the fifth day.
What's the effectiveness of other birth control methods?
With so many birth control options available, finding the best pregnancy prevention method for you is just a Google search away! Here's a break-down of how effective other BC methods are:
Hormonal IUD
Less than 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
The IUD – intrauterine device – is a T-shaped contraceptive device your doctor places inside your uterus. It releases hormones to prevent fertilization. IUDs need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years for optimal effectiveness.
Copper IUD
Less than 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
Unlike hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs don't use hormones, but they're still pretty effective. They prevent pregnancy by damaging sperm that enter the uterus. Copper IUDs last longer than their hormonal counterparts, needing replacement every 10 years.
Implant
Less than 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
Implants are small plastic rods placed under the skin of your upper arm. They release hormones that thicken cervical mucus and keep eggs from being released. This method of birth control lasts for up to three years before needing replacement.
Vasectomy
Less than 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure where the tubes that sperm travel through are cut or sealed shut, so the partner with a penis starts shooting blanks. It has a three-month wait time to become fully effective, and during this period, you'll need to use another form of birth control to avoid babies.
Female sterilization (tubal ligation)
Less than 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
Sterilization by tubal ligation – getting your tubes tied – is a surgical procedure where your fallopian tubes are cut or tied, so eggs can't reach the uterus, and sperm can't reach the eggs. This is a permanent procedure, so no turning back if you change your mind.
Injection
6 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
Shots, like Depo-Provera, are an injected form of BC that releases hormones to stop ovulation, while thickening cervical mucus. For optimal effectiveness, you need to get an injection every 12 weeks. But missing or delaying an injection can significantly increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
Patch
9 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
The patch is an easy-to-use birth control method that's great for those looking for low-maintenance contraception. The patch needs to be replaced every week, but it's easy to forget or mess up.
Vaginal ring
9 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
The ring releases hormones to thicken cervical mucus and prevent ovulation. You simply insert it into your vagina and voila! But, to ensure optimal results, you'll want to replace the ring every three weeks, remember to remove it after a week, and insert a new ring on the same day each month.
Diaphragms
12 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
Diaphragms are inserted into the vagina and rest near the cervix to create a barrier. Failure to insert diaphragms correctly or leaving them in for less than 6 to 8 hours after sex can make them ineffective.
Male condoms
18 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
The male condom is a reliable method to prevent pregnancy when used correctly. But there's a wide margin of error in its effectiveness, so condoms can sometimes stain the road to baby-free existence.
Female condoms
21 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
Female condoms are inserted into the vagina to create a barrier. They can be highly effective if used correctly. But improper insertion, storage, or usage after penetration can decrease their effectiveness.
Pull-out method
22 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
The pull-out method requires significant self-control to work efficiently. If you pull out before ejaculation and hope to avoid pregnancy, you might catch a lucky break, but there's still the possibility of sperm finding its way into pre-ejaculate fluids.
Cervical caps
Up to 23 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
Like diaphragms, cervical caps are placed near the cervix to create a barrier. Their effectiveness can vary depending on correct insertion and leaving them in for a minimum of 6 hours after sex.
Fertility awareness method (FAM)
24 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
The fertility awareness method (FAM) is a natural birth control method that involves tracking menstrual cycles to avoid intercourse on fertile days or using backup methods of contraception. The method's effectiveness can be thrown off by irregular periods or inaccurate calculations.
Sponge
Up to 24 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
This soft, spongey birth control method is inserted into the vagina and coated in spermicide to act as a barrier. Accurate insertion and leaving it in for a minimum of 6 hours after sex are essential for optimal results.
Spermicide
28 out of 100 people will get pregnant.
Spermicide is a topical birth control method that can be used on its own or with other methods like condoms or diaphragms. It coats the inside of the vagina and prevents sperm from reaching the cervix. Proper insertion and avoiding expired or improperly stored spermicide are crucial for its effectiveness.
Is birth control ever 100 percent effective?
Real talk: there's no way to guarantee that you won't get pregnant unless you're throwing celibacy into the mix. But if celibacy ain't your thing, it's important to understand that no form of birth control is ever 100% effective.
If you think your birth control might have failed, emergency contraceptives, like Plan B, can help prevent pregnancy within 72 hours (that's 3 days) of sex. However, Plan B may not work as effectively for people with a body mass index (BMI) over 25.
Ella emergency contraception might be a better choice if you weigh more than 155 pounds. Planned Parenthood notes that Ella is about 85% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken up to 5 days after sex, but may be less effective for folks who weigh over 195 pounds.
Bottom line
If you're sexually active, there's no method that's one hundred percent effective in preventing pregnancy. With consistent use, birth control pills can be up to 99% effective, and even then, you gotta be johnny-on-the-spot with your pills.
Use your egg birds common sense when choosing a birth control method – research, consider your lifestyle, and consult your doc! And remember, no BC will protect you from sexually transmitted infections, so it's essential to practice safer sex and get regular STD checks.
- The combo pill, with its estrogen and progestin combination, and the progestin-only pill, or the mini-pill, are effective in preventing pregnancy, but their effectiveness drops to 91% with imperfect use, meaning 9 out of 100 people may get pregnant under such circumstances.
- The effectiveness of hormonal birth control pills is sometimes hard to understand, as 99% effective means 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant every year when using birth control pills perfectly, and 91% effective means 9 out of 100 people will get pregnant with imperfect use.
- Other contraception techniques like the IUD, implant, vasectomy, female sterilization (tubal ligation), injection, patch, vaginal ring, diaphragms, male condoms, female condoms, pull-out method, cervical caps, fertility awareness method (FAM), sponge, spermicide, and emergency contraceptives like Plan B and Ella, have varying levels of effectiveness, but none can guarantee 100% prevention of pregnancy, even with perfect use.