Effectiveness of main contraceptive methods, according to theoretical effectiveness or Pearl Index and practical effectiveness in 2011
(index, 0 = 100 percent effective contraception)
Characteristic
Pearl Index or theoretical effectiveness
Practical effectiveness
Implants
0.05
0.05
Vasectomy
0.1
0.15
Levonorgestrel intrauterine device
0.2
0.2
Tubal ligation
0.5
0.5
Copper intrauterine device
0.6
0.8
Progestin pill
0.3
8
Estroprogestative pill
0.3
8
Male condoms
2
15
Cervical cape*
9
16
Diaphragm and spermicides
6
16
Natural methods*
1
20
Spermicides
18
29
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Among the safest contraception methods are unsurprisingly vasectomy and tubal ligation, which are permanent contraception methods. Implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are also particularly effective. The contraceptive pill, condoms, and certain natural methods have high theoretical effectiveness, but in practice, user errors make them less reliable.
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Ameli. (July 12, 2022). Effectiveness of main contraceptive methods, according to theoretical effectiveness or Pearl Index and practical effectiveness in 2011 (index, 0 = 100 percent effective contraception) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 22, 2026, from /statistics/1649234/contraception-pearl-index-theoretical-and-practical-effectiveness/
Ameli. "Effectiveness of main contraceptive methods, according to theoretical effectiveness or Pearl Index and practical effectiveness in 2011 (index, 0 = 100 percent effective contraception)." Chart. July 12, 2022. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 22, 2026. /statistics/1649234/contraception-pearl-index-theoretical-and-practical-effectiveness/
Ameli. (2022). Effectiveness of main contraceptive methods, according to theoretical effectiveness or Pearl Index and practical effectiveness in 2011 (index, 0 = 100 percent effective contraception). ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 22, 2026. /statistics/1649234/contraception-pearl-index-theoretical-and-practical-effectiveness/
Ameli. "Effectiveness of Main Contraceptive Methods, According to Theoretical Effectiveness or Pearl Index and Practical Effectiveness in 2011 (Index, 0 = 100 Percent Effective Contraception)." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 12 Jul 2022, /statistics/1649234/contraception-pearl-index-theoretical-and-practical-effectiveness/
Ameli, Effectiveness of main contraceptive methods, according to theoretical effectiveness or Pearl Index and practical effectiveness in 2011 (index, 0 = 100 percent effective contraception) ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1649234/contraception-pearl-index-theoretical-and-practical-effectiveness/ (last visited July 22, 2026)
Effectiveness of main contraceptive methods, according to theoretical effectiveness or Pearl Index and practical effectiveness in 2011 (index, 0 = 100 percent effective contraception) [Graph], Ameli, July 12, 2022. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1649234/contraception-pearl-index-theoretical-and-practical-effectiveness/
