Which Contraceptive Method Is Most Effective?

September 4 marks World Sexual Health Day. According to a recent study carried out by KFF in 2024, over 80 percent of women of reproductive age in the United States were using some form of contraception in the 12 months prior to the survey. While the contraceptive pill remains the most commonly used method among women in the U.S., long-acting methods such as the intrauterine devices (IUDs) have become more popular over the years.

While the primary goal of contraception is to prevent unintended pregnancies, some methods offer additional benefits. For example, male and female condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and certain hormonal contraceptives can help alleviate painful menstrual periods.

Data from France’s National Institute of Health and Medical Research (inserm) shows that long-acting contraceptive methods such as the IUD and the contraceptive implant are among those less prone to user error. Their effectiveness remains consistent in real-world use, as implants and IUDs are inserted once and remain in place for several years (three years for implants, five years for IUDs).

By contrast, the contraceptive pill, whether combined (containing both estrogen and progestin) or progestin-only, is 99.7 percent effective under optimal operating conditions, but only 92 percent effective in practice. The same applies to the contraceptive patch, which must be changed weekly, and the vaginal ring, which lasts for one month.

Condoms, both male and female, are the most likely to be used incorrectly, but remain the only method that protects against STIs.