Condoms are highly effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly and consistently. The typical effectiveness of male condoms is about 87%, meaning about 13 out of 100 people relying on condoms as their only birth control method may get pregnant in a year. With perfect use, condoms can be about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Female condoms, when used correctly, are about 95% effective. Incorrect or inconsistent use lowers their effectiveness.
Effectiveness Rates
- Perfect use of male condoms: around 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Typical use of male condoms: around 87% effective.
- Female condoms: around 95% effective when used correctly.
Factors Affecting Effectiveness
- Correct use every time during sex greatly increases effectiveness.
- Incorrect use includes putting on condoms after genital contact, condom breakage, slippage, or reuse.
- Use of proper lubricants (water- or silicone-based) prevents condom damage.
- Choosing the right condom size and avoiding multiple condoms at once helps avoid tears.
Recommendations
- For improved pregnancy prevention, condoms may be combined with other birth control methods like spermicide, oral contraceptives, or diaphragms.
- Consistent and correct use is key to maximizing condom effectiveness.
- Condoms also reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In summary, condoms are a highly effective, safe, and accessible method of birth control when used properly, offering up to 98% pregnancy prevention with perfect use but about 87% effectiveness with common use practices.
