failure rate ( contraception , perimenopause )

Last reviewed 03/2022

Male methods:

  • condom - the failure rate in women over the age of 35 years is approximately 2.9 per 100 women years (1)
  • vasectomy - the failure rate of a vasectomy is approximately 0.08 per 100 women years (1)

Female methods:

  • barrier methods - when used with a spermicide, barrier methods; the overall failure rate for barrier methods is 2.8 per 100 women years (1)
  • combined oral contraceptive pill - failure rate in women over 35 years is between 0.2-3.0 per 100 women years (1)
  • progestogen only pill - the failure rate is 0-1 per 100 women years (1)
  • copper-containing intrauterine devices - the failure rate is 0.3-2.0 per 100 women years (1)
  • levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system - the failure rate is about 0.2 per 100 women years (1)

Reference:

  • 1) Family Planning Association. Method failure rates.