Combined Methods Calculator
Check Out Our More Advanced Contraceptive Risk Calculator:
Understanding Typical Use vs. Perfect Use
Perfect use measures how effective a contraceptive method is when used consistently and correctly every time, typically in clinical trials. Typical use reflects how the method performs in real-life situations, where mistakes can happen, like a condom breaking, or forgetting to take a pill every now and then.
For example, birth control pills are 99% effective with perfect use, meaning only 1 out of 100 women may become pregnant each year. However, with typical use, their effectiveness drops to about 91%, resulting in 9 out of 100 pregnancies.
In contrast, long-acting methods like the hormonal implant have similar effectiveness rates for both perfect and typical use because they require little to no user intervention once in place. On the other hand, methods such as fertility awareness have a wider gap between perfect and typical use effectiveness due to the higher potential for user error.
Since everyday use often involves inconsistencies, it’s important to consider typical use rates when choosing a contraceptive method. Proper education and consistent application can help you achieve effectiveness closer to perfect use.
Important Note: The effectiveness rates provided are based on extensive large-scale studies. In the most comprehensive of these, newly married couples were observed for an entire year. Therefore, these percentages represent the probability of becoming pregnant using these methods over the course of one year.
Use With Care! This calculator is a rough guide and should be used with a big grain of salt! For example, the calculator will say that if you use two condoms, it will greatly increase the effectiveness. HOWEVER, using two condoms at once actually decreases their effectiveness, as friction between condoms can increase the chances of breakages! Problems like this are also present with many other method combinations.
Medical Disclaimer
This product is based on peer-reviewed scientific research to provide accurate estimates of pregnancy odds. However, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions about your fertility.
Data Privacy Disclaimer
We value your privacy. The data entered into this product is used solely for the purpose of generating your pregnancy odds estimate. We do not store nor share any personal information. All data is securely disposed of immediately after the calculation is complete to ensure the protection of our users’ privacy.