Contraception Method Comparison Helper

Compare effectiveness, features, and considerations for common contraceptive methods. This tool helps you understand options, prepare questions for your clinician, and build a personalized discussion guide. All calculations run offline in your browser.

Educational only, not medical advice. Always discuss with a healthcare provider.

Select Methods to Compare

Your Priorities (Optional)

Comparison Summary

Select methods above to generate comparison.

Suggested Discussion Points

Select methods to generate tailored questions.

Understanding Contraception Methods

Choosing a contraceptive method involves balancing effectiveness, convenience, side effects, and personal health factors. This tool helps you compare key attributes side-by-side using typical public health data.

How to Use This Comparison

Select 2–4 methods you're considering.
Check any priorities that matter most to you (e.g., highest effectiveness, non-hormonal).
Review the comparison table and generated discussion points.
Use the "Copy Notes" button to save your notes for your appointment.

Example Comparisons

IUD vs. Oral Pill: IUDs have >99% effectiveness with no daily action; pills require daily adherence and have ~93% typical-use effectiveness.
Implant vs. Condoms: Implants are the most effective reversible method (>99%); condoms offer STI protection but have ~87% typical-use effectiveness.
Patch vs. Ring: Both are weekly/monthly hormonal methods with similar effectiveness (~93% typical use); differ in application and estrogen dose.

Typical Effectiveness & Features (Annual Pregnancy Rate per 100 Users)
Method	Perfect Use	Typical Use	STI Protection	Prescription Required
Copper IUD	<1	<1	No	Yes
Hormonal IUD	<1	<1	No	Yes
Implant	<1	<1	No	Yes
Injectable	<1	4	No	Yes
Pill	3	7	No	Yes
Male Condom	2	13	Yes	No
Fertility Awareness	1–3	12–24	No	No

Effectiveness Over Time Explorer

See how typical-use effectiveness changes over 5 years with imperfect adherence for user-dependent methods (like pills, condoms).

Adherence Level: 85% (perfect use = 100%)

This model assumes constant annual failure rates. Real-world outcomes vary with individual behavior and method factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are these effectiveness numbers?

Numbers are based on aggregated typical-use and perfect-use statistics from large cohort studies. Your individual risk depends on adherence, health, and correct use.

Does this tool consider my health conditions?

No. This is a general educational comparison. Some methods are unsafe with certain conditions (e.g., estrogen-containing methods with history of blood clots). Discuss your full medical history with a clinician.

What does "typical use" mean?

Typical use includes human errors like missed pills, incorrect timing, or condom breaks. Perfect use means using the method correctly and consistently every time.

When should I seek urgent medical advice regarding contraception?

Seek care for severe abdominal pain (possible ectopic pregnancy), chest pain, severe headaches, visual changes, or signs of infection after IUD/implant insertion. Always consult a provider for concerning side effects.

Formulas & Assumptions

Annual failure rates: Typical and perfect use data sourced from CDC/WHO consensus estimates.
Cumulative effectiveness over N years: 1 – (1 – annual failure rate)^N.
Adherence adjustment: Adjusted annual rate = perfect use rate + (typical use – perfect use) × (1 – adherence/100).
STI protection: Only barrier methods (condoms) reduce STI risk; others prevent pregnancy only.
All data is for general education; individual counseling is essential.

Legal Disclaimer

For informational and educational purposes only. Estimates depend on your inputs and simplifying assumptions. This tool is not medical advice and does not diagnose or treat any condition. If you have symptoms, abnormal readings, or urgent concerns, contact a qualified healthcare professional.

Sources & References

Typical wellness metric ranges and public health guidance concepts; Contraceptive effectiveness data from CDC/WHO summaries; General reproductive health education materials.

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Contraception Method Comparison Helper

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