Are condoms effective in preventing pregnancy?
When used correctly and consistently, condoms are extremely effective in preventing pregnancy. Numerous studies show that with perfect use condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, and with typical use they are 86% effective. The most important thing to understand is the difference between method failure and user failure. Perfect use rates are based on method failure which refers to failure resulting from a defect in the product (such as a tear in a condom). This is very rare. Experts estimate that condoms break or slip only 2% of the time. User failure refers to failure resulting from incorrect or inconsistent use and determines typical failure rates. User failure is calculated by looking at 100 couples who use condoms as their primary method of birth control. About 14 of these couples will experience an unintended pregnancy during their first year of condom use. It is important to remember that these couples may not have been using a condom or may have been using a condom in
