ntrauterine device (IUD) levonorgestrel A T-shaped plastic device inserted into the uterus that steadily releases small amounts of levonorgestrel each day Suppresses the growth of the lining of uterus (endometrium) >99% Reduces menstrual cramps and symptoms of endometriosis; amenorrhea (no vaginal bleeding) in 20% of users



Male condoms Sheaths or coverings that fit over a man's erect penis Forms a barrier to keep sperm out of the vagina 98% with correct and consistent use Also protects against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV

85% as commonly used
Female condoms Sheaths, or linings, that fit loosely inside a woman's vagina, made of thin, transparent, soft plastic film Forms a barrier to prevent sperm and egg from meeting 90% with correct and consistent use Also protects against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV

79% as commonly used

Male sterilization (vasectomy) Permanent contraception to block or cut the vas deferens tubes that carry sperm from the testicles Keeps sperm out of ejaculated semen >99% after 3 months semen evaluation 3 months delay in taking effect while stored sperm is still present; does not affect male sexual performance; voluntary and informed choice is essential

97–98% with no semen evaluation
Female sterilization (tubal ligation) Permanent contraception to block or cut the fallopian tubes Eggs are blocked from meeting sperm >99% Voluntary and informed choice is essential


Withdrawal (coitus interruptus) Man withdraws his penis from his partner's vagina, and ejaculates outside the vagina, keeping semen away from her external genitalia Keeps sperm out of the woman's body, preventing fertilization 96% with correct and consistent use One of the least effective methods, because proper timing of withdrawal is often difficult to determine

73% as commonly used






Fertility awareness methods (natural family planning or periodic abstinence) Calendar-based methods: monitoring fertile days in menstrual cycle; symptom-based methods: monitoring cervical mucous and body temperature The couple prevents pregnancy by avoiding unprotected vaginal sex during these fertile days, usually by abstaining or by using condoms 75% Can be used to identify fertile days by both women who want to become pregnant and women who want to avoid pregnancy









Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) Temporary contraception for new mothers whose monthly bleeding has not returned; requires exclusive breastfeeding day and night of an infant less than 6 months old Prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) 99% with correct and consistent use A temporary family planning method based on the natural effect of breastfeeding on fertility