3 ways to prevent contraception FAILS
Contraceptive failure is one of the biggest causes of unplanned pregnancy.1 It’s estimated that over half of all Australians requesting an abortion were using some form of contraception at the time.2 So what causes contraception to fail, and what can we do about it?
“Perfect” vs “Typical” use
There are many different types of contraception, and each have different levels of efficacy. Unfortunately, no contraception is 100% effective all the time. However, there is also a difference between their level of efficacy given “perfect” use (when used correctly all the time), and “typical” use (what happens in real life), as seen in the chart below:
Basically, “typical” use can be much less effective than “perfect” use. This is mainly due to human error - or external factors, such as:
- Condoms worn incorrectly, breaking or slipping off
- Forgetting to take a pill
- Other medications impacting on the pill
- Not getting an injection on time
- Incorrect insertion of devices, such as vaginal rings, diaphragms, IUDs or implants
- Mistimed withdrawal by your partner
- Inaccurate tracking of your cycle
- Somebody else sabotaging your contraception (eg. throwing away your pills or damaging your condoms).
Practice makes perfect
One way you can reduce your risk of contraceptive failure is to try to address any areas for human error. For example, you could:
- Set a phone alarm to remind yourself to take the pill every day
- Set up an arrangement with your GP and pharmacy so they send you an automated text when you're due for another prescription/injection
- Practice using condoms and diaphragms correctly
- Stock up on plenty of lube
Two is better than one
Another way you can improve your chances of preventing unwanted pregnancies would be to use 2 different methods of contraception - a hormonal method with a non-hormonal method. For example, this could look like:
- The pill and condoms
- Vaginal ring and withdrawal method
- Implant and diaphragm
LARCs – typically perfect!
However, you can see above that there are some methods of contraception (aside from permanent sterilisation) where the “typical” use rate is nearly the same as the “perfect” use rate. These contraception methods are known as LARCs – Long Acting Reversible Contraception.
Once they are correctly installed, LARCs are not affected by user error. They last a very long time, and because they are so low maintenance, are often described as “set and forget” methods.
LARCs available in Victoria include:
- The Implant
99.95% effective
A small, short rod inserted under the upper arm
Lasts up to 3 years - The hormonal IUD
99.8% effective
A small, plastic device inserted in the uterus
Lasts up to 5 years - The copper IUD
99.2% effective
A small, copper device inserted in the uterus
Lasts up to 10 years
LARCs are the most efficient way to prevent pregnancy. For information about LARC services near you, or all contraception and pregnancy options services – please contact 1800 My Options on 1800 696 784 (weekdays, 10am – 4pm) or email info@1800myoptions.org.au
REFERENCES
Trussell J. Understanding contraceptive failure. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2009;23(2):199-209. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2008.11.008
Marie Stopes International. Real Choices: Women, Contraception and Unp
