# Every contraception method, compared

> From the implant to condoms – how well each one really works.

Category: Contraception · 6 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/contraception/methods-overview

## Quick answer

- Implant and coils are over 99% effective in real life.
- Pill, patch and ring: over 99% perfectly, about 91% typically.
- Condoms are the only method that also protects against STIs.
- Contraception is free and confidential on the NHS.

There’s no single “best” contraception – just the best one for you right now. Your needs might change with your relationship, your health, your periods or your plans. Here’s the whole menu, with NHS effectiveness figures.

## Perfect use vs typical use

Every method has two numbers. [Perfect use](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/perfect-use) is how well it works used exactly right every time. [Typical use](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/typical-use) is real life – forgotten pills, late injections, condoms put on a bit late. The gap between them tells you how much a method depends on you remembering.

## Set-and-forget methods (LARC)

- Implant – over 99% (typical and perfect). Lasts 5 years.
- Hormonal coil ([IUS](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/ius)) – over 99%. Lasts 3–8 years depending on type.
- Copper coil ([IUD](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/iud)) – over 99%. [Hormone](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/hormones-explained)-free. Lasts 5 or 10 years.
- Injection – over 99% perfect, 94% typical. Every 8–13 weeks, depending on type.

## Remember-regularly methods

- Combined pill – over 99% perfect, 91% typical
- [Progestogen](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/progestogen)-only pill – over 99% perfect, 91% typical
- Patch – over 99% perfect, 91% typical (new patch weekly)
- Vaginal ring – over 99% perfect, 91% typical (new ring monthly)

## Every-time methods

- External condoms – 98% perfect, 82% typical
- Internal condoms – 95% perfect, 79% typical
- Diaphragm or cap – estimated 92–96% perfect (typical use unknown)
- Natural family planning – estimated 91–99% perfect, 76% typical

**91% vs 99%** The pill in real life vs perfect use – about 9 in 100 people on the pill get pregnant each year with typical use

> Only condoms (external and internal) help protect against STIs. Every other method on this page prevents pregnancy only.

> **Splash says:** if remembering daily is not your thing (no judgement – same!), a set-and-forget method gives you the same protection in real life as on paper.

**Myth:** Hormonal contraception wrecks your fertility.

**Fact:** For most methods fertility returns quickly – straight away after coils and the implant. The injection can take up to a year.

### When to see a doctor

Contraception is free and confidential on the NHS, including for under-16s. A GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or sexual health clinic can help you choose based on your health history – some methods aren’t suitable with certain conditions, like migraines with aura or a history of blood clots.

**Quick quiz:** Which of these has the biggest gap between perfect and typical use?

1. The implant
2. External condoms
3. The copper coil

Answer: External condoms. Condoms are 98% with perfect use but 82% typically. The implant and coils are over 99% either way.

## Sources

1. [NHS – How well contraception works at preventing pregnancy](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/choosing-contraception/how-well-it-works-at-preventing-pregnancy/)
2. [WHO – Family planning/contraception methods fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/family-planning-contraception)
3. [NHS – What is the contraceptive implant?](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-implant/what-is-it/)
4. [NHS – What is an IUS (hormonal coil)?](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/ius-hormonal-coil/what-is-it/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).