What is the effectiveness rate of birth control pills?

The effectiveness rate of birth control pills is reported to be around 99% when used perfectly. This means that for every 100 women taking the pill for a year, only about one will become pregnant if they follow the instructions accurately and consistently. However, with typical use, which accounts for human error such as forgetting to take a pill at the same time each day, the effectiveness drops to about 91%. This distinction is crucial because it highlights not only the high potential effectiveness when the method is followed correctly but also the impact of perfect adherence versus typical usage.

The understanding of birth control effectiveness is essential as it can influence decisions about contraceptive methods, leading to informed choices based on one’s circumstances and ability to use the method consistently.