From: utzoo!decvax!genrad!wjh12!foxvax1!brunix!gh
Newsgroups: net.singles
Title: Re: Birth control effectiveness
Article-I.D.: brunix.2265
Posted: Sun Apr 10 11:07:15 1983
Received: Tue Apr 12 01:00:48 1983
References: eagle.877

What the statement "Birth control method X is Y% effective" *usually* means
is that if a couple use it regularly for a year, they have a Y% chance of
remaining unpregnant.  Obviously this is a much more stringent criterion than
it meaning the chances of non-pregnancy are Y% in a single use!  However,
if the manufacturer is making the claims, then one should check the fine
print to make sure they are using the conventional meaning.

Here are some figures on effectiveness of present methods:
		"Typical use"		"Excellent use"
Sterilization	   99+			    99+
The "Pill"	   98			    99+
IUD 		   96		            97-99
Mini-pills         97                       98
Condoms            90                       98
Diaphragm and jelly or cream
		   87			    98
Foam		   85			    98
Foaming tablets/suppositories
		   85?			    98
Cream alone	   85?			    96
Fertility awareness 76-80		    86-99
UNPROTECTED        15

[From: "My Body, My Health" by Stuart, Guest, Stuart and Hatcher.]