My husband and I have decided that we want to wait to have children. The best way to do that is to go on birth control - but we are hesitant to do this. Why? We don’t want to waste our money on something that may not be very effective. 

 I have heard many people tell me stories about how they got pregnant after being on birth control and than when they were off it they couldn’t have a baby. The human body is complex and there are dozens of different options. So how do you know - which one is right for you? And will birth control work? 

 Research shows that many forms of birth control are 99.9% effective. The main reason why they may not work is due to human error. Sometimes the woman will forget to take the pill. When this happens the risk is higher. 

 You will find that many manufacturers will place or should place two different rates on how effective they are. The first rate will show you the percentage from the lab and the second the typical percentage after hundreds have used it. The typical rate includes human error. This will help to narrow down the choices. 

If you are thinking about not using any form than you might want to reconsider. Studies show that 85% of couples that don't use anything will become pregnant within a year. If you need more information you can always contact your doctor. 

Abstinence Prefect Use: 100% Typical Use: 75%

Birth Control Pill ("the Pill") Perfect Use: 99.7% Typical Use: 92%

Condoms

Male Perfect Use: 98% Typical Use: 85%

Female Perfect Use:95% Typical Use: 79%

Withdrawal ("pulling out") Perfect Use: 96% Typical Use: 73%

Depo-Provera ("the shot") Perfect Use: 99.7% Typical Use: 97%

NuvaRing Perfect Use: 99.7% Typical Use: 92%

Ortho Evra ("the Patch") Perfect Use: 99.7% Typical Use: 92%

Seasonale Perfect Use: 99.7% Typical Use: 92%

Spermicides--alone Perfect Use: 82% Typical Use: 71%

Cervical Cap Perfect Use: 91% Typical Use: 84%

Diaphragm Perfect Use: 94% Typical Use: 84%

Intrauterine Device (IUD) Perfect Use: 99% Typical Use: 98-99%