5 birth control tips to get as close as possible to "perfect use"

When researching and comparing different contraceptives, you’ll come across the phrases “with perfect use” and “with typical use.” For example, the pill is “99 percent effective with perfect use” and “91 percent effective with typical use.” Condoms are “98 percent effective with perfect use” but “85 percent effective with typical use.”

What do these percentages mean exactly? Each percentage point represents one unplanned pregnancy out of 100 users over the course of one year.

Try these strategies to get as close to perfect use as possible with your chosen method of birth control.

Choose the right contraceptive for you

There’s no best birth control method, only the method that works best for a particular person at a particular time in their life. The best method (or methods) for you will be something that you will be able to use with confidence every time you have sex.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering types of birth control. Try to be as honest with yourself as possible and remember that you can always talk to your healthcare providers about any concerns.

• Is this contraceptive physically comfortable?
• Does this method make sex less enjoyable?
• Am I embarrassed using this contraceptive?
• Am I confident that this method will work?
• Can I imagine a situation where I would skip using this method for any reason?
• How do my partner or partners feel about this method?
• Am I looking for protection against STIs?
• Do I have any medical problems or take any medications that would interfere with the effectiveness of this method?

Some birth control methods cannot be used by people with certain health conditions. For example, some hormonal birth control may not be recommended for people with a history of blood clots, lupus, or migraine with aura, or for people who smoke.

Read the instructions

Reading the instructions is one of the best ways to avoid user error with any product, including contraceptives. Diaphragms become less effective if they are not worn correctly or are taken out too soon after sex. Latex condoms have a greater chance of breaking if used with an oil-based lubricant, since oils weaken the structural integrity of latex. Birth control pills become less effective if you skip doses, take pills at inconsistent times of day, or use them with medications or supplements that interfere with their effectiveness. These are just a few examples.

It’s also a good idea to check the warnings and possible side effects. Remember that having certain health issues may affect or prevent the use of some birth control methods.

Know when you need more

Check the expiration dates. Fill your prescriptions on time. Set a reminder to buy more if you are purchasing your contraceptives over the counter. Get in the habit of checking in on what you have in supply and don’t put off picking up more.

Have it ready

You can’t use a contraceptive if you don’t have it with you. If you’re meeting up with a partner but unsure if you will need a contraceptive, pack it just in case. Remember it’s better to have something and not need it, rather than need it and not have it.

Have a backup method

There are benefits to using two methods of birth control together. Many healthcare providers recommend using condoms along with a hormonal contraceptive, because this has the added benefit of protecting against sexually transmitted infections. If you’re using condoms as your primary method, something like spermicide or pH modulator gel may be a good backup method. A backup method can also come in handy if you misplace your primary method. Backup methods may also be necessary when switching from one birth control method to another.