## Contraceptive Failure Rates in Typical Use **High-Yield:** Failure rates vary dramatically between perfect use and typical use. Typical use accounts for inconsistent or incorrect application. ### Failure Rates in Typical Use (per 100 woman-years) | Contraceptive Method | Perfect Use | Typical Use | Reason for Gap | |---|---|---|---| | Male condom | 2 | 18 | User-dependent; breakage, slippage, inconsistent use | | Progestin-only pill (POP) | 0.5 | 9 | Requires daily adherence; narrow window of efficacy | | Copper IUD | 0.6 | 0.8 | Long-acting; minimal user error | | Levonorgestrel EC pill | — | 60–90% effective if taken within 72 hrs | Emergency use only; not for routine contraception | **Key Point:** Male condom has the largest gap between perfect use (2%) and typical use (18%) because effectiveness depends entirely on correct and consistent user behaviour — proper application, storage, and use at every act of intercourse. **Clinical Pearl:** Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like Cu-IUD have minimal typical-use failure because they do not require daily user action. **Mnemonic:** **LARC = Low failure** (IUD, implant, injectable) vs. **User-dependent = High failure** (condom, pill, diaphragm).
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