Contraceptive methods rated ‘moderately effective’
| Type of contraception | How it works | Failure ratea | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male condom | Physical barrier to sperm | 2%–18% | Best protection against sexually transmitted disease | Can break; must be used consistently to be effective |
| Female condom | Physical barrier to sperm | 5%–21% | Can be placed before intercourse; protects against sexually transmitted disease | More expensive than male condoms; must be used consistently to be effective |
| Diaphragm | Physical barrier to sperm | 6%–12% | Can be inserted 6-8 hours before a sexual encounter and can be reused; slight reduction in risk of some sexually transmitted diseases (not human immunodeficiency virus) | May increase the risk of urinary tract infections; effective only when used with a spermicide; must be used consistently to be effective |
↵a Within first year; lower number is with ideal consistent use, whereas higher number is with typical use.
Based on information in references 21 and 23