Chart — Maternal-Newborn
Contraceptive Methods Comparison Chart
Every method, sorted by how it works, how effective it is in real-world (typical) use, whether it protects against STIs, and the one teaching point that matters most. Effectiveness rises as user-dependence falls.
Educational use only. Method selection and prescribing are provider-directed and follow current eligibility criteria. Effectiveness ranges describe typical use. This material supports nursing education and exam review. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional policy, or medical direction. Always follow facility protocols and current provider orders.
Side by Side
| Method | How it works | Effectiveness | STI protection | Key teaching |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IUD (hormonal or copper) | Hormonal thickens mucus/thins lining; copper is spermicidal & hormone-free | Most effective (>99%) | No | Check strings; copper = also emergency contraception; report PAINS |
| Implant (etonogestrel) | Progestin suppresses ovulation, thickens mucus | Most effective (>99%) | No | Most effective reversible method; irregular bleeding common |
| DMPA injection | Progestin suppresses ovulation | Very effective | No | Reinject q11–13 wk; weight gain, reversible bone density loss |
| Combined pill / patch / ring | Estrogen + progestin suppress ovulation | Effective (typical use slips) | No | Estrogen contraindications (smoker ≥35, clots, migraine w/ aura); ACHES; missed-pill rules |
| Progestin-only 'mini-pill' | Thickens mucus; variable ovulation suppression | Effective | No | Take at the SAME time daily; >3 hr late needs backup; OK if estrogen contraindicated |
| Male/female condom | Physical barrier | Moderate (typical use) | YES (only method that protects) | Dual protection; no oil-based lubricant with latex |
| Diaphragm / cervical cap | Barrier + spermicide at the cervix | Moderate | No | Must be fitted; leave in ≥6 hr after sex; refit after weight/birth changes |
| Sterilization (tubal / vasectomy) | Permanent occlusion of tubes / vas deferens | Most effective (permanent) | No | Permanent; vasectomy needs a confirmatory semen analysis before relying on it |
| Fertility awareness | Avoid intercourse in the fertile window | Least effective (typical use) | No | Track mucus, BBT rise, calendar; depends on consistency |
Exam Traps
- ✦Most effective = the methods that don't depend on the user: IUD, implant, and sterilization (LARC + permanent).
- ✦Condoms are the LEAST effective of the common methods but the ONLY one that prevents STIs — always reinforce dual protection.
- ✦Estrogen-containing methods are out for smokers ≥35, clot/stroke history, migraine with aura, and uncontrolled hypertension — choose progestin-only.
- ✦Copper IUD is the most effective emergency contraception (up to 5 days after).
- ✦Vasectomy isn't reliable until a follow-up semen analysis confirms azoospermia.
Related Resources
Standards & sources
Fact-checked Jun 20, 2026This page is written to align with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) · AWHONN · American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — newborn. It is an educational summary, not a citation of any single document — always verify specific doses, values, and protocols against current guidelines and your facility policy. How we source content →