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How do male condoms and female condoms differ in typical failure rates?
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birth control
A 28-day package of birth control pills.
When comparing the effectiveness of barrier methods for contraception, it is important to note that while both male and female condoms are effective when used carefully, they differ in their typical failure rates due to factors such as ease of use and consistency.
The typical failure rates for these devices are as follows:
- Male Condoms: Approximately 13 percent.1
- Female Condoms: Approximately 21 percent.1
While male condoms are widely used and effective, they—like all barrier methods—fail primarily due to irregular or improper use. Additionally, it is worth noting that female condoms are generally considered less effective than male condoms for the purpose of prophylaxis against sexually transmitted diseases.2