Contraceptive failure rates in women over 35 years old

Male methods:

• condom - the failure rate in women over the age of 35 years is approximately 2.9 per 100 women years (1)
• vasectomy - the failure rate of a vasectomy is approximately 0.08 per 100 women years (1)

Female methods:

• barrier methods - when used with a spermicide, barrier methods; the overall failure rate for barrier methods is 2.8 per 100 women years (1)
• combined oral contraceptive pill - failure rate in women over 35 years is between 0.2-3.0 per 100 women years (1)
• progestogen only pill - the failure rate is 0-1 per 100 women years (1)
• copper-containing intrauterine devices - the failure rate is 0.3-2.0 per 100 women years (1)
• levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system - the failure rate is about 0.2 per 100 women years (1)

Reference:

• 1) Family Planning Association. Method failure rates.