Condoms are effective if they are used consistently and correctly every time you have sexual intercourse. Effectiveness rates are expressed in terms of how many women experience pregnancies during their first year of using the method. Perfect use reflects correct and consistent use, according to specified instructions, with every sex act. Typical use reflects the fact that most couples do not use their contraceptive methods correctly or consistently with every sex act; this rate, therefore, is considered more accurate than perfect use.
With perfect use: three women out of 100 will become pregnant.
With typical use: 14 women out of 100 will become pregnant.
