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Contraceptive Efficacy

Meaning

Contraceptive efficacy is the clinical measure of a method’s ability to prevent unintended pregnancy under specific conditions of use. It is quantitatively expressed through indices like the Pearl Index, which calculates the number of pregnancies per 100 woman-years of exposure. Clinicians differentiate between perfect use efficacy, reflecting ideal adherence, and typical use efficacy, accounting for real-world inconsistencies and human error. This metric is essential for patient counseling and public health planning.