[Brandye]

Nizeguy & masturb8r,

Yes, I am certain of my figures. Most manufacturers post the rates from their clinical trials. These trials include controls that do not occur in real life. For instance, testing a pill includes a phone call every day to insure that it is taken at the same time. Any change of diet or adding supplements and drugs must be approved by the testers. Specific training with follow-up contact is made in using barrier devices.

In real life, none of the systems get really close to these test data. The condom figure is quite right. If you read the brochure in the condom box and follow it exactly including IMMEDIATE withdrawal after ejaculation, you MAY approach the theroetical limit. Most condom failure is from semen swimming around the open end and it does not take long for that to happen. There have been posts on coming three times in the same condom and I believe many of us tried something like that in our youth. A surprising number of women add supplements or are put on drugs that interfere with the hormone.

The figures I have posted are for real life, uncontrolled practices. I am not here to argue points; I am here to help women protect themselves. Theoretical effectiveness does not mean much to the 16 yo mother-to-be.