The Pearl Index for a contraceptive method is defined as the number of unintended pregnancies per 100 woman-years of use. For perfect use of the combined oral contraceptive pill, the Pearl Index is approximately:
- A 0.3 ✓
- B 0.1
- C 3.0
- D 8.0
Correct answer: A. 0.3
Explanation
The Pearl Index for combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) is 0.1–0.3 for perfect (correct and consistent) use, and approximately 7–9 for typical use (accounting for missed pills, incorrect timing). The distinction between perfect use and typical use Pearl Index is clinically important—it reflects the method's inherent efficacy versus real-world effectiveness. For comparison: copper IUD has Pearl Index 0.6–0.8 (perfect use), condoms 2–5 (perfect use, 13–18 typical use), and vasectomy 0.1 (perfect use).
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.