Final answer:
The most effective hormonal contraceptive is the combined oral contraceptive. It works by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, with a typical failure rate of around 10%. However, actual effectiveness can vary depending on consistent and correct usage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most effective hormonal contraceptive among the options provided is C) The combined oral contraceptive. This method utilizes both estrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. With perfect use, the failure rate of birth control pills is about 1% or less. However, with typical use, where individuals may not take the pill consistently at the same time every day, the failure rate can increase to approximately 10%.
It's worth noting that hormonal contraceptives are only available to individuals with a uterus and ovaries, and they can have different side effects. The combined pill may increase the risk of blood clots, while the progesterone-only pill may lead to irregular menstrual periods without the increased risk of blood clots.
When comparing the effectiveness of different contraceptive methods, hormonal contraception like the combined oral contraceptive is generally more effective than barrier methods like condoms, and behavioral methods such as withdrawal, which is one of the least effective methods.