Birth Control Methods

Each method is defined. Success rates, benefits and drawbacks are listed under each definition.



Abstinence


Not having any kind of sex (oral, anal, or vaginal) and not engaging in any activity that puts you or your partner in contact with either of your bodily fluids – semen, vaginal fluids, and blood. Note: Some STIs are spread by mere skin-on-skin contact; thus abstinence from all genital-to-genital contact would be needed to prevent STIs.
  • With perfect use, abstinence is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs.
  • No medical or hormonal side effects, doesn’t cost anything, and is available to anyone.
  • Only works if you do not have sex of any kind. If you choose to have sex, you will need to choose another method from this list.


Male Condom


A polyurethane or latex sheath covers the penis and collects the semen preventing sperm from entering a woman’s vagina. Available over the counter at most drug stores.
  • With perfect use: 97% success rate, with typical use: 86% success rate
  • Condoms provide good protection against STIs when used correctly and are a relatively cheap method in comparison.
  • Condoms can break and leak (usually when not put on correctly), and they cannot be used with any oil-based lubricants like Vaseline or massage oil.


Female Condom


A thin polyurethane sheath, shaped like a sock with flexible rings at each end. The ring at the closed end holds the pouch in place inside the vagina, while the ring on the open end remains outside the vagina. The pouch collects semen and prevents it from entering the vagina. Available over the counter at drugstores.
  • With perfect use: 95% success rate, with typical use: 79% success rate
  • Female condoms protect against STIs and can be inserted up to 8 hours before having intercourse. These are great alternatives if you or your partner is allergic to latex.
  • The outside ring can slip inside the vagina during intercourse, and caution should be used to make sure the man’s penis doesn’t slip around the side of the condom. It can be awkward to use at first, must be removed right after intercourse before the woman stands up.


Birth Control Pills


A pill that contains progestin or a combination of progestin and estrogen that is taken every day. It works by preventing ovulation, increasing cervical mucus to block sperm and creating a thin uterine environment. Available by prescription.
  • With perfect use: 99.9% effective, with typical use: over 95% effective.
  • When taken correctly, the pill provides non-stop protection from pregnancy, may make a woman’s period more regular, shortens or lightens her period and reduces cramps.
  • Offers no protection against STIs, and side effects include nausea, headaches, and moodiness. If two or more pills are missed or the woman is late starting a new cycle, a backup method should be used until seven consecutive pills have been taken. Read your package insert.


The Patch (Ortho Evra)


The woman wears one patch for three weeks in a row then goes one seven day week without the patch. The patch releases progestin and estrogen and works by preventing ovulation, increasing cervical mucus to block sperm and creating a thin uterine environment. Available by prescription.
  • With perfect use: 99% effective, with typical use: no studies have been done, but it is assumed it would be more effective than the pill.
  • Weekly dosing and the ability to visually verify the patch is in place makes it more likely to be used successfully, and women may also experience shorter, lighter periods.
  • Provides no protection against STIs, requires a backup method for the first 7 days, may cause local skin irritation or rash, vaginal spotting, nausea, headaches, or moodiness, and can be difficult to hide.


The Ring (Nuva Ring)


A flexible, soft ring that releases estrogen and progestin. The ring is inserted into the vagina and remains there for three weeks, then is removed for the fourth week. Available by prescription.
  • With perfect use: 98% success rate, with typical use: no studies have been done, but it is assumed it would be more effective than the pill.
  • Effective immediately, easy to confirm that it is in place, and a woman only has to remember to put in a new one once a month.
  • Offers no protection against STIs, should be refrigerated to prolong its life, and may cause nausea, headaches, and vaginal discomfort.


Depo-Provera


A woman gets an intramuscular shot of progestin every 12 weeks (3 months) which keeps her from getting pregnant. Available by prescription and requires a visit to a physician every three months.
  • With perfect use: 99.9% effective, with typical use: 97% effective
  • A woman only has to remember her shot four times per year.
  • Offers no protection against STIs, and can cause weight gain, irregular periods, and depression.


Diaphragm


A woman uses spermicide to coat the inside and outer edge of a dome-shaped silicone or latex cup with a flexible rim. She inserts it into the back of her vagina so that it covers the cervix, where it blocks sperm. Available by prescription and must be fitted by a physician; a replacement is recommended for every two years.
  • With perfect use: 94% effective, with typical use: 80% effective
  • It can be put into place up to six hours before intercourse and left in for 24 hours afterward.
  • Will not effectively protect against STIs and can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, toxic shock syndrome, and must be left in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse.


Femcap


Works exactly like a diaphragm, but can be left in for up to 48 hours. Available by prescription.
  • With perfect use: 91% effective, with typical use: 80% effective.
  • Can be worn up to 48 hours.
  • Does not effectively protect against STIs, and some women may feel some discomfort while using the shield.


Intrauterine Device (IUD)


A small T-shaped device that contains copper or progestin that is inserted into the uterus. Available by prescription and requires insertion by a physician.
  • With use of copper IUD: 99.9% effective, with use of progestin IUD: 98% effective
  • Provides effective pregnancy protection and lasts a long time (copper lasts up to 10 years, progestin lasts 1 year).
  • Does not protect against STIs, and side effects include spotting between periods, heavier periods, increased cramping, and risk of spontaneous expulsion.


Spermicide


A woman inserts a spermicide (a foam, film, cream, jelly, or suppository) deep into the vagina before sex to kill sperm before they can reach and egg. Available over the counter at drugstores.
  • With perfect use: 92% effective, with typical use: 74% effective
  • Spermicide can provide lubrication for intercourse
  • Some spermicides have been found to irritate vaginal walls, increasing susceptibility to STIs, and directions are very specific for each type of spermicide.




Sources:

 "Avoiding Unintended Pregnancy". It’s Your (Sex) Life: Your Guide to Safe and Responsible Sex. The Henry J. Kaiser Foundation and MTV.com. 2005. http://www.mtv.com/thinkmtv/documents/IYSL.pdf