| The Pill | The Patch | The Vaginal Ring | The Shot | Male Condom | Female Condom | Spermacide | The Sponge |
CONTRACEPTION (Pregnancy Prevention)
Choosing a method
No single method of contraception is best for everyone. The best method for you is the one that you and your partner will use the correct way, EVERY TIME you have sexual intercourse.
| Type | How does it work? | How effective is it? | Advantages | Disadvantages |
The Pill (oral contraceptives) Hormonal method of birth control One pill taken by mouth every day
|
Tricks the body into thinking it is pregnant Inhibits ovulation (egg is not released every month) Thickens cervical mucus so sperm cannot move as easily Makes uterus inhospitable |
92 to 99 .7% effective To work this well, the pill must be taken every day , at the same time of day |
Reduces amount of menstrual flow Reduces menstrual cramps and PMS Regulates menstrual cycle Offers some protection against ovarian and endometrial cancers |
No protection against STDs/STI's (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Sexually Transmitted Infections) Increased risk of heart attack or stroke in women who smoke Decreased effectiveness when used with certain other medications (for example, antibiotics) Need a prescription from a clinician to obtain |
|
Hormonal method of birth control A patch is worn for three weeks each month on the buttock, upper back, or abdomen
|
Works similar to the pill Inhibits ovulation Increases cervical mucous Makes uterus inhospitable |
99.7% effective To work this well, the patch should be changed on the same day of the week for three weeks in a row; the fourth week of the month is patch free. |
Weekly method of birth control Reduces amount of menstrual flow Reduces menstrual cramps Regulates menstrual cycle Offers some protection against ovarian cysts, ovarian and endometrial cancers |
No protection against STDs/STI's May cause side effects in some women, such as breakthrough bleeding, weight gain or loss, breast tenderness (especially in the first three months of use) Need a prescription from a clinician to obtain Not recommended for women who smoke Because this method is new, there is no data on extended use |
|
A small plastic ring is inserted deep inside the vagina, and releases a constant dose of hormones (progesteron and estrogen) One ring is left in place for three weeks and then taken out for one week
|
Moisture and body heat activate the release
of hormones Inhibits ovulation Increases cervical mucous Makes uterus inhospitable |
99.7% effective Effectiveness may be lowered if unopened package is exposed to high temperatures, or direct sunlight, or if ring is left in the vagina for over three weeks |
Reduces amount of menstrual flow Reduces menstrual cramps Regulates menstrual cycle Offers some protection against ovarian cysts, ovarian and endometrial cancers |
No protection against STDs/STI's Woman must be comfortble with inserting ring into vagina May cause side effects in some women such as breakthrough bleeding, weight gain or loss, breast tenderness, changes in sexual desire, increased vaginal irritation, and discharge. Many of htese side effects dissipate (go away) with regualr use. Need a prescription from a clinician to obtain Because this method is new, there is no data on extended use |
|
Injected into the arm or buttock once every three months |
Prevents ovulation Thickens cervical mucous |
99-99.7% effective | One injection prevents pregnancy for three
months Does not contain estrogen so it can be used by women that are breastfeeding or those who have adverse reactions to estrogen |
No protection against STDs/STI's May cause irregular bleeding and spotting, initially Some women may no longer get their periods while they aqre using deopo-provera May cause side effects such as headaches, and an increase in appetite that may lead to weight gain |
Male Condom Should be latex or polyurethane Polyurethane condom users report more sensitivity than do latex condom users
|
This is a barrier method It is placed on a male's erects penis before vaginal penetration Prevents sperm from getting into a wom an's body |
85-98% effective When used correctly with a spermacide, the effectiveness approaches 100% |
Offers protection against HIV and STDs Inexpensive Does not require a prescription and can be purchased by any person May reduce the chances a man will ejaculate too quickly |
Reduces spontaneity, because they require
a couple to interrupt foreplay to put one on |
Female Condom Made of polyurethane
|
This is a barrier method If you think you might have sex, it can be placed inside the female vagina up to as many as 8 hours prior to vaginal sex. Protects walls of the vagina and some areas of the vulva Prevents sperm from getting into a woman's body |
78-99% efective | Offers protection against HIV and STD's Does not require a prescription Gives women the option to wear the condom, allowing her to have control Men like it because they do not have to wear a male condom (never use the female and male condom at the same time) |
Polyurethane condoms have been found to
be more difficult to put on Woman must be comfortble with inserting the female condom into the vagina May slip, strtch out of shape, or bunch up during sexual intercoure, so a couple must make sure it stays in position |
Spermacides Creams, jellies, foam, capsules, suppositories, and films
|
The spermacide is inserted into the vagina
with either an applicator or finger Kills sperm that enters the vagina or that reached the cervix |
71%-85% effective when used alone Effectiveness significantly increases when used with a condom |
Does not require a prescription and can
be purchased by any person Simple to use Provides lubrication during sexual intercourse No serious medical side effects |
Spermacides must be used each time sexual
intercoure occurs Some women or men may have allergic reactions to certain types of spermacides Are less effective if used alone |
The Sponge Fits over the cervix and is soaked with spermacide
|
The contraceptive sponge is inserted deep
into the vagina and covers the cervix, so it blocks sperm from entering
the uterus After intercourse the spnoge must be left in place for six hours and then is removed by pulling the cloth loop on the outside of the sponge |
75-89% effective | Intercourse can occur as many times as
desired without adding additional spermacidal jelly or cream Does not require a prescription Offers no protection against HIV or STD's Does not affect hormonal levels Sponge is disposable after use |
May increase the risk of urinary tract
infections and toxic shock syndrome Woman must be comfortble with inserting sponge into vagina May cause a foul odor if left in the vagina too long Some women may have allergic reactions to the spermacide used on the sponge |