| Type/Usage |
Effectiveness |
Pros |
Cons/Side Effects |
|
Condoms |
|
|
|
|
Sheath
(latex is best):
Put it on erect penis before sex and must use one each time you have sex |
86-98% |
- Easy to find and purchase
- Best protection against HIV and most STIs
|
- Latex allergies
- Possible breakage
|
|
Female condom:
A pouch you insert into vagina before sex; must use one each time you have sex |
79-95% |
- Easy to find and purchase
- Can be inserted up to 8 hours before sexual intercourse
|
- May slip in vagina during sex
- May be difficult to insert]
|
|
Oral Contraceptives |
|
|
|
|
Pills:
One pill taken every day |
99.7% |
- Doesn’t interrupt sex
- More regular periods
- Helps prevent ovarian and uterine cancer
- Reduces menstrual cramps
|
- Must be taken daily
- Nausea and spotting at first
- Rare: blood clots/
heart attack/stroke |
|
Barrier Methods |
|
|
|
|
Diaphragm:
A soft latex cup you insert into vagina before sex; it covers the cervix (opening of uterus) |
80-94% |
- Fewer side effects than hormonal methods
- No menstrual changes
- Can last several years
|
- Increased risk of bladder infection
- Can only be left in place for 24 hours
- Each time sex is repeated, or every 2 hours, more spermicide must be inserted in the vagina (without removing the diaphragm)
- Some women find it difficult to insert and remove
|
|
Intrauterine Devices |
|
|
|
|
Mirena:
A device inserted into the uterus, that protects against pregnancy for 5 years |
Over 99% |
- Doesn’t interrupt sex
- Lighter, more regular periods
- Less anemia
|
- Spotting first 3 months
- Not recommended if you have more than one partner
|
|
Paragard:
A device inserted into the uterus, that protects against pregnancy for 12 years |
99% |
- Doesn’t interrupt sex
- Longest lasting method (except for sterilization)
|
- Spotting first 3 months
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Not recommended if you have more than one partner
|
|
Shots |
|
|
|
|
Depo Provera:
A shot every 3 months |
99.7% |
- Doesn’t interrupt sex
- Can be used while breastfeeding right after delivery
|
- Irregular bleeding
- Headaches
- Possible weight changes
|
|
Patch |
|
|
|
|
ORTHO Evra:
A patch applied to skin and changed weekly |
99.7% |
- Doesn’t interrupt sex
- Periods stay the same
- Good choice for women who forget to take pills
- Helps prevent ovarian and uterine cancer
|
- Possible skin irritation
- Can fall off
- Nausea and spotting at first
- Rare: blood clots/
- heart attack/stroke
|
|
Ring |
|
|
|
|
NuvaRing:
A ring you insert into vagina and leave in for 3 weeks |
99.7% |
- Doesn’t interrupt sex
- Periods stay the same
- Good choice for women who forget to take pills
- Helps prevent ovarian and uterine cancer
|
- Irritation in vagina
- Rare: can fall out
- Rare: blood clots/
- heart attack/stroke
|
|
Implantable Devices |
|
|
|
|
Implanon:
A plastic implant the size of a matchstick, inserted under skin of upper arm |
99% |
- Lasts for 3 years
- Doesn’t interrupt sex
|
- Pain at insertion site
- Menstrual irregularity
- Possible weight changes
- Nausea, headache
|
