|
Hormonal Methods |
|
Method |
How it Works |
Effectiveness |
Advantages |
Possible Problems |
|
Emergency Contraception Pills (Plan B)* |
Two pills taken together. Prevents release of egg, thickens cervical mucus and prevents implantation of a fertilized egg if taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. |
75-89% effective. No protection from STIs. |
Can be used if primary birth control failed or if you had unprotected sex. |
Only effective for the most recent act of unprotected intercourse. More effective when the first dose is taken within 72 hours. |
|
Birth Control Shots (Depo-Proveraâ*, 12 week injection, DMPA)
|
Injection once every three months. Prevents release of egg, thickens cervical mucus and prevents implantation of a fertilized egg. |
99.7% effective. No protection from STIs. |
No daily pill; reduces cramps; nothing to put in place before intercourse; protects against some cancers. |
Loss of monthly period, irregular bleeding, depression, increased appetite, change in sex drive. May cause delay in getting pregnant after shots are stopped. Recommended for 2 year use because it can decrease bone density. |
|
The Ring (NuvaRingâ)*
|
Insert into the vagina once a month. Prevents release of egg, thickens cervical mucus and prevents implantation of a fertilized egg. |
95-99% effective. No protection from STIs. |
No daily pill; does not require a “fitting” by a health care provider. |
Increased vaginal discharge; vaginal irritation; may be uncomfortable for some women to insert. |
|
The Patch (Ortho Evraâ)*
|
Apply a new patch each week. Prevents release of egg, thickens cervical mucus and prevents implantation of fertilized egg. |
95-99% effective. No protection from STIs. |
No daily pill. |
Skin reactions at site of application, breast tenderness. |
|
The Pill |
Take a pill each day. Prevents release of egg, thickens cervical mucus and prevents implantation of fertilized egg. |
95-99% effective. No protection from STIs. |
Nothing to put in place before intercourse. Less cramping; may regulate periods; protects against some cancers. |
Must be taken daily. Irregular bleeding and breast tenderness. |
|
Implanon |
Inserted under the skin of arm by a health care provider, effective for 3 years. Prevents release of egg, thickens cervical mucus and prevents implantation of a fertilized egg. |
99% effective. No protection from STIs. |
Nothing to put in place before intercourse; lasts for 3 years. |
Irregular bleeding possible loss of periods. Must be implanted / removed by a health care provider. |
|
Intra-uterine system (IUS) (Mirenaâ)*
|
Inserted into the uterus by a health care provider. Device containing progesterone hormones, prevents release of egg, thickens cervical mucus, and prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg. |
97-99% effective. No protection from STIs. |
No daily pill; nothing to put in place before intercourse; may reduce menstrual cramps and bleeding; may be left in place for up to five years. |
Possible spotting between periods; possible displacement of IUS. Very light or no periods. |
|
Non-Hormonal Methods |
|
Method |
How it Works |
Effectiveness |
Advantages |
Possible Problems |
|
Intra-uterine device (IUD) (Paraguardâ)* |
Inserted into the uterus by a health care provider. Contains copper, prevents fertilization and/or implantation of fertilized egg. |
97-99% effective. No protection from STIs. |
No daily pill; nothing to put in place before intercourse; no hormonal side effects; may be left in place for up to twelve years. |
Increase in cramps; heavier and longer periods; possible displacement of IUD. |
|
Spermicide (foam, cream, jelly, film, sponge, or suppository) |
Following package instructions, apply before intercourse. Immobilizes sperm to prevent them from joining egg. |
50-94% effective. No protection from STIs. |
Sold over the counter. |
Can be messy; using product with nonoxynol-9 more than three times a day may be irritating. |
|
Sterilization (Vasectomy or Tubal Ligation)
|
An operation that permanently blocks either a man’s tubes that carry sperm or a woman’s tubes where a sperm fertilizes an egg. |
95.5-99.9% effective. No protection from STIs. |
Permanent protection against pregnancy, no lasting side effects, no effect on sexual pleasure, and protects women whose health could be threatened by pregnancy. |
Risks of minor surgery; not usually reverseable. |
|
Barrier Methods |
|
Method |
How it Works |
Effectiveness |
Advantages |
Possible Problems |
|
Condom |
Following package instructions, place over penis before intercourse to create a barrier; prevents sperm joining egg. |
86-98% effective. Some protection against STIs. |
Provides some protection from infection and pregnancy; available at many locations. Sold over the counter. |
Latex allergies; polyurethane condoms available; loss of sensation, and breakage due to user error. |
|
Female Condom(Realityâ)* |
Inserted into vagina to create a barrier; prevents sperm from joining egg. |
79-95% effective. Some protection from STIs. |
Provides some protection from infection and pregnancy; sold over the counter; can be used by people allergic to latex. |
May be noisy and may be difficult to insert. |
|
Diaphragm or Cervical Cap |
Inserted into vagina to create a barrier, preventing sperm from joining egg. |
80-94% diaphragm 60-90% cervical cap. No protection from STIs. |
No major health concerns; no hormonal side effects; method can last several years. |
Must be put in place before intercourse; can be messy; can be difficult to fit; latex allergies. |
|
Behavioral Methods |
|
Method |
How it Works |
Effectiveness |
Advantages |
Possible Problems |
|
Continuous Abstinence
|
Not having oral, anal or vaginal contact with a partner. Prevents sexual body fluid contact, which prevents pregnancy and STIs. |
100% effective against pregnancy and STIs. |
No medical or hormonal side effects. No risk of infection or unintended pregnancy. |
May be difficult to abstain from sex for long periods of time; may be unprepared to use protection when abstinence ends. |
|
Fertility Awareness Method (Basal Body Temp. Standard Days Billing’s Method) |
Checking temperature and cervical mucus daily to attempt to predict ovulation. |
75-99% effective. No protection from STIs. |
No medical or hormonal side effects. |
Ovulation difficult to predict. Precise record keeping necessary. Requires periods of abstinence. |
