Type
|
Description
|
Unplanned Pregnancies per Year, per 100 people
|
Side Effects/Risks
|
Does it protect against STIs?
|
Availability
|
|
Male Condom
|
Sheath placed over the erect penis just before sex |
Typical Use: 15
Perfect Use: 2
|
Irritation and allergic reactions to latex |
Yes |
Over-the-counter. Free Condoms here.
|
| Female or Insertable Condom |
Lubricated sheath placed into the vagina just before sex |
Typical Use:15
Perfect Use: 5
|
Irritation and allergic reactions to latex |
Some, but less effective than male condom |
Over-the-counter
|
| Oral Contraceptive Pill (birth control, the pill) |
Pill taken every day, whether or not you have sex, that stops release of the egg using hormones. |
Typical Use: 8
Perfect Use: less than 1
|
Changes in periods, dizziness, rare blood clots, should not be used by smokers |
No |
Prescription from doctor or nurse |
| Patch (Ortho-Evra) |
Patch placed on skin which stops release of the egg using hormones. Must be changed every 4 weeks: worn for 3 weeks, then removed for 1 week during period. |
Typical Use: 8
Perfect Use: less than 1
|
Changes in periods, dizziness, rare blood clots, should not be used by smokers |
No |
Prescription from doctor or nurse |
| Ring (Nuva-Ring) |
Ring inserted in vagina which stops release of the egg using hormones. Must be changed every 4 weeks: left in for 3 weeks, then removed for 1 week during period. |
Typical Use: 8
Perfect Use:less than 1
|
Changes in periods, dizziness, rare blood clots, should not be used by smokers |
No |
Prescription from doctor or nurse |
| Injection (Depo-Provera) |
Injection every 3 months that stops egg release using hormones |
Typical Use: 3
Perfect Use: less than 1
|
Blood spotting, weight gain, headaches |
No |
Prescription from doctor or nurse |
| Emergency Contraception |
Pills taken within 3-5 days of unprotected sex (most effective when taken within 72 hours). Stop release or fertilization of egg using hormones. Will not work if you are already pregnant. |
Reduces risk of pregnancy by 65%-89% depending on the brand and how soon it is taken after unprotected sex |
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache |
No |
Prescription from doctor or nurse |
| IUD (Intrauterine Device) |
T-shaped device inserted by doctor and left in for 1-10 years, which prevents implantation |
Typilcal and Perfect Use: less than 1 |
Cramps, bleeding, infertility, can not use if history of STIs or are having sex with more than one person |
No |
Prescription from doctor or nurse |
| Periodic Abstinence (Natural Family Planning, Fertility Awarenss) |
Tracking your mentrual cycle to determine days you can get pregnant. No sex around time of ovulation. |
Typical Use: 25 |
Increased risk of pregnancy due to uncertain time of ovulation, STIs |
No |
Free |
| 100% Abstinence |
No sexual intercourse including oral, vaginal, or anal contact. Only method 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs. |
0 |
None |
Yes |
Free |
| Withdrawl |
Withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation |
Typical Use: 27
Perfect Use: 4
|
Increased risk of pregnancy |
No |
Free
|
| No contraception |
|
85 |
Risk of Pregnancy, STIs |
No |
Free |