BIRTHCONTROL

Options

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

 

Other Great Birth Control Links:

Bedsider: Compare birth control methods and hear people's stories

Health Line: Compare methods and learn more

No Condom, No Way! Facebook Page

Planned Parenthood: Answers to real questions


 


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