 The only way for a person to eliminate the risks of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections is to practice abstinence.

 They think that sexual intimacy should be reserved for a long-term committed relationship, such as marriage.  They do not feel ready to take on the added responsibilities that come with a sexually intimate relationship.  They want to keep their focus on achieving current goals such as athletics or getting into a good college.  They want to be certain to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

 Another name for contraception is birth control.  Definition: The use of an appropriate method to intentionally prevent pregnancy.

 The effectiveness of a contraceptive method is the likelihood that using the method will prevent pregnancy  The failure rate is the percentage of pregnancies that result in one year group of people who use that method.

 Male condom  Female Condom  The Diaphragm, Cervical Cap

 Can be purchased over the counter.  Condoms prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from being released into the vagina.  They are made up of latex, polyurethane, or animal intestine.  Latex condoms provide the best protection against STIs.

 Should not use teeth to tear open the package.  Should not keep condoms in a car or wallet.  Should not use a condom after the expiration date.

 Available over the counter  Not as effective as the male condom

 All three barrier methods are available by prescription.  They cover the cervix and block the sperm from entering the uterus.

 They are domed-shaped cups made of soft rubber or latex.  The cervical cap is smaller that the diaphragm.  A female must see a healthcare professional to be properly sized for a diaphragm or cervical cap.

 Usually comes in a pack of 28 pills.  A female would take one pill each day, regardless of how often she has intercourse.  Pills usually contain estrogen and progestin.  Hormones prevent ovulation, which is preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs.

 Hormonal Method  Worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body  Prevents ovulation  The patch is changed once a week, and not worn when menstruating.  Has a higher risk for blood clots that pill users.

 Vaginal ring is a flexible ring that contains hormones that a female inserts in her vagina.  The walls of the ring hold it in place.  The ring is worn for three weeks then removed while the female has her menstrual period.  Each month a new ring is inserted.

 A female can also receive an injection of progestin every three months.  It is recommended that a female does not receive injections for more that two year in a row due to a risk of bone loss.

 Getting a small, coiled implant inserted in each fallopian tube.  Scar tissue forms around the implants, blocking the passageway of eggs and sperm.  Or irritates the lining of the uterus and the egg will not implant on the wall.  Can stay in the body for up to 10 years  A woman can get it taken out at any point

 Vasectomy  Tubal Ligation  Sterilization Implant

 Sterilization for the male.  A doctor makes a small incision in the scrotum and then severs each vas deferens, the tube that carry sperm from the testes.

 Most common method of sterilization for females.  During the procedure, a women’s fallopian tubes are cut or closed blocking sperm’s access to a released egg.

 Periodic Abstinence  Withdrawal  Other Unreliable Methods

Method of Birth Control How Many Couples Using This Method Will Get Pregnant in a Year? How Well Does This Method Work in Preventing Pregnancy? Can This Method Also Protect Against STDs? Consistent AbstinenceAbstinenceNoneCompletely effectiveYes Birth Control Patch ("The Patch")8 out of 100EffectiveNo Birth Control Pill ("The Pill")8 out of 100EffectiveNo Birth Control Ring ("The Ring")8 out of 100EffectiveNo Female CondomCondom21 out of 100Less effectiveYes Male CondomCondom15 out of 100Moderately effectiveYes Birth Control Shot3 out of 100EffectiveNo Diaphragm16 out of 100Moderately effectiveNo Emergency Contraception1 to 2 out of 100Very effectiveNo IUDFewer than 1 out of 100Very effectiveNo Fertility Awareness25 out of 100Less effectiveNo Implanon 1 out of 100Very EffectiveNo Withdrawal ("Pulling Out")27 out of 100Less effectiveNo Not Using Any Birth Control85 out of 100Not effectiveNo