Birth Control Options What is birth control? In order to get pregnant, sperm must enter the vagina, swim up into the uterus and fertilize an egg that has been released from your ovaries during ovulation. Birth control methods prevent or interfere with this process in a variety of different ways, depending on the method.

Abstinence DESCRIPTION: No sex or intimate contact until you’re married or mature enough to handle what happens with sexual intimacy. EFFECTIVENESS: 100% effective if no semen enters the vagina. SIDE EFFECTS: You won’t have to worry about getting pregnant or getting a sexually transmitted infection. And you won’t be loaded down with a relationship that can get sticky and hard to handle. WHERE TO GET IT: You’ve got it! “NO” is one of the first words you ever learned.

Male Condom DESCRIPTION: Thin latex or polyurethane disposable sheath (should be lubricated with a strong spermicide) worn over the penis during sex. EFFECTIVENESS: 86%-98% if used correctly every time. SIDE EFFECTS: If either partner is allergic try another brand. A condom should be used even if she is on the pill, or using other methods of contraception, to help protect against STIs. WHERE TO GET IT: Condoms are available at family planning and medical clinics, drug stores, in dispensers in men’s and women’s bathrooms, the guidance office, by mail or on internet.

Male Condoms

Female Condom DESCRIPTION: Pre-lubricated pouch with open ring at one end, closed ring at other. Closed ring anchored between cervix and vagina, open ring just outside body. This is inserted into the vagina before having sex. EFFECTIVENESS: 79%-95% effective if used perfectly. Disadvantages: Must check periodically to make sure it hasn’t been pushed inside. WHERE TO GET IT: Condoms and pouches are available at family planning and medical clinics, drug stores, in dispensers in men’s and women’s bathrooms, by mail or on internet.

Spermicides (Films) DESCRIPTION: 2”x2” folding film, a little thicker than plastic wrap, containing a strong spermicide. When folded, the film is placed in the vagina to form a barrier the keeps sperm from entering the uterus. Must wait 15 minutes before having sex. EFFECTIVENESS: 72%-94% effective if used perfectly. 99% effective when using a condom SIDE EFFECTS: You can be allergic to spermicides. If you experience vaginal, penile, or bladder irritation, use another form of birth control. WHERE TO GET IT: Drug store, family planning or medical clinic. No medical exam or prescription needed. Lots of contraceptives on drug store shelves.

Spermicides (Foam) DESCRIPTION: Sperm-killing foam OR suppository inserted into vagina before having sex. Be sure the product you use contains a strong spermicide to protect you from pregnancy. EFFECTIVENESS: 71% effective if foam is used alone (Not good). 98% effective if partner uses a condom too. SIDE EFFECTS: Allergy possible. If you experience vaginal, penile, or bladder irritation, use another form of birth control. WHERE TO GET IT: Drug store, family planning or medical clinic. No medical exam or prescription needed. Lots of contraceptives on drug store shelves.

Diaphragm Cervical Cap DESCRIPTION: The diaphragm and cervical cap are barrier birth control devices tailored to fit over the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Caps come in different sizes and have different instructions and can be left in place twice as long. Circular silicone or foam sponge that you fill with spermicide EFFECTIVENESS: Cervical Cap: 80%-90% effective before child birth. Diaphragm: 80%-94% if used perfectly.. Get professional advice. SIDE EFFECTS: None unless spermicide causes irritation. Using a diaphragm or cap alone won’t protect you from getting AIDS or other STIs. Insist on condom use. WHERE TO GET IT: Available from a health care professional or clinic. Low cost fitting and instruction at family planning clinics.

The Pill DESCRIPTION: Most birth control pills are "combination pills" containing a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). A woman cannot get pregnant if she doesn't ovulate because there is no egg to be fertilized. The Pill also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released. The hormones in the Pill can also sometimes affect the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to attach to the wall of the uterus. You need a prescription. Take the pill, as prescribed, at the same time every day whether or not you have sex because it’s the action of the pills that protects you from pregnancy.

Birth Control Pill Continued SIDE EFFECTS: Positive- Regular periods, less anemia, less cramping, less benign breast disease. Negative- (Normally disappear within 3 months). May include nausea, spotting, missed periods, headaches, mood changes, dark skin areas. Major but rare: blood clots, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, heart attacks, liver tumors. EFFECTIVENESS: 95%-99% effective if used perfectly. WHERE TO GET IT: By prescription. Low cost or no cost at many family planning clinics. Never borrow a pill from a friend.

IUD (Intrauterine Device) DESCRIPTION: Small plastic or metal device inserted in uterus by a medical professional. Nylon thread attached for easy checking. EFFECTIVENESS: 97.4%-99% effective. SIDE EFFECTS: Irregular menstrual bleeding at first, longer periods, spotting between periods or skipped periods. Can make your period lighter or disappear over time. Possible changes in hair distribution, headaches, and weight gain. Major but rare: blood clots, depression. Some IUDs may cause heavy menstrual flow; others, no flow. May cause cramps or other irritation as body tries to reject IUD. Expect heavy menstrual periods the first few months. WHERE TO GET IT: Medical Professional or family planning clinic. Pricey but protection lasts longer than some other methods. You will be asked to sign a consent form and return for a follow up clinic visit.

Injectable (Depo Provera) DESCRIPTION: Depo Provera is given as a shot that protects you from pregnancy. The shots must be given at specific times by medical professionals. Injectables contain chemical similar to hormone released from ovaries during menstrual cycle. They work by preventing eggs from being released and fertilized. EFFECTIVENESS: 99.7% SIDE EFFECTS: Increased headaches, weight gain, irregular/reduced periods, bone density loss. WHERE TO GET IT: Medical Professional or family planning clinic. You will be asked to sign a consent form and return for a follow up clinic visit.

Skin Patch DESCRIPTION: Adhesive skin patch, about 2¾ inch square, applied once a week to one of four places. Contraceptive material in patch enters blood stream to protect user against pregnancy. EFFECTIVENESS: If used correctly patch is as effective as the contraceptive pill, 95%-99%. SIDE EFFECTS: Positive- Regular periods, less anemia, less cramping, helps with acne. Negative- (Normally disappear within 3 months) May include nausea, spotting, missed periods, headaches, mood changes, dark skin areas. Major but rare: blood clots, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, heart attacks, liver tumors. WHERE TO GET IT: By prescription. Low cost or no cost at many family planning clinics. Never borrow a pill from a friend.

Nuva Ring DESCRIPTION: The vaginal ring is a small, flexible ring a woman inserts into her vagina once a month to prevent pregnancy. It is left in place for three weeks and taken out for the remaining week each month. The hormones that are released work by keeping a woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs. EFFECTIVENESS: 99% effective if used correctly. SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, headaches, moodiness, spotting for first 3 months, small increased risk of blood clots, increased vaginal irritation. WHERE TO GET IT: First, you’ll need to get a prescription. Visit a planned parenthood health center, a clinic, or a private health care provider for a prescription. Your health care provider will discuss your medical history with you, check your blood pressure, and give you any other medical exam that you may need.

Withdrawal (Pulling Out) DESCRIPTION: A man who uses withdrawal will pull his penis out of the vagina before ejaculation — the moment when semen ejects out of his penis. EFFECTIVENESS: %81-%96 Disadvantages: Partner might not know when to pull out, no protection from STI’s. WHERE TO GET IT: N/A