ABSTINENCE Natural Prevents pregnancy Prevents diseases No cost 100% effectiveness Always with you

MALE CONDOM ADVANTAGES: -Reduces STI / HIV infections -Available OTC -Easy to use -Inexpensive -Reduces cervical cancer in females -Disposable DISADVANTAGES: - Possible irritations/allergic reactions -Could break or tear -Lessens the sensation -Could interrupt the moment

FEMALE CONDOM ADVANTAGES: -Some STI protection -Can be worn up to 8 hours -Easy to obtain-OTC -No special storage -Female is in control -Used in place of latex DISADVANTAGES: -Noise during intercourse -Hard to insert -Could lessen the sensation -More costly that male condoms -May cause irritations

IUD Advantages:Disadvantages: Long term use (up to 12 years) NO STI/HIV PROTECTION High effectiveness for pregnancyInsertion & removal required Not messySpotting No daily attention neededMore difficult menstrual periods InexpensiveCould slip out of place

THE BIRTH CONTROL PILL ADVANTAGES: Reduce menstrual cramps Makes periods lighter Some protection against PID Helps acne Reduces risks for endometrial & ovarian cancers ovarian cysts PMS, headaches, depression vaginal dryness & painful intercourse ectopic pregnancies DISADVANTAGES: NO STD/HIV PROTECTION Bleeding between periods Breast tenderness Nausea & vomiting After use- 1 to 2 months for menstrual cycle to return to normal Medical Concerns: heart attack, stroke, blood clots, liver tumors, gallstones, jaundice, high blood pressure TYPES: Combination Pills: Estrogen & Progestin Mini Pills: Progestin only

ORTHO-EVRA (THE PATCH) Advantages: Use once a week Regulates menstrual cycle Safe, simple, convenient Health benefits similar to the Pill Disadvantages: NO STI/HIV PROTECTION Bleeding between periods Breast tenderness Nausea & vomiting Skin irritation where patch is placed Serious health risks similar to Pill

NUVA-RING (THE VAGINAL RING) ADVANTAGES: Use one a month Regular or lighter menstrual flows Same health benefits as the Pill DISADVANTAGES: NO STD/HIV PROTECTION Bleeding between periods Breast tenderness Nausea and vomiting Vaginal discharge, irritation, infections Similar disadvantages as the Pill

DEPO-PROVERA (INJECTION) ADVANTAGES: Simple to use Taken once every 3 months Contains no estrogen Reduces endometrial cancer DISADVANTAGES: NO STD/HIV PROTECTION Irregular bleeding Skipped or no menstrual flows Depression Headaches, nervousness, dizziness

IMPLANON ( IMPLANT) ADVANTAGES: Contains no estrogen Long lasting pregnancy protection Nothing to take or change for 3 years High effectiveness in pregnancy protection DISADVANTAGES: NO STD/HIV PROTECTION Not readily available yet Cost Longer, heavier periods Pain at insertion site Discoloring or scarring at insertion site

DIAPHRAGM ADVANTAGES: Can last up to 2 years Easy to carry No effect on female’s natural hormones Can be inserted before sexual activity DISADVANTAGES: Difficult to insert May be pushed out of place May need to be refitted Can cause ulcerations Can cause irritation, urinary tract infections Must be used with spermicide

FEMCAP/LEA’S SHIELD ADVANTAGES: Last up to 2 years Easy to carry Can be inserted 6 hours before sexual activity Can be used while breastfeeding Immediately reversible DISADVANTAGES: NO STI/HIV PROTECTION Difficult to insert Refitting Needs to be cleaned after use May shift out of place during sexual activity

“TODAY” SPONGE ADVANTAGES: Can be wore up to 30 hours before sexual activity Can be used during breastfeeding Easy to carry Immediately reversible Inexpensive DISADVANTAGES: NO STD/HIV PROTECTION Risk of TSS Difficult to insert Can be messy Vaginal irritation Vaginal dryness

SPERMICIDE ADVANTAGES: Good back up method Cheap OTC DISADVANTAGES: Messy Must reapply for next encounter Must stay in 6-8 hours after use Could cause allergic reaction

FEMALE STERILIZATION

VASECTOMY