Chemical Spermicides  Available otc in a variety of forms (creams, foams, gels, suppositories)  Adds lubrication  Timing: must insert close to each intercourse  May cause allergic reaction  Possibility of irritation that could facilitate STI transmission  No STI Protection

Spermicide How It Works  Contraceptive foams block the entrance to the uterus with bubbles and contain a spermicide that immobilizes sperm.  Contraceptive creams, jellies, film, and suppositories melt into a thick liquid throughout the vagina. They block the entrance to the uterus and contain spermicide that immobilizes sperm.

Spermicide Effectiveness  Perfect Use: 85% if used correctly and consistently  Typical Use: 71%

Chemical The Birth Control Pill  Nothing to apply or insert at time of intercourse  More regular, Shorter periods  Ability to become pregnant returns quickly when use is stopped  Protects against painful, heavy, or irregular periods  Must remember to take daily  Possible side effects: nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain or loss  Rare but serious health risks (Blood clots, heart attack, & stroke - these risks are higher for women over 35 who smoke)  No STI protection

The Pill Effectiveness  Perfect Use: 99+%  Typical Use: 92%

Chemical Injection  Continuous protection against pregnancy for 3 months  Nothing to apply or insert at time of intercourse  Menstruation stops for over half of women (some may not consider this an advantage)  Private  Requires injection  Must remember to get shot  Side effects: weight gain, irregular periods, headaches  Return to gertility may take several months  NO STI protection

Injection Effectiveness  Perfect Use: 99+%  Typical Use: 97%  Cost: $ per year

Chemical Birth Control Patch  Continuous protection against pregnancy for 1 month  Nothing to apply or insert at time of intercourse  Must remember to replace patch weekly and not wear it the week of menstruation  Visible  Not available in all skin tones  No STI protection

The Patch Effectiveness  Perfect Use: 99+%  Typical Use: 92%

Chemical Vaginal Ring  1 month protection  No precise placement necessary  Nothing to apply or insert at time of intercourse  Must remember to remove for the week of menstruation, and then insert new ring for the next 3 weeks  Requires high level of comfort with one’s body  No STI protection

Vaginal Ring Effectiveness  Perfect Use: 99+%  Typical Use: 92%