BIRTH CONTROL METHODS
Which one is right for you?
There are many types of birth control available today and they work in different ways. A birth control method can only work if it is used correctly. It is important to learn some basic facts about each method so that you can make an informed decision as to which is best for you.
means not having sex. Abstinence requires planning on how to avoid situations that might lead to having sex. Persons who choose abstinence should learn about contraception so they will be informed if/when they become sexually active. (100% effective)
is a procedure to permanently prevent pregnancy. The male procedure is called a vasectomy, and involves cutting and tying the tubes that carry sperm.(99.85% effective)The female procedure involves either cutting and tying or permanently blocking the tubes that carry the egg. (99.5% effective)
is a small, very soft, plasic rod-shaped device. It is placed under the skin of the inner upper arm, and releases a highly effective progestin hormone and no estrogen. It is difficult to make estimates of typical effectiveness because the current implant is still new. So far, it appears to be about 99.5% effective in preventing pregnancy.
comes in two forms. Both require that a health care professional place the device inside the uterus. Both are small, t-shaped, and made of very soft plastic. One works by releasing small amounts of copper. (99.2% effective) The other works by releasing a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel, or LNG. (99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy)
is given once every three months. It contains a highly effective progesting hormone and no estrogen. The shot has been associated with weight gain in some women. (typically 97% effective in preventing pregnancy)
come in two different types and many different brands. Some have estrogen and progestin, and some have progestin only. BCPs prevent the release of an egg from the ovary. (typically 92% effective in preventing pregnancy)
is an adhesive patch that is changed weekly for 3 weeks. No patch is worn during the 4th week and the woman has a period. The patch is similar to birth control pills in that it contains both estrogen and progestin. The patch delivers more estrogen than most birth control pills. (92% effective)
is a small, soft ring worn inside the vagina for 3 weeks. No ring is worn during the 4th week, and the woman has a period. The ring delivers the lowest dose of estrogen of any of the hormonal methods…even lower than birth control pills. (92% effective in preventing pregnancy)
The male condom is a light-weight latex covering that is rolled down over the penis. Condoms provide some protection from STDs. (85% effective in preventing pregnancy) The female condom is a polyurethane tube that is placed into the vagina. It covers the cervix, vaginal walls, and vulva, and provides some protection from STDs, though not as much as the male condom. (typically, 79% effective in preventing pregnancy)
is a small latex cup filled with 1-2 tablespoons of spermicide gel or cream and inserted into the vagina, covering the cervix. A health care provider must choose the right size for the woman. (typically 84% effective)
contain ingredients which kill sperm. Some people get an irritation from spermicides, and this irritation can make it easier to get an STD, including HIV, from an infected partner.(typically 71% effective)means avoiding sex during the fertile days of a woman’s cycle. There are several ways to determine the fertile days. Failure rates are typically high with this method. However, if used perfectly it could be from 91-99% effective.
REMEMBER….
Birth control methods/devices
(other than the condom), do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
Condoms should be used along with birth control methods to help protect you and your partner from the spread of these diseases!
A NOTE ABOUT
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
Emergency contraception (EC) is a method that can be used to prevent pregnancy after having
unprotected sex if:
- You think your birth control failed.
- You didn’t use contraception.
- You were forced to have sex.
Emergency contraceptive pills reduce the risk of getting pregnant from a single act
of intercourse by 89%.
- Hormonal EC prevents pregnancy
- EC should be used as soon as possible after unprotected sex…preferrably within 72 hours, but up to 120 hours (5 days).
- EC will not work if you are already pregnant.
- EC is not as effective as birth control that’s used before/during sex. If you are sexually active or planning to be, don’t use EC as your only protection against pregnancy.
For more information about Emergency Contraception, visit: www.not-2-late.com
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Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency PreparednessWilliam Valdez2017-09-20T18:37:24-04:00
