Choosing a Birth Control Method

Your answers to the following questions can help you to decide which method is best for you.

1. What are your religious beliefs about birth control?
2. Will the method be safe for you?
3. How easy is this method to use?
4. How much will it cost?
5. Is this method going to be embarassing to use?
6. Will your sexual partner like this method?
7. How often do you have sex?
8. Will the method require you to touch your genitals?
9. Do you need a method that will help protect you from sexually-transmitted diseases?
10. How important is it that you don't get pregnant right now?

Available Birth Control Methods

1. ABSTINENCE
   • This is the total avoidance of sexual activity.
   • It carries a 0 (zero) percent chance of getting pregnant.

2. BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
   • These artificial hormone pills are taken daily to stop ovaries from producing eggs.
   • Chances of getting pregnant:
     • less than 1% when taken daily.
     • 3% if you miss pill(s).
   • Advantages:
     • Simple and easy to use, without interfering with sex.
     • Usually makes periods regular, with less bleeding and cramping.
     • Decreases risk of ovarian cysts and some pelvic infections.
     • Protects against endometrial and ovarian cancer.
     • Decreases osteoporosis risk.
     • Some brands clear up acne.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Available only with prescription.
     • Must remember to take pill every day.
     • Slightly increases risk of blood clots, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
     • Should not be taken by women over 35 who smoke.
     • May cause changes in weight and mood.
     • Might increase spotting and vaginal infections.

3. CONDOMS
   • This is usually a rubber sock which fits snuggly over the erect penis to catch the man's sperm.
   • Chances of getting pregnant:
     • 3% when you use it correctly every time.
     • 12% if you don't.
     • less than 1% if used with sperm-killing foam every time.
   • Advantages:
     • Widely available without a prescription.
     • Easy to carry and to use, only when needed.
     • Can help protect against sexually-transmitted diseases.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Must always be put on during sex.
     • Some men complain it reduces sexual feelings.
     • Certain condoms may irritate the male or female genitals.

4. DEPO-PROVERA
   • This quarterly shot stops egg from being released from ovary and interferes with sperm's ability to enter womb.
   • Chances of getting pregnant are less than 1%.
   • Advantages:
     • Does not interfere with sex.
     • Effect of single shot lasts 3 months.
     • Safe to use while breastfeeding.
     • Often decreases cramping and bleeding during periods.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Periods usually become completely unpredictable, including the total cessation of bleeding.
     • You must get a shot every 3 months.
     • It may be difficult to get pregnant for several months after the shots are discontinued.
     • You may have temporary weight gain, moodiness, headaches, and/or dizziness.
     • Not for women with liver or heart disease, breast cancer, or blood clots.

5. DIAPHRAGM
   • This multiple-use, small, rubber cup fits inside the vagina where it holds sperm-killing jelly or cream over the opening of the womb.
   • Chances of getting pregnant:
     • 6% when you use it correctly every time.
     • 18% if you don't.
   • Advantages:
     • Can be placed into vagina up to 2 hours before sex.
     • Necessary to use only when needed.
     • May help protect against some sexually-transmitted diseases, but never for AIDS.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Available only by prescription after properly fitted by health care provider.
     • Increases bladder infections in some women.
     • Failure to remove within 12 hours increases risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
     • Some find it difficult to insert and remove.
     • Jelly or cream can be messy and may (rarely) irritate the male or female genitals.
     • The diaphragm must be left in place 6 to 8 hours after sex.

6. FOAM and SUPPOSITORIES
   • These are sperm-killing chemicals placed into the vagina before having sex.
   • Chances of getting pregnant:
     • 6% when you use it correctly every time.
     • 21% if you don't.
     • less than 1% if used with condom each time.
   • Advantages:
     • Available over-the-counter.
     • Easy to carry and to use, only when needed.
     • May help protect against some sexually-transmitted diseases, but never for AIDS.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Must be put into vagina shortly before having sex.
     • Can be messy and may irritate the male or female genitals.

7. IUD (intrauterine device)
   • A health care provider must place inside the womb this small device which causes any fertilized egg to be aborted.
   • Chances of getting pregnant are 1-2%.
   • Advantages:
     • Always in place.
     • Does not interfere with sex.
   • Disadvantages:
     • May cause increased bleeding and cramping during periods and spotting between periods.
     • May have to be removed if you get pregnant.
     • Should not be used by women who have multiple sexual partners.
     • Provides no protection against AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases.
     • Chance of pelvic infection is increased.
     • Tubal pregnancy risk is increased.
     • Very rarely can poke a hole in the womb during or long after placement.

8. NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
   • Avoid sexual intercourse during fertile days of the menstrual cycle.
   • Chances of getting pregnant:
     • 1-9% if very careful every month.
     • 20% if you aren't.
   • Advantages:
     • Approved for married couples by all religious groups.
     • Very inexpensive.
     • May improve couple's cooperation and communication.
     • No delay when ready to become pregnant.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Body temperature and vaginal mucus must be tested every day.
     • Doesn't usually work if periods are not predictably regular.
     • Sexual partner must be completely cooperative.
     • Special teaching required.

9. NORPLANT
   • These slim, hormone-filled capsules, placed under the skin by a health care provider, stop egg from being released from ovary and interfere with sperm's ability to enter womb.
   • Chances of getting pregnant are less than 1%.
   • Advantages:
     • Always in place and does not interfere with sex.
     • Effective for 5 years.
     • Can be removed when ready to become pregnant.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Periods often become completely unpredictable, including the total cessation of bleeding.
     • The initial cost may be as much as $650.
     • Minor surgery is necessary to place and remove.
     • Not for women with liver or heart disease, breast cancer, or blood clots.

10. PATCHES
    • The birth control patch delivers artificial hormones through the skin into the bloodstream to stop the ovaries from producing eggs. Adhesive patches are worn for 3 consecutive weeks with a new patch placed every 7 days. No patch is worn for the 4th week, then the cycle is repeated.
    • Chances of getting pregnant are about 1% when used correctly.
    • Advantages:
      • Simple and easy to use, without interfering with sex.
      • Usually makes periods regular, with less bleeding and cramping.
      • Decreases risk of ovarian cysts.
      • Decreases osteoporosis risk.
    • Disadvantages:
      • Available only with prescription.
      • Must remember to replace patch every seven days.
      • Slightly increases risk of blood clots, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
      • Should not be taken by women over 35 who smoke.
      • May cause changes in weight and mood.
      • Keeping the patch in place may be a problem with oily skin.
      • The patch may cause skin irritation in some women.

11. SPONGE
    • This single-use, small, soft sponge fits inside the vagina where it covers the opening of the womb to block, absorb, and kill sperm.
    • Chances of getting pregnant:
      If you have never been pregnant:
      • 9% when you use it correctly every time.
      • 18% if you don't.
      If you have had children:
      • 20% when you use it correctly every time.
      • 36% if you don't.
    • Advantages:
      • Widely available without a prescription.
      • Easy to carry and to use, only when needed.
      • Can be inserted several hours before sex and left in place for up to 24 hours.
      • May help protect against some sexually-transmitted diseases.
    • Disadvantages:
      • Some women find it hard to remove and can tear sponge.
      • Can make intercourse dry and may irritate the male or female genitals.
      • Slightly increases risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, especially if used during period.
      • May increase chances of vaginal infections.
      • Risk of pregnancy is too high for women who have had children.
      • Does not protect against AIDS.

12. STERILIZATION
    • An operation for men and women which permanently makes it impossible to have a baby. A vasectomy is much safer than a tubal ligation.
    • Chances of getting pregnant are 0.1% (1 in 1,000).
    • Advantages:
      • No other birth control method will ever be needed (except for protection against sexually-transmitted diseases).
      • Does not physically affect sexual ability or desire.
    • Disadvantages:
      • You cannot later change your mind because sterilization is permanent.

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This page was last updated on 26 November 2002.