Sun
19
Apr

Contraception: what are your options?

by Mary Calvagna, MS

With the advancement of science, there are many new options for preventing pregnancy. Learning about each type can help you make an educated decision about which method to choose.

What is the best birth control method for me?

Take your time when it comes to determining which birth control method you'll use. Do your homework; research what is available. Talk to your close friends and see what methods they use and how they like them. And, talk to your doctor. Factors that are important to your decision include:

  • Your health
  • Frequency of sexual activity
  • Number of partners
  • Desire to have children in the future

Contraception options

Abstinence - this is not having sexual intercourse. It is the only 100% effective way to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including AIDS.

The pill - also know as oral contraceptive. In the U.S., it is the most popular form of reversible contraception. It uses a combination of estrogen and progestin (female hormones) to suppress ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries). Taken daily, the chance of becoming pregnant is very low. It does not protect against STDs, and is not recommended in women who smoke, or have a history of blood clots, breast cancer, or endometrial cancer.

The male condom - prevents pregnancy by blocking the passage of sperm to the woman. The chance of becoming pregnant using a condom is about 14%. Except for abstinence, latex condoms are the most effective protection against HIV and other STDs.

The female condom - works in a similar way as the male condom in preventing the passage of sperm. The failure rate is a little higher—21%. It may protect against STDs, but not as effectively as the male condom.

Norplant and Norplant 2 - each of these consist of matchstick-sized rods that are surgically placed under the skin in the arm, where they regularly release a contraceptive steroid. They are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but do not protect against STDs.

Depo-Provera - a shot taken every 3 months that uses progestin to prevent pregnancy. It is highly effective as birth control, but does not protect against STDs.

Minipills - are taken daily and prevent pregnancy using progestin without estrogen. They are a good option for women who can’t use estrogen. They are highly effective at preventing pregnancy but do not protect against STDs.

Emergency contraception - refers to a series of contraceptive pills taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. It does not prevent STDs.

Intrauterine device (IUD) - is a T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a health-care provider. It prevents fertilization and is a highly effective contraceptive, but offers no protection against STDs.

Diaphragms or cervical caps - are available by prescription. They are used with spermicides, and are inserted in the vagina against the cervix to block the passage of sperm. The failure rates are about 20% and higher for women who have already had a child. Used with spermicides that contain nonoxynol-9, they may protect against gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Surgical sterilization - is a permanent contraception for people who don’t want children in the future. It does not protect against STDs

Talk with your health care provider to find out what options work best for you and are available to you.