Birth Control Methods

How to use: 
Thin, match-sized rod implant placed on inner side of woman’s upper arm continually releases a low, steady dose of progestin for up to three years.

When to use: 
Must see a clinician to insert under the skin of the upper arm. Contraceptive must be replaced every three years.

Advantages: 
• Implant works for three years.
• Does not interrupt sex.

Disadvantages: 
• No protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS.
• Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain and scarring in spot of implantation, headaches, mood swings, and irregular bleeding.

Effectiveness: 
1 out of 100 women get pregnant when using this method properly.

How to use:
A small T-shaped implant placed in the uterus, containing progestin, copper or silver. Replaced as needed every 5-10 years.

When to use: 
IUD must be placed by your healthcare provider. It is usually more comfortable if you have it inserted in the middle of your menstrual cycle.

Advantages: 
• Works for a long time (5-10 years).
• Does not interrupt sex.

Disadvantages: 
• No protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS.

Effectiveness: 
1 out of 100 women get pregnant when using this method properly.

*Please Note: We only provide Mirena and Paragard in our clinics

How to use

• A small T-shaped implant placed in the uterus, containing copper. Replaced as needed every 10 years.

When to use

• IUD must be placed by your healthcare provider. It is usually more comfortable if you have it inserted in the middle of your menstrual cycle.

Advantages

• Works for a long time (10 years).
• Does not interrupt sex.

Disadvantages

• No protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS.

*Please Note: We only provide Mirena and Paragard in our clinics.

Effectiveness

• 1 out of 100 women get pregnant when using this method properly.

How to use:
Oral contraceptive.

When to use:
Taken every day at the same time each day.

Advantages:
• Does not interrupt sex.
• Periods usually lighter, more regular, less cramping.
• May improve acne.

Disadvantages:
• No protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS.
• Pills must be obtained from a clinician.
• Must remember to take pill every day.
• Symptoms may include weight gain, headaches, breast tenderness, depression or loss of interest in sex.

Effectiveness:
8 out of 100 women get pregnant when using this method properly.

How to use: 
Injection (shot) of progestin.

When to use: 
Clinician gives the hormone injection every three months. Be sure to have enough calcium in your diet.

Advantages: 
• Each shot works for three months.
• Does not interrupt sex.
• May decrease menstrual bleeding and cramping.

Disadvantages: 
• No protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS.
• Symptoms may include irregular periods, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, breast tenderness, weight gain or mood changes.

Effectiveness: 
3 out of 100 women get pregnant when using this method properly.

How to use: 
Thin patch placed on skin releases hormones.

When to use:
Apply each new patch to a different place on your skin. Never apply to breasts or irritated skin or unclean skin. Wear for seven days; exchange for a new one on day eight. Only wear patches for three weeks at a time.

Advantages:
• Does not interrupt sex.
• OK to bathe, swim, exercise while wearing patch.
• May improve acne.

Disadvantages:
• No protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS.
• Higher risk of side effects, like blood clots.
• May not work well on women over 198 pounds.
• Symptoms may include nausea, mood changes, headaches, breast tenderness and skin irritation.

Effectiveness:
8 out of 100 women get pregnant when using this method properly.

How to use: 
Estrogen and progestin hormones released from ring.

When to use: 
Store in cool place until use. Leave in ring for three weeks.

Advantages:
• Exact position of ring is not important.
• Does not interrupt sex.
• Periods are lighter, more regular, less cramping.
• May improve acne.

Disadvantages:
• No protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS.
• Symptoms may include weight gain, mood changes, more acne, headaches, nausea, and vaginal irritations.

Effectiveness: 
8 out of 100 women get pregnant when using this method properly.

How to use: 
A condom covers an erect penis to keep sperm from entering the vagina. Some brands have spermicide that kills sperm. Do not re-use a condom.

When to use: 
Always use a condom. Store in a cool place, and use with water based lubricants. Remove the condom immediately after ejaculation. Do not use a condom that has expired.

Advantages: 
• Latex and polyurethane condoms help protect against STDs and HIV/AIDS.
• No prescription necessary.

Disadvantages: 
• Condom may break or slip off during sex or pulling out if not used correctly.
• Sensation may be different when using a condom.
• Heat may damage condoms, never carry them in a hip pocket, wallet, or glove compartment

Effectiveness: 
15 out of 100 women get pregnant when using this method properly.

How to use: 
A female condom lines the inside of the vagina to keep sperm from reaching the egg. Use a new condom every time you have sex. Make sure the outer ring stays outside of the vagina. DO NOT use with a male condom.

When to use: 
The female condom can be inserted eight hours before intercourse and should be removed immediately after sex. The use of spermicide will make the condom more effective in preventing pregnancy.

Advantages: 
• Helps prevent and protect against STDs and HIV/AIDS.
• No prescription necessary.
• May insert up to eight hours prior to sex.

Disadvantages: 
• May break or slip during sex if not used correctly.
• Outer ring may not feel comfortable.

Effectiveness: 
21 out of 100 women get pregnant when using this method properly.

How to use: 
This is a soft latex rubber cup that holds spermicide cream which covers the cervix. A clinician must fit the women for proper use.

When to use: 
Insert cap into the vagina at least 30 minutes before sex. Do not douche or remove cap from 6 to 8 hours after sex. Do not leave in for more than 24 hours.

Advantages: 
• This product can be reused.
• May use cap with male condom.
• May insert in advance.

Disadvantages: 
• No protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS.
• Cap may shift out of position.
• Cap may lead to irritation.
• Cap must be fitted for comfort.

Effectiveness: 
• 16 out of 100 women (who have not carried a pregnancy) get pregnant when using this method properly.
• 32 out of 100 women (who have had a previous pregnancy) get pregnant when using this method properly.

How to use:
This product contains spermicide and is a soft latex rubber cup that fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix.

When to use:
Do not douche six to eight hours after having sex. Do not leave in for more than 24 hours.

Advantages:
• May be used repeatedly.
• Helps protect against cervical cancer.
• May be used with male condom.
• Protects for six hours so may be used in advance.
• May be used during menstrual period.

Disadvantages:
• No protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS.
• Diaphragm must be fitted and may shift out of position.
• May also cause irritation.

Effectiveness:
16 out of 100 women get pregnant when using this method properly.

How to use: 
Spermicides kill sperm. Examples include jelly, cream, suppositories, and contraceptive film.

When to use: 
Use before each act of sex. Shake foam at least 20 times. Insert deep into vagina before sex. Do not douche for six hours after sex.

Advantages: 
• No prescription necessary.
• May serve as lubricant.
• Can be used with other methods of birth control.

Disadvantages: 
• No protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS.
• Can possibly lead to urinary tract infections.
• If incorrect amount of spermicide is used, it may lead to irritation of the penis or vagina.

Effectiveness: 
29 out of 100 women get pregnant when using this method properly.

The penis and vagina do not touch. The sperm does not come anywhere close to the vagina, so the sperm and egg never meet. The term abstinence also means no oral and anal sex.

When to use:
Works best when both partners decide to practice abstinence.

Advantages:
• It is free.
• No side effects.
• Protects against pregnancy, STDs, and HIV/AIDS.

Disadvantages:
You might not have a back-up method when you do decide to have sex.

Effectiveness:
100 percent effective

Male partner should urinate and wipe off the tip of his penis to remove any sperm from a previous ejaculation.

When to use:
Male partner takes penis out of vagina before he ejaculates (comes).

Advantages:
• It is free.

Disadvantages:
• No protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS.
• Accidental ejaculation may occur.
• Pre-ejaculatory fluid may still cause pregnancy.
• This method also requires self-control and trust.

Effectiveness: 
27 out of 100 women get pregnant when using this method properly.

How to use: 
EC pills taken orally within 72 hours and at the most within 120 hours after having sex. Take a pill to prevent nausea one hour before taking first ECPs. DO NOT have unprotected sex after you have taken ECPs.

When to use: 
The EC pill must be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.

Advantages: 
• Can be used to prevent pregnancy after sex has occurred.
• ECPs will not harm a pregnancy.

Disadvantages: 
• No protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS.
• Symptoms may include nausea/vomiting, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain or breast tenderness.
• The longer you wait to take an ECP after sex, the less likely the pills will prevent pregnancy.

Effectiveness: 
• When no birth control is used, 85 out of 100 women will get pregnant over time.
• 8 out of 100 women get pregnant after using ECPs within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.