|
METHOD
|
KEY ADVANTAGES |
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS |
EFFECTIVENESS* |
|
Abstinence |
No physical side effects
Can be used anytime
Nothing to purchase |
Requires commitment and self-control by both partners
Peer pressure to engage in intercourse |
100%
|
|
Birth control pill |
Continuous protection against pregnancy
Reversible
Protects against painful, heavy or irregular periods, ovarian and endometrial cancer, and infections of the fallopian tubes
Nothing to remember at time of intercourse |
Must remember to take daily
Not suitable for all women
(for some there is an increased risk of stroke, blood clots, etc.)
Possible side effects: nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain
No protection against sexually transmitted infection (STI) |
95-99% if used correctly and consistently |
|
Implant |
Continuous protection against pregnancy for 3 years
Reversible
Nothing to remember at time of intercourse
|
Expensive
Minor surgical procedure
Irregular menstrual bleeding
Possible difficulty with removal
Possible weight gain
No protection against STI |
99%+ |
|
Depo-Provera® |
Continuous protection against pregnancy for 3 months
Nothing to remember at time of intercourse
Menstruation ceases for more than 50 percent of women
|
Requires injection
Must remember to get the shot every 3 months
Non-reversible until effects wear off
Return to fertility may take several months
Possible weight gain
No protection against STI |
99%+ if used consistently |
|
Intrauterine Device (IUD) |
Continuous protection against pregnancy for up to 5 years
Nothing to remember at time of intercourse
Reversible |
Not suitable for all
Increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease
May be expelled from or perforate uterus
No protection against STI |
98% |
|
Male condom |
Excellent protection against STI
Male involvement; Inexpensive
Available over the counter |
Male-controlled method
May leak or break if used incorrectly
May interfere with spontaneity |
86-97% if used correctly and consistently |
|
Diaphragm or cervical cap |
Can be inserted before intercourse
Allows multiple acts of intercourse before removal |
Requires high level of comfort with one's body, requires fitting by a clinician
May be difficult to insert
Limited STI protection, Interfere w/spontaneity |
80-94% if used correctly and consistently |
|
Contraceptive foam, film (VCF), suppositories
|
Available over the counter |
Timing: must insert close to each intercourse
May cause allergic reaction
Limited STI protection |
74-94% if used correctly and consistently |
|
Withdrawal |
Nothing to purchase
Available as a last resort
Better than nothing |
Dependent on male partner
Requires commitment and great control
May affect pleasure
No protection against STI |
Effectiveness varies: failure rate increases if the male does not predict and control ejaculation correctly |
|
Fertility awareness methods |
Nothing to purchase
Permitted by some religious groups that prohibit the use of other methods |
Requires commitment
No intercourse for much of menstrual cycle
No protection against STI |
80-99% if used correctly and consistently: combined use of predicting and controlling ejaculation, calendar, basal temperature and cervical mucous methods |
|
Emergency contraception |
Can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse |
May cause nausea and vomiting
Not for regular use
No protection against STI |
Reduces risk of pregnancy by 75% |