Protect Yourself

Birth Control Methods

There are many kinds of birth control methods available should you make the decision to become intimate with someone and choose to protect yourself from pregnancy. Some methods of birth control are available over the counter while others require a prescription.  Listed below are several kinds of birth control methods.  No matter which birth control method you choose, it’s important to protect yourself from not only pregnancy but also from STD’s and HIV.

Abstinence is the safest form of birth control available. Abstinence means not having sexual intercourse. It is free, 100% effective, does not cause any side effects and protects against contracting all STD’s (Sexually Transmitted Diseases).

Birth Control Available at Local Drug Stores

Male Condom- Made from thin rubber latex or animal tissue. The male condom is used to cover the penis as a means to catch sperm during sexual intercourse as a way to prevent pregnancy. Male condoms are 85%-99% effective when used correctly. The effectiveness of condoms increase more so when using a spermicide at the same time. Latex condoms are a type of barrier method which protects against contracting STD’s. Have you seen the Buckets?

Female Condom- A polyurethane sheath is inserted into the vagina prior to sexual intercourse. Its function is to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. Female condoms are 80%-95% effective in preventing pregnancy. Female condoms are a barrier method that protect against contracting STD’s and HIV.

Spermicide- Creams, foams, jellies, suppositories and sponges that act to stop sperm from reaching the female cervix during sexual intercourse. Spermicides are inserted deep into the vagina a few minutes before intercourse.  It is 70%-80% effective. Using spermicides alone does not protect against STD’s and HIV.

Plan B- Emergency contraception pill that is taken within 72 hours (3 days) after contraceptive failure or unprotected sex. Plan B is an effective backup plan but is not regular birth control. If you are 17 or older, Plan B can be obtained from your local pharmacy. If you are under 17, Plan B can be obtained at Planned Parenthood. Plan B does not work if you are already pregnant and it will not affect an existing pregnancy.

Birth Control Available from Your Local Healthcare Provider

Cervical Cap- Shaped like a thimble, it blocks sperm from entering the female uterus during sexual intercourse. The Cervical Cap should be used with a spermicide to increase effectivess and prevent pregnancy. Using the Cervical Cap alone does not protect against STD’s.

Depo-Provera- A shot of hormone which is given every three months by a health care provider. Depo-Provera prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg. It also acts to thicken the female cervical mucus as a means to keep sperm out of the uterus. It is 97% effective in preventing pregnancy. Depo-Provera does not protect against STD’s and HIV.

Diaphragm- Bowl-shaped latex cup with a flexible rim. It covers the female cervix to prevent sperm from entering. The Diaphragm should be used with spermicides. A physical exam is required as correct fitting is needed. It is 84%-94% effective in preventing pregnancy. The Diaphragm does not protect against STD’s and HIV.

Implanon- Thin, small-sized rod called an implant that is inserted under the skin of a woman’s arm. It contains a hormone that prevents pregnancy by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also acts to thicken the female cervical mucus as a means to keep sperm out of the uterus. Using Implanon can prevent pregnancy for three years and is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Implanon does not protect against STD’s and HIV.

IUD (Intrauterine Contraception)/Mirena- Small device made of plastic which is inserted into a woman’s uterus by a healthcare provider. An IUD keeps sperm from meeting with the egg during and after sexual intercourse.  An IUD can be used for 5-12 years and is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. An IUD does not protect against STD’s and HIV.

The NuvaRing-A small, flexible ring that is inserted into the female vagina once a month. The ring releases hormones into the body that keeps ovaries from releasing eggs. The ring also acts to thicken the female cervical mucus so that sperm can not enter the uterus. The ring is 92-99% effective. The NuvaRing does not protect against STD’s and HIV.

The ORTHO EVRA Patch- A thin, tan, plastic patch that sticks to female skin and is replaced with a new patch every week with exception to every fourth week of use. The patch releases hormones that act to keep the ovaries from releasing eggs. The hormones in the patch also thicken the cervical mucus so that sperm can not enter the uterus. The patch is 92-99% effective. The patch does not protect against STD’s and HIV.

The Pill- A prescription of pills that are to be taken once daily at the same time every day. The pill contains hormones which keep the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the cervical mucus so that sperm can not enter the uterus. The pill is 92-99% effective. The pill does not protect against STD’s and HIV.

For more information about birth control and the side effects, please call Planned Parenthood at 217-877-6474 or consult with your health care provider.