Abstinence
- How it works: The couple does not engage in vaginal sex (or any activity where semen could enter the vagina).
- Advantages: It is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.
- Disadvantages: Couples must find other ways of showing affection.
The "Pill"
- How it works: Keeps a woman's egg from being released. Prescription needed.
- Advantages: May help regulate menstrual cycle.
- Disadvantages: Possible side effects include breast tenderness, headache, spottingor nausea. * Women who smoke or have heart problems may not be able to use it.
Natural Family Planning
- How it works: The woman determines when she's fertile and avoids sex at these times.
- Advantages: No mechanical or chemical methods involved. Little or not cost.
- Disadvantages: Not considered a very reliable method. Determining fertility (by charting temperatures) takes getting used to.
Injection
- How it works: The woman receives an injection of medication once every 3 months. Prescription needed.
- Advantages: No preparation needed before sex.
- Disadvantages: Possible side effects include irregular bleeding, weight gain, depression or loss of bone mineral density.*
Implant
- How it works: A small, flexible rod is inserted into a woman's arm. It releases a hormone. Prescription needed.
- Advantages: It helps guard against pregnancy for 3 years.
- Disadvantages: There may be side effects, such as irregular bleeding, weight gain, headache, acne and depression.*
Diaphragm
- How it works: Used with spermicide. Stops sperm from reaching egg. Prescription needed.
- Advantages: Diaphragm can last several years.
- Disadvantages: Must stay in 6-8 hours after sex. May increase risk of bladder infections.*
Cervical Cap (FemCap)
- How it works: Used with spermicide, small cap placed over cervix Prescription needed.
- Advantages: Can be left in place for up to 48 hours.
- Disadvantages: Women must work with health-care provider to make sure cap fits properly. May be difficult to insert. Must stay in at least 6 hours after sex.
Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)
- How it works: Flexible, hormone-releasing ring placed in vagina. Prescription needed.
- Advantages: Easy to insert and can stay in place for 3 weeks.
- Disadvantages: Possible side effects include breast tenderness, headache, nausea or vaginal discharge.* Women who smoke or have heart problems may not be able to use it.
IUD (IntraUterine Device)
- How it works: Placed in uterus by health-care provider. Affects sperm, egg or lining of uterus. Prescription needed.
- Advantages: Some IUDs can be left in place for up to 10 years.
- Disadvantages: Possible side effects include cramps or bleeding (at first). May increase risk of pelvic infection, especially in those who have more than one sex partner.*
Patch (Ortho Evra)
- How it works: Thin patch placed on woman's body. Patch is changed once a week for 3 weeks. Prescription needed.
- Advantages: No preparation needed before sex. Each patch can stay on for a week.
- Disadvantages: Possible side effects include breast tenderness, headache, spotting, nausea or skin irritation.* Women who smoke or have heart problems may not be able to use it.
Sterilization for Men (Vasectomy)
- How it works: Tubes that carry sperm to penis are sealed, cut or tied.
- Advantages: Nearly 100% effective.
- Disadvantages: It is a surgical procedure. To reverse sterilization, more surgery is required - with no guarantee of success.*
Sterilization for Women (Tubal Ligation)
- How it works: Fallopian tubes are cut or tied, so sperm can't reach egg.
- Advantages: Nearly 100% effective.
- Disadvantages: It is a surgical procedure. To reverse sterilization, more surgery is required - with no guarantee of success.*
* Ask your health-care provider about side effects.
Condoms
Male latex condoms help prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) . (But some STDs can still be spread by contact with areas not covered by condoms.) Condoms are not 100% effective. But, when used properly, they can help protect you and your partner. Use a new one for each act of vaginal, anal or oral sex. Always check the expiration date before use. See our article on condoms .
If you cannot use a male latex condom, consider using a polyurethane female condom. The female condom has not been as thoroughly tested as male latex condoms. Be sure to follow insturctions on the label exactly and to use a new condom for each act of sex. Talk to a health-care provider to learn more.
Spermicides
Spermicides can be used alone, or with a condom, diaphragm or cervical cap. They may be in the form of creams, gels, foam or film (called VCF). Ask your health-care provider about situations when spermicies are NOT recommended.
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