Home arrow Services/Programs arrow Family Planning arrow Birth Control arrow Contraception Choices

Contraception Choices

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.

 
 
Next >

Health Alert Network (HAN) biohazard.gif

Click for emergent health information.

 

Click here to sign up for a free service that delivers emergency notifications directly to you at home or work on your computer or on your cell phone 

Testimonials

I feel the best I have in years!

 "Exercise, walking and Tai Chi made me feel good, so I did more.  It was positive reinforcement.  The more I did the better I felt! Keep Going, Teller County! I lost 15 pounds and my clothes fit better. I feel the best that I have in years." Judith, Woodland Park, CO

 
Follow tellerhealth on Twitter
susankomenlogo2.png
womenswellnessconnection2.png
americanonthemovelogo2.png
coloradoquitlinelogo2.png