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Birth Control

Birth Control Methods

Abstinence:

This is the total avoidance of sexual activity. 

• It carries a 0 (zero) percent chance of getting pregnant.

Birth Control Pills: Learn about Ortho-tri-cyclen

• These artificial hormone pills are taken daily to stop ovaries from producing eggs. 

Chances of getting pregnant:

• less than 1% when taken daily. 3% if you miss pill(s).

Birth Control Pills Advantages:

• Simple and easy to use, without interfering with sex. 

• Usually makes periods regular, with less bleeding and cramping. 

• Decreases risk of ovarian cysts and some pelvic infections. 

• Protects against endometrial and ovarian cancer. 

• Decreases osteoporosis risk. 

• Some brands clear up acne.

Birth Control Pills Disadvantages:

• Available only with prescription. 

• Must remember to take pill every day. 

• Slightly increases risk of blood clots, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. 

• Should not be taken by women over 35 who smoke. 

• May cause changes in weight and mood. 

• Might increase spotting and vaginal infections. 

Condoms:

• This is usually a rubber sock which fits snuggly over the erect penis to catch the man's sperm. 

• Chances of getting pregnant:

• 3% when you use it correctly every time. 

• 12% if you don't. 

• less than 1% if used with sperm-killing foam every time. 

Condoms Advantages:

• Widely available without a prescription. 

• Easy to carry and to use, only when needed. 

• Can help protect against sexually-transmitted diseases. 

Condoms Disadvantages:

• Must always be put on during sex. 

• Some men complain it reduces sexual feelings. 

• Certain condoms may irritate the male or female genitals. 

Depo-Provera:

• This quarterly shot stops egg from being released from ovary and interferes with sperm's ability to enter womb. 

• Chances of getting pregnant are less than 1%. 

Depo-Provera Advantages:

• Does not interfere with sex. 

• Effect of single shot lasts 3 months. 

• Safe to use while breastfeeding. 

• Often decreases cramping and bleeding during periods. 

Depo-Provera Disadvantages:

• Periods usually become completely unpredictable, including the total cessation of bleeding. 

• You must get a shot every 3 months. 

• It may be difficult to get pregnant for several months after the shots are discontinued. 

• You may have temporary weight gain, moodiness, headaches, and/or dizziness. 

• Not for women with liver or heart disease, breast cancer, or blood clots. 

Diaphragm:

• This multiple-use, small, rubber cup fits inside the vagina where it holds sperm-killing jelly or cream over the opening of the womb. 

• Chances of getting pregnant:

• 6% when you use it correctly every time. 

• 18% if you don't. 

Diaphragm Advantages:

• Can be placed into vagina up to 2 hours before sex. 

• Necessary to use only when needed. 

• May help protect against some sexually-transmitted diseases, but never for AIDS. 

Diaphragm Disadvantages:

• Available only by prescription after properly fitted by health care provider. 

• Increases bladder infections in some women. 

• Failure to remove within 12 hours increases risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. 

• Some find it difficult to insert and remove. 

• Jelly or cream can be messy and may (rarely) irritate the male or female genitals. 

• The diaphragm must be left in place 6 to 8 hours after sex. 

Foam & Suppositories:

• These are sperm-killing chemicals placed into the vagina before having sex. 

• Chances of getting pregnant:

• 6% when you use it correctly every time. 

• 21% if you don't. less than 1% if used with condom each time. 

Foam & Suppositories Advantages:

• Available over-the-counter. 

• Easy to carry and to use, only when needed. 

• May help protect against some sexually-transmitted diseases, but never for AIDS. 

Foam & Suppositories Disadvantages:

• Must be put into vagina shortly before having sex. 

• Can be messy and may irritate the male or female genitals. 

IUD (intrauterine device)

• A health care provider must place inside the womb this small device which causes any fertilized egg to be aborted. 

• Chances of getting pregnant are 1-2%. 

IUD Advantages:

• Always in place. 

• Does not interfere with sex. 

IUD Disadvantages:

• May cause increased bleeding and cramping during periods and spotting between periods. 

• May have to be removed if you get pregnant. 

• Should not be used by women who have multiple sexual partners. 

• Provides no protection against AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases. 

• Chance of pelvic infection is increased. 

• Tubal pregnancy risk is increased. 

• Very rarely can poke a hole in the womb during or long after placement. 

Natural Family Planning:

• Avoid sexual intercourse during fertile days of the menstrual cycle. 

• Chances of getting pregnant:

• 1-9% if very careful every month. 

• 20% if you aren't. 

Natural Family Planning Advantages:

• Approved for married couples by all religious groups. 

• Very inexpensive. 

• May improve couple's cooperation and communication. 

• No delay when ready to become pregnant. 

Natural Family Planning Disadvantages:

• Body temperature and vaginal mucus must be tested every day. 

• Doesn't usually work if periods are not predictably regular. 

• Sexual partner must be completely cooperative. 

• Special teaching required. 

Norplant:

• These slim, hormone-filled capsules, placed under the skin by a health care provider, stop egg from being released from ovary and interfere with sperm's

• ability to enter womb. 

• Chances of getting pregnant are less than 1%. 

Norplant Advantages:

• Always in place and does not interfere with sex. 

• Effective for 5 years. 

• Can be removed when ready to become pregnant. 

Norplant Disadvantages:

• Periods often become completely unpredictable, including the total cessation of bleeding. 

• The initial cost may be as much as $650. 

• Minor surgery is necessary to place and remove. 

• Not for women with liver or heart disease, breast cancer, or blood clots. 

Sponge:

• This single-use, small, soft sponge fits inside the vagina where it covers the opening of the womb to block, absorb, and kill sperm. 

• Chances of getting pregnant if you have never been pregnant:

• 9% when you use it correctly every time. 

• 18% if you don't. 

• If you have had children:20% when you use it correctly every time. 

• 36% if you don't. 

Sponge Advantages:

• Widely available without a prescription. 

• Easy to carry and to use, only when needed. 

• Can be inserted several hours before sex and left in place for up to 24 hours. 

• May help protect against some sexually-transmitted diseases. 

Sponge Disadvantages:

• Some women find it hard to remove and can tear sponge. 

• Can make intercourse dry and may irritate the male or female genitals. 

• Slightly increases risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, especially if used during period. 

• May increase chances of vaginal infections. 

• Risk of pregnancy is too high for women who have had children. 

• Does not protect against AIDS. 

Sterilization:

• An operation for men and women which permanently makes it impossible to have a baby.

• A vasectomy is much safer than a tubal ligation. 

• Chances of getting pregnant are 0.1% (1 in 1,000). 

Sterilization Advantages:

• No other birth control method will ever be needed (except for protection against sexually-transmitted diseases). 

• Does not physically affect sexual ability or desire. 

• Disadvantages:

• You cannot later change your mind because sterilization is permanent.