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A variety of birth control methods are available to you. Choosing the best method can be a difficult decision. You might have many questions. Here is some information about the different methods that might make the decision easier.
Keep in mind ... If you are unhappy with your first choice of birth control, you can always pick another. Many people use several different methods throughout their lifetime.
Abstinence
What is it?
Not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
How does it work?
Woman, man, or couple makes decision not to have sexual intercourse.
How effective is it against pregnancy?
100% effective against pregnancy, HIV and other STDs.
Injectables (the Shot, Depo-Provera)
What is it?
Injection (shot) of hormones given to a woman every 3 months (Depo-Provera).
How does it work?
Injectable forms of birth control stop ovaries from releasing eggs, changes cervical mucus so that it is harder for sperm to enter uterus, and changes the lining of the uterus so it is more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the lining.
How effective is it against pregnancy? -
99% effective against pregnancy. Does not protect against HIV or other STDs.
Transdermal (Skin) Patch (Ortho Evra)
What is it?
A patch you apply to the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body (not breasts), once a week for three weeks each month.
How does it work?
The patch stops ovaries from releasing eggs, changes cervical mucus so that it is harder for sperm to enter the uterus, and changes the lining of the uterus so it is more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the lining.
How effective is it against pregnancy?
99% effective against pregnancy. Does not protect against HIV or other STDs.
Vaginal Contraceptive Ring (NuvaRing)
What is it?
A flexible hormone ring that is inserted into the vagina, where it remains for 3 weeks. It is removed for the fourth week to allow a period to occur. A new ring is inserted each month.
How does it work?
The contraceptive ring stop ovaries from releasing eggs, changes cervical mucus so it is harder for sperm to enter uterus, and changes the lining of the uterus so it is more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the lining.
How effective is it against pregnancy?
98-99% effective against pregnancy. Does not protect against HIV or other STDs.
Birth Control Pill
What is it?
Small tablet of artificial hormones a woman must take at the same time every day.
How does it work?
Pills stop ovaries from releasing eggs, change cervical mucus so it is harder for sperm to enter uterus, and change the lining of the uterus so it is more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the lining.
How effective is it against pregnancy?
97-99% effective against pregnancy. Does not protect against HIV or other STDs.
IUD
What is it?
A small, T-shaped piece of flexible plastic with nylong string(s) attached. It is wrapped in copper wire or contains a hormone. The IUD is inserted into the uterus by a health care provider.
How does it work?
This is not clearly understood. It may prevent fertilization by making sperm less mobile or by making the egg move faster through the fallopian tube.
How effective is it against pregnancy?
97-99% effective against pregnancy. The IUD is most effective for older women and those who have had children. Does not protect against HIV or other STDs.
Condom
What is it?
A thin, disposable sheath of latex or lambskin that fits over an erect penis like the finger of a glove.
How does it work?
Prevents sperm from entering the woman's body. When the man ejaculates, the condom catches the semen.
How effective is it against pregnancy?
88-90% effective against pregnancy. Increased effectiveness when used with spermicide. Latex condoms help protect against HIV and other STDs. Lambskin condoms are not recommended for HIV or STD prevention. Read more about the right way to use a male condom.
Spermicidal Products (Foam, Suppositories, and Film)
What are they?
Chemicals that kill sperm.
How do they work?
Chemicals kill sperm before they reach the uterus.
How effective are they against pregnancy?
71-96% effective against pregnancy.Increased effectiveness when used with condoms. Does not protect against HIV or other STDs.
Diaphragm
What is it?
Small, dome-shaped latex cup that fits over the cervix. It is used with spermicidal cream or jelly.
How does it work?
Keeps sperm out of the uterus. Also, chemicals in the cream or jelly kill sperm. Must leave it in place for 6-8 hours after last act of intercourse, but never longer than 24 hours.
How effective is it against pregnancy?
82-94% effective against pregnancy. Does not protect against HIV or other STDs.
Natural Family Planning (CM-BBT)
What is it?
A method of charting and understanding changes in cervical mucus and body temperatures to know when pregnancy can occur during the menstrual cycle.
How does it work?
Knowing when pregnancy can occur during the menstrual cycle and abstaining from sex during this time.
How effective is it against pregnancy?
90-97% effective against pregnancy when used consistently. Does not protect against HIV or other STDs.
Sterilization
What is it?
A surgical procedure for women (tubal ligation) and men (vasectomy) resulting in permanent birth control.
How does it work?
Male sterilization prevents sperm from leaving the testes while female sterilization prevents eggs from passing through the fallopian tubes, where they could be fertilized.
How effective is it against pregnancy?
Both forms of sterilization are 99.9% effective against pregnancy. Does not protect against HIV or other STDs.
Emergency Contraception (The Morning After Pill)
What is it?
A way to prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. Small tablets of hormones taken as an emergency means of contraception.
How does it work?
Pills create a temporary hormonal disruption that does not allow pregnancy to occur. Temporarily stops the release of an egg from the ovary or may prevent fertilization or prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. It will not work if you are already pregnant, and it is not the same as the "abortion pill." Should not be used as a regular method of birth control.
How effective is it against pregnancy?
Reduces the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex by 89%. Does not protect against HIV or other STDs. Read more about emergency contraception pills.
For more information on a particular method or to schedule an appointment,
contact Adagio Health.
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