A Complete Guide to Contraception: Options and Effectiveness

Barrier methods stop sperm from reaching the egg. They also help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Male Condoms

• Worn over the penis during sex.

• Effectiveness: 98% with perfect use, about 85% with typical use.

• Pros: Protects against most STIs, easy to get, simple to use.

• Cons: Single-use, can break, some people are allergic to latex.

• Tips: Check for damage before use, use water-based lubricants, pinch the tip before unrolling.

Female Condoms

• Worn inside the vagina.

• Effectiveness: 95% with perfect use, about 79% with typical use.

• Pros: Protects against STIs, can be put in up to 8 hours before sex.

• Cons: Harder to find, more expensive, takes practice to use.

• Tips: Make sure it’s in correctly and guide the penis into the condom.

Dental Dams

• Thin sheets used during oral sex to prevent STIs.

• Pros: Protects against STIs, comes in different flavors.

• Cons: Not as easy to find, must be held in place.

• Tips: Lay flat over the area, don’t reuse.

These use hormones to prevent pregnancy and can help with period problems.

Birth Control Pills

• Pills taken daily.

• Effectiveness: Over 99% with perfect use, about 91% with typical use.

• Pros: Helps regulate periods, can clear skin, easy to start and stop.

• Cons: Must be taken every day, can cause side effects like nausea or mood changes.

• Tips: Take at the same time every day.

Patches and Vaginal Rings

• Patch sticks to skin; ring goes inside the vagina.

• Effectiveness: Over 99% with perfect use, about 91% with typical use.

• Pros: Only need to change weekly (patch) or monthly (ring).

• Cons: Skin irritation (patch), discomfort (ring), not for everyone.

• Tips: Rotate patch sites, insert ring on schedule.

Injectable Contraceptives

• Shot given every 12 weeks.

• Effectiveness: Over 99% with perfect use, about 94% with typical use.

• Pros: Long-lasting, can stop periods, private.

• Cons: Possible weight gain, mood changes, delayed return to fertility.

• Tips: Schedule next shot before leaving doctor.

Implants

• Small rod placed under skin in the arm.

• Effectiveness: Over 99%.

• Pros: Lasts 3-5 years, easy to remove, very effective.

• Cons: Must be put in and taken out by a doctor, may cause irregular bleeding.

• Tips: Check implant is in place, talk to your doctor.

Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD)

• Small device placed in uterus.

• Effectiveness: Over 99%.

• Pros: Lasts 3-7 years, can make periods lighter, easy to reverse.

• Cons: Insertion can hurt, may cause spotting, needs a doctor.

• Tips: Schedule insertion during period, follow up with doctor.

These don’t use hormones and are good for people who want to avoid side effects.

Copper IUD

• Device placed in uterus, releases copper.

• Effectiveness: Over 99%.

• Pros: Lasts 10-12 years, no hormones, quick return to fertility.

• Cons: Can cause heavier periods at first, needs a doctor.

• Tips: Follow up with doctor after insertion.

Diaphragms and Cervical Caps

• Dome-shaped devices placed in vagina over cervix, used with spermicide.

• Effectiveness: About 88%.

• Pros: Can be put in before sex, reusable, no hormones.

• Cons: Must be left in after sex, needs fitting by a doctor, can cause UTIs.

• Tips: Clean and store properly, use with spermicide.

Spermicides

• Chemicals that kill sperm, come as gels or creams.

• Effectiveness: About 72% alone, better with other methods.

• Pros: Easy to get, no prescription needed.

• Cons: Less effective alone, can irritate some people.

• Tips: Follow instructions, use with condoms or diaphragms.

Permanent Contraception

For people who are sure they don’t want children in the future.

Sterilization for Women (Tubal Ligation)

• Surgery to block fallopian tubes.

• Effectiveness: Over 99%.

• Pros: Permanent, no hormones, doesn’t affect periods.

• Cons: Surgery risks, hard to reverse, no STI protection.

• Tips: Talk with your doctor and plan for recovery.

Vasectomy for Men

• Surgery to block sperm tubes.

• Effectiveness: Over 99%.

• Pros: Permanent, quick recovery, doesn’t affect sex drive.

• Cons: Hard to reverse, no STI protection, some discomfort after.

• Tips: Use other contraception until doctor confirms no sperm.

Natural and Alternative Methods

These use knowledge of the body’s natural cycles.

Fertility Awareness Methods

• Track periods, temperature, and mucus to avoid sex on fertile days.

• Effectiveness: Up to 95% with perfect use, 76-88% typically.

• Pros: No hormones or devices, increases body awareness.

• Cons: Needs daily tracking, less effective with irregular cycles, no STI protection.

• Tips: Use apps or charts, combine methods for better results.

Withdrawal Method (Pull-Out)

• Penis is pulled out before ejaculation.

• Effectiveness: 96% perfect use, 78% typical use.

• Pros: No cost, no devices.

• Cons: Hard to do perfectly, no STI protection.

• Tips: Combine with other methods for more safety.

Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)

• Uses exclusive breastfeeding to prevent pregnancy for up to 6 months after birth.

• Effectiveness: Up to 98% if done right.

• Pros: Natural, helps baby’s health.

• Cons: Only works if baby is under 6 months and only breastfed, no STI protection.

• Tips: Watch for return of periods, switch methods if needed.

Selecting the most suitable contraceptive method is a personal decision that depends on various factors, including lifestyle, health conditions, and family planning goals. Understanding what is available and considering the pros and cons of each method can make this decision easier.

Think about:

• How easy it is to use

• Your health and medical history

• How effective you want it to be

• If you want kids in the future

• If you want to avoid hormones

A healthcare provider can help you decide what’s best for you and answer your questions. Many contraceptives may be free through clinics and pharmacies.

Final Thoughts

Choosing contraception is a personal decision. The best method is the one that fits your life, health, and plans. Talk to a healthcare provider for advice and support. Taking control of your reproductive health helps you live confidently and safely.