What is a contraceptive?
Contraceptives are various methods and or medications that can be used to prevent pregnancy. These can include condoms, hormonal or non-hormonal birth control, or methods like ovulation tracking and or the rhythm method.
*effectiveness noted ranges from typical-perfect use. Those written in red require a prescription**
Types of birth control:
Short acting methods— Controlled by a doctor, taken or given anywhere from each day, to once a month, to every 3 months.
The Pill: Some pills only contain progestin, while others contain both progestin and estrogen. They are taken daily, at the same time for best results. 91-99% effective
Intrauterine Device (IUD): contains progestin and blocks sperm from getting to the egg by thinning the uterine lining, making it more difficult for an egg to attach itself to the wall. Some last for 3 years, 6 years. Some non-hormonal IUDs that are made from copper can last for 12 years. 94-99% effective.
Nexplanon: implanted into your arm for 3 to 5 years, continuously releasing progestin and stops the eg from being released while also changing the lining of your uterus. 94- 99% effective
Depo-Provera(Depo Shot): every 3 months, you get a shot that contains progestin which thickens cervical mucus preventing sperm for reaching eggs. For some women, they can stop ovulating all together while on this shot. 93-99% effective
NuvoRing: Contains progestin and estrogen. Insterted into the vagina. 91-99% effective.
Patch: A thin bandage that releases hormones into your body similar to the pill. It must be changed once a week. It can be placed anywhere that is dry and clean, and fairly hairless. It is 91-99% effective.
Barrier Methods— These are applied or used each time you engage in sexual activity. Some can even protect you from infections and STDS.
Male Condoms: A thin rubber or latex sheath worn on a mans penis. Can from infections and STDs. 82-98% effective.
Female Condom: a pouch that is into the vagina before sex. Can protect against infections and STDs. 79-98% effective
Diaphragms: a silicon, dome shaped cup inserted hours before sex. Used with spermicide to prevent fertilization. 71-98% effective
Sponge: Inserted deep into the vagina, it blocks the entrance to the cervix and releases spermicide. 88-98% effective
Cervical Cap: inserted 6 hours before sex to block the entrance to the uterus. Used with spermicide.
**spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm. It is found in gels, foams and creams it is only 72% effective on it’s own as a contraceptive and is considered a short barrier term method**
Natural Methods- requires tracking and no hormones, chemicals or other birth control methods
Rhythm method: The rhythm method requires no type of chemical/hormonal birth control, but simply tracking ovulation and restricting sexual activity to times where you are least likely to get pregnant. You can use the help of a planner, ovulation app, or at home ovulation tests for this method. 76-99% effective
How to know which is right for you:
Take into account your day to day lifestyle when deciding, as well as both the positive and negative side effects of each. If you often misplace things, consider a Short acting method that is inserted. If you feel hormones are not the correct route for you, the rhythm method may be best. Each individual is different and will pick whatever is right for them at that time. It is ok to change methods as well, many women try several before finding the correct one for them. You may also speak to a medical professional to determine what method is best for you.
Check out some common myths and facts below:
Contraceptives are various methods and or medications that can be used to prevent pregnancy. These can include condoms, hormonal or non-hormonal birth control, or methods like ovulation tracking and or the rhythm method.
*effectiveness noted ranges from typical-perfect use. Those written in red require a prescription**
Types of birth control:
Short acting methods— Controlled by a doctor, taken or given anywhere from each day, to once a month, to every 3 months.
The Pill: Some pills only contain progestin, while others contain both progestin and estrogen. They are taken daily, at the same time for best results. 91-99% effective
Intrauterine Device (IUD): contains progestin and blocks sperm from getting to the egg by thinning the uterine lining, making it more difficult for an egg to attach itself to the wall. Some last for 3 years, 6 years. Some non-hormonal IUDs that are made from copper can last for 12 years. 94-99% effective.
Nexplanon: implanted into your arm for 3 to 5 years, continuously releasing progestin and stops the eg from being released while also changing the lining of your uterus. 94- 99% effective
Depo-Provera(Depo Shot): every 3 months, you get a shot that contains progestin which thickens cervical mucus preventing sperm for reaching eggs. For some women, they can stop ovulating all together while on this shot. 93-99% effective
NuvoRing: Contains progestin and estrogen. Insterted into the vagina. 91-99% effective.
Patch: A thin bandage that releases hormones into your body similar to the pill. It must be changed once a week. It can be placed anywhere that is dry and clean, and fairly hairless. It is 91-99% effective.
Barrier Methods— These are applied or used each time you engage in sexual activity. Some can even protect you from infections and STDS.
Male Condoms: A thin rubber or latex sheath worn on a mans penis. Can from infections and STDs. 82-98% effective.
Female Condom: a pouch that is into the vagina before sex. Can protect against infections and STDs. 79-98% effective
Diaphragms: a silicon, dome shaped cup inserted hours before sex. Used with spermicide to prevent fertilization. 71-98% effective
Sponge: Inserted deep into the vagina, it blocks the entrance to the cervix and releases spermicide. 88-98% effective
Cervical Cap: inserted 6 hours before sex to block the entrance to the uterus. Used with spermicide.
**spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm. It is found in gels, foams and creams it is only 72% effective on it’s own as a contraceptive and is considered a short barrier term method**
Natural Methods- requires tracking and no hormones, chemicals or other birth control methods
Rhythm method: The rhythm method requires no type of chemical/hormonal birth control, but simply tracking ovulation and restricting sexual activity to times where you are least likely to get pregnant. You can use the help of a planner, ovulation app, or at home ovulation tests for this method. 76-99% effective
How to know which is right for you:
Take into account your day to day lifestyle when deciding, as well as both the positive and negative side effects of each. If you often misplace things, consider a Short acting method that is inserted. If you feel hormones are not the correct route for you, the rhythm method may be best. Each individual is different and will pick whatever is right for them at that time. It is ok to change methods as well, many women try several before finding the correct one for them. You may also speak to a medical professional to determine what method is best for you.
Check out some common myths and facts below: