Download Common Methods of Birth Control

METHOD
PROS
Condoms and spermicidal
foam or jelly
Safe for almost all women
(except those with allergies
to this method); protects
against sexually
transmitted disease
Not the most reliable;
must have a partner who
is willing to use
Approximately 85 percent
effective
Diaphragm and
spermicidal jelly
Safe for most women
(unless latex or other
allergy)
Not the most reliable
method available; some
consider this method to be
messy; may cause UTI or
irritation; must be fitted
in the office and after
weight gain/loss; must be
placed before any sexual
contact and may decrease
spontaneity
Approximately 84 percent
effective
Fertility awareness method Safe, as it is hormone free;
inexpensive after you have
completed the training
classes; compatible with
certain religious beliefs
Reliability of the method
varies greatly; requires
training and good follow-up;
must have a partner who is
willing to respect abstinence
days; more difficult to use
in women with irregular
periods, breastfeeding
mothers, or teens
For many couples, about 75
percent effective but can be
slightly more effective with
perfect use
The vaginal sponge—
contains a spermicidal
ingredient
Not the most reliable
method available; could
be considered messy to
use; must be placed before
any sexual contact and
may decrease spontaneity;
expensive
84 percent effective if you
have never given birth, 68
percent effective if you have
had a child before
Safe for all women (except
those with allergies to the
product)
CONS
EFFECTIVENESS
Common Methods of Birth Control
From most effective to least effective
METHOD
Mirena intrauterine
system—contains
progesterone
Skyla intrauterine
system—contains
progesterone
Paragard intrauterine
device
PROS
CONS
Very reliable method; safe
for breastfeeding mothers;
lasts up to five years but
can be removed before
then; causes very light
periods in most women,
with some women
reporting no periods at all
Must be placed by provider
in the office; causes
irregular spotting and
bleeding in most women
for the first three to six
months of use
Very reliable method; safe
for breastfeeding mothers;
lasts up to three years but
may be removed before
then; causes very light
periods in most women,
with some women
reporting no periods at all
Must be placed by
provider in the office;
causes irregular spotting
and bleeding in most
women for the first three
to six months of use
Very reliable method;
hormone free; safe for
breastfeeding mothers; lasts
up to 10 years but can be
removed before then
Must be placed by provider Over 99 percent effective
in the office; many women
report heavier periods and
increased cramping pain
with menses, particularly in
the first year of use
Very reliable method; safe
Permanent sterilization:
• B
ilateral Tubal Ligation for most people
(BTL)
• E
ssure (Hysteroscopic
tubal occlusion) • Vasectomy (for men)
Nexplanon—progesterone Very reliable method; safe
containing implanted device for breastfeeding; lasts for
three years
EFFECTIVENESS
Over 99 percent effective
Over 99 percent effective
Permanent, so some might
regret decision; can be
expensive if no insurance;
surgical procedure
that carries slight risk
(particularly the BTL);
Medicaid patients must
sign a form at least 30 days
in advance to be covered
(and must be at least 21
years old)
Approximately
99 percent effective
Some women have side
effects from the hormone;
irregular bleeding;
expensive up-front cost if
no insurance
Approximately
99 percent effective
METHOD
PROS
CONS
EFFECTIVENESS
Depo Provera—contains Very reliable if you come
progesterone
back in for the injections
as scheduled; safe method
for most women; many
women have very light or
no periods on this method
May cause weight gain, acne,
decreased sex drive, and
depression in some women
Approximately
97 percent effective
The Pill—an oral
contraceptive pill
containing estrogen and
progesterone
Reliable method if taken
correctly; lighter and more
regular periods; welltolerated by most women
Not a good method for
breastfeeding mothers as can
decrease milk supply; contains
hormones (so not best choice
for older smokers or women
with serious medical problems)
Approximately
92 percent effective
The NuvaRing vaginal
ring—contains estrogen
and progesterone
Reliable method if used
correctly; lighter and more
regular periods; welltolerated by most women
Not a good method for
breastfeeding mothers as can
decrease milk supply; contains
hormones (so not the best
choice for older smokers or
women with serious medical
problems)
Approximately
92 percent effective
The Ortho Evra patch—
contains estrogen and
progesterone
Reliable method if used
correctly; lighter and more
regular periods; welltolerated by most women
Not a good method for
breastfeeding mothers as can
decrease milk supply; contains
hormones (so not best choice
for older smokers or women
with serious medical problems)
and does have a slightly higher
risk of blood clots than other
combined hormone methods
Approximately
92 percent effective
The mini-pill—an oral
contraceptive pill
containing progesterone
only
Safe for breastfeeding
Must take pill at the same time
mothers or women who
each day
can’t take estrogen; reliable
if taken correctly
Effectiveness varies,
approximately 92 percent
effective. If you are
breastfeeding and using
this method of birth
control, your provider may
change your form of birth
control when you stop
breastfeeding exclusively.
Please discuss this with
your provider.