Download Contraception Comparison Chart

Contraception
Comparison
Chart
Health P2
Male Condom
 Category

Barrier
 How

Prevents sperm from entering uterus and getting
to the egg
 Side

%

it works
Effects
None unless allergic to latex
Effectiveness
98%
 Cost

$.50 to $2.50 each
Pill

Category



How it works



Weight gain, dizziness, increased blood pressure
% Effectiveness


Prevents ovulation
Thickens Cervical mucous
Side Effects


Combination Hormonal
Estrogen & Progestin
98%
Cost

$20-$50 a month
IUD (intrauterine device)

Category



How it works


Irregular bleeding, weight gain, abdominal pain
% Effectiveness


Prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucous
Side Effects


Hormonal
Progestin only
99.9%
Cost

$250 + cost of having it inserted and removed
Female Condom

Category


Barrier
How it works
Prevents sperm from entering
uterus and getting to the egg


Side Effects


% Effectiveness


None
Has a failure rate of 21%
Cost

$2.50 to $5.00 each
Cervical Cap

Category


How it works


Cervix irritation
% Effectiveness


Prevents sperm from entering uterus and getting to
the egg
Side Effects


Barrier
91%
Cost

$70 a year
Spermicides

Category


How it works



Possible allergy
Genital irritation
% Effectiveness


Kills or disables sperm
Side Effects


Barrier
85%
Cost

$2-$3 for 20 applications
Depo-provera Shot

Category



How it works


Bone loss, heavy bleeding, weight gain
% Effectiveness


Prevents ovulation, 1 shot every 3
months
Side Effects


Hormonal
Progestin only
97-99%
Cost

$60 every 3 months
Patch & Ring

Category



How it works


Skin irritation, headaches, breast tenderness
% Effectiveness


Prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucous
Side Effects


Hormonal
Estrogen + Progestin
99%
Cost

$30 -$35 a month
Fertility Awareness

Category



How it works


none
% Effectiveness


Avoid intercourse during times when pregnancy can
occur
Side Effects


Periodic Abstinence
Family Planning
78-88%
Cost

Free
Tubal Ligation

Category


How it works


Ectopic pregnancy, surgical complications
% Effectiveness


Fallopian tubes are tied, cut or blocked
Side Effects


sterilization
99.6%
Cost

$1,200 - $6,000
Vasectomy

Category


How it works



Surgical complications
% Effectiveness


Vas deferens are cut and blocked
Semen contains no sperm
Side Effects


Sterilization
99%
Cost

$150 - $1,200
Diaphragm

Category


How it works


Irritation of vagina, possible allergy
% Effectiveness


Prevents sperm from entering uterus and getting to
the egg
Side Effects


Barrier
94%
Cost

$30-$50 every 2 years
Abstinence

Category


How it works


None!
% Effectiveness


Refrain from sexual activity
Side Effects


Sexual Abstinence
100%!!
Cost

FREE!