| Method |
Benefits |
Risks |
Reliability |
| Birth Control Pill |
- Continuous contraception protection
- Reversible
- Some non-contraceptive health benefits
|
- Must be remembered/taken daily
- Increases risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, especially in smokers over 35
- Common side effects may include nausea Vomiting and weight gain
|
99%
or greater when taken correctly |
|
|
|
99%
or greater |
Vasectomy
(Male sterilization) |
- Continuous contraceptive protection
- No need to remember daily
|
- Provided by male partner
- Permanent method
- Surgical procedure
|
99%
or greater |
Tubal Ligation
(Female sterilization) |
- Continuous contraceptive protection
- No need to remember daily
- Permanent Method
|
|
99%
or greater |
Intrauterine
Device (IUD) |
- Continuous contraceptive protection
- No need to remember daily
|
- May be expelled or perforate uterus
- May increase PID risk for some women
|
99%
or greater |
| Condom |
- Easily obtained
- Best method for STD protection
- Good results when used with spermicide
|
- May reduce sensation
- Less sexual spontaneity
- Breakage possible
- Provided by male partner
|
88-98% |
| Diaphragm |
- Insertion up to 6 hours before intercourse
|
- Reapplication of spermicide necessary for repeated intercourse
- Comfort level with insertion important
- Increase risk of urinary tract, bladder infections
|
82-94% |
| Cervical Cap |
- Insertion half hour to 48 hours before intercourse
|
- Increases risk of changes in cervical cells
- Vaginal odor and discharge
- May cause discomfort upon insertion
|
82-94% |
Periodic
Abstinence |
- Requires no other intervention
|
- Requires careful planning and motivation
- Prohibits intercourse for up to half the menstrual cycle
- Not for women with irregular cycles
|
80-99% |
Spermicide
(alone)
(foams, gels, creams suppositories, sponges) |
- Easily obtained
- Good results when used with barrier method
|
- Insertion necessary at least half hour before intercourse
- Reapplication necessary for repeated intercourse
- May be messy
- May increase risk of urinary tract infections especially when used with diaphragm
|
79-97% |
| Withdrawal |
- Requires no other intervention
|
- Provided by male partner
- Requires a great deal of control
- Leakage of sperm often occurs before ejaculation
|
72% |
| NuvaRing |
- Continuous contraceptive protection
- Reversible
- No need to remember daily
|
- Some non-contraceptive health benefits
- Increased risk of Vaginitus, leukorrhea
- Expulsion (Ring coming out of the vagina)
- Male partner may feel the ring during intercourse
- Common side effects are the similar to the pill
- Risks similar to the pill
|
99% |
| Ortho Evra |
- Continuous contraceptive protection
- Reversible
- No need to remember daily
- Some non-contraceptive health benefits
|
- May become detached
- Site reaction may occur
- Common side effects are similar to the pill
- Risks similar to the pill
|
99% |
