Choosing Your Birth Control Method
Choosing the Best Birth Control for You
Selecting which type of birth control to use can be very confusing. From birth control pills to birth control implants, there are many options to choose from. It helps to start by answering a few basic questions. Consider the following:
- How important is it for you to be protected from STDs? Not all birth control methods protect against STDs.
- How effective do you want your birth control? Some birth control methods are more effective than others.
- Are convenience and cost important in your decision? Do you want birth control that lasts a while? How much can you afford to spend on birth control?
- Does sexual pleasure affect your decision in selecting a birth control method? Do you want a birth control that enhances your sex life?
While abstinence is the only 100% effective birth control method, other methods can be almost as effective when used properly. Effectiveness of birth control methods is measured during “typical use”, meaning how effective the method is during actual use, including inconsistencies and incorrect use.
Natural Family Planning Method
What Is Natural Family Planning?
Not all birth control methods are associated with a device, medication, or procedure. Natural family planning, or fertility awareness, involves timing your sexual activity to avoid a woman's most fertile time. By understanding when a woman is most fertile, a couple can avoid pregnancy.
How Is Natural Family Planning Used?
A woman is most likely to get pregnant if she has unprotected sex during the five days prior ovulation, the day of ovulation, and a day or two after ovulation. There are a few different methods that can be used to predict when you will ovulate. Measuring basal body temperature and monitoring cervical mucus are ways to determine when a woman will ovulate. The calendar method is also useful in tracking your cycles on a calendar. Your health care professional can train you in the safest way to use this method correctly.
How Effective Is Natural Family Planning?
- Typical use: 76% effective
Pros
- Inexpensive or free
- Does not involve drugs or medical procedures
Cons
- No STD protection
- Keeping track of your cycle is required
- Spontaneity is limited
- Low effectiveness rate
Types of birth control: spermicide.
Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm and prevent them from fertilizing the egg. They are available in different forms such as foams, creams, jellies, or films. Spermicides must be inserted deep into the vagina before sexual activity. Spermicide blocks the cervix and keeps the sperm from moving, which prevents the sperm from reaching the eggs. They are most commonly used in combination with other birth control methods, rather than alone.
How Effective Is Spermicide?
- Typical use: 72% effective
Pros
- Low cost (about $8 per package)
- Easy to use
- Can be inserted by a partner as foreplay
- Extremely easy to purchase
- Can be used during breastfeeding
Cons
- No STD protection
- May be messy
- May irritate the penis or vagina
- Low effective rate if used alone
Male Condoms
Glow-in-the-dark condoms, flavored condoms, studded condoms and many more provide birth control that can make your sex life safe and exciting! The male condom is a barrier method involved in preventing contact between sperm and egg. Latex male condoms are the classic methods of barrier contraception, but they can be made of natural animal membrane, polyurethane, silicone, or other synthetic material. During ejaculation, a condom is designed to catch semen, stopping it from entering the vagina.
How to Put on a Condom
Everyone who is sexually active should know how to put on a condom. If you want it to work properly, you have to know how to use it. Luckily it's super easy! Start with the condom on the tip of the erect (hard) penis and roll it down toward the base of the penis. Make sure there is a small pouch at the condom tip so it can catch the ejaculated semen. After ejaculation, hold on to the condom at the base of the penis before removal from the vagina in order to avoid leakage. Condoms are not reusable. Keep track of the condom's expiration date, as expired condoms should not be used.
How Effective Are Condoms?
- Typical use: 82% effective
Pros
- STD prevention
- Extremely easy to purchase
- Inexpensive, some are even free. The average condom costs about $1.
- Very easy to use
- Male condoms can provide increased sensation for both partners. Try experimenting with different styles, shapes, flavors, and textures of male condoms.
- Can be used for oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
- Can be used with other birth control methods
Cons
- One-time use
- Required every time you have sex
- Must be used properly in order for effectiveness
- Not as effective as other birth control methods
Female Condom
Looking for a way to enhance your sex life and practice safe sex? This birth control option is a plastic, pouch-like device inserted in the vagina before sex that offers clitoral stimulation. The female condom can also be inserted into the anus prior to anal sex. The female condom has flexible rings at each end that can stimulate the clitoris during vaginal sex.
How Do Female Condoms Work?
Female condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours prior to sexual activity, and they are very simple to use. Female condoms can be inserted by a partner as part of foreplay. To insert a female condom, first apply lubricant or spermicide to the outside of the closed end. Next, squeeze the sides of the ring at the closed end and insert it into the vagina like a tampon. Push the inner ring into the vagina as far as it can go, until it reaches the cervix. The outer ring will hang about an inch from the vagina. Once the pouch is inserted, the ring at the closed end holds it in the vagina and sperm is prevented from entering the vaginal canal.
Don’t worry if you feel the condom move side to side, that is normal. You should definitely stop intercourse if the penis slips between the condom and the vagina or if the outer ring is pushed into the vagina. Once your partner has ejaculated, squeeze and twist the outer ring to keep the semen in the pouch. Gently pull the female condom out of the vagina or anus and throw it away.
How Effective Are Female Condoms?
- Female condom effectiveness with typical use: 79% effective
Pros
- STD prevention
- Safe, simple, and convenient
- Extremely easy to purchase
- Inexpensive, about $4 each
- Offers clitoral stimulation
- Allows additional foreplay
Cons
- Not as effective as other birth control methods
- May cause irritation of the vagina, vulva, penis, or anus
- Reduced sensation during intercourse
- Crackling or popping noise may occur during intercourse
Diaphragm
Although not as popular as other birth control methods, the diaphragm is another way to prevent conception. The diaphragm is a rubber dome that is inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix before sexual activity. When the diaphragm is in place, the opening to the uterus is blocked and the sperm is unable to join with an egg.
How Is the Diaphragm Used?
Inserting the diaphragm is not as simple as using condoms, but practice makes perfect. Start by washing your hands with soap and water. Put about a tablespoon of spermicide in the cup and around the rim. Find a comfortable position and separate the lips of the vulva with one hand. With the other hand, pinch the rims of the diaphragm to fold it in half. For a firmer grip, place your index finger in the center of the fold. Push the diaphragm as far up and back into the vagina as possible. Make sure your cervix is covered and tuck the edge of the diaphragm behind the pubic bone.
The diaphragm must be left in for six hours after the last time you had sex. If you have sex more than six hours after the last time you had sex, leave it in but put more spermicide deep into the vagina. Do not leave the diaphragm in for more than 24 hours.
To remove the diaphragm, start by washing your hands with soap and water. Place a finger into your vagina and hook the rim of the diaphragm. Pull the diaphragm down and out and wash it with mild soap and warm water to prevent infection.
How Effective Is the Diaphragm?
- Typical use: 88% effective
Pros
- Low cost ($15-$75 every two years)
- Can be used during breastfeeding
- Immediately effective and reversible birth control
- Cannot be felt by you or partner
- Reusable
Cons
- No STD protection
- Requires a doctor visit for fitting
- Cannot use during menstruation
- May be difficult to insert
- Must be placed prior to sex, every time
- Spermicide may have side effects
The Caya Diaphragm
Caya is a newer type of diaphragm that is made out of silicone, which provides a more comfortable and durable product. Caya also has an updated design that makes insertion and removal easier.
Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is another barrier method of contraception. It is smaller than a diaphragm and fits over the cervix. Like the diaphragm, a cervical cap is used with spermicide. The cervical cap blocks the opening to the uterus and prevents sperm from joining with an egg. FemCap is the only brand of cervical cap available in the United States.
How Is a Cervical Cap Used?
Inserting the cervical cap can be tricky. Start by washing your hands with soap and water. Put one-quarter teaspoon of spermicide in the cervical cap and on the brim. Put one-half teaspoon in the folded areas between the brim and the dome. Find a comfortable position and separate the lips of the vulva with one hand. With the other hand, squeeze the rim of the cap together. Slide the cervical cap dome-side down into your vagina, with the long brim entering first. Push down toward the anus and then up onto the cervix. Make sure the cervix is completely covered.
The cervical cap must be left in for six hours after the last time you had sex. If you have sex more than six hours after the last time you have sex, leave it in but put more spermicide deep in your vagina. Do not leave the cervical cap in for more than 48 hours.
To remove the cervical cap, start by washing your hands with soap and water. It is easiest if you squat down and pull the removal strap while rotating the cervical cap. You can push the dome with your finger to break the suction and pull the cervical cap out. Wash it with mild soap and warm water.
How Effective Is the Cervical Cap?
- Cervical cap effectiveness typical use: 88% effective
Pros
- Low cost ($0-$75 every two years)
- Can remain in place up to 48 hours
- Cannot be felt by you or your partner
- Can be used during breastfeeding
Cons
- No STD protection
- Requires a doctor visit for fitting
- Cannot use during menstruation
- May be difficult to insert
- Must be placed prior to sex, every time
- Spermicide may have side effects
