abstinence?

Abstinence means different things to different people. For some, abstinence means
avoiding vaginal, anal, and oral-genital intercourse altogether. For others, it means
avoiding any type of sexual or intimate contact, including hugging and kissing. On this
page, it refers to not having sexual intercourse.

What are the advantages of choosing abstinence?

Abstinence is free and available to all.
Abstinence is extremely effective at preventing both infection and pregnancy. It is the
only 100% effective method of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and
unintended pregnancy.
Abstinence can be practiced at any time in one's life.
Abstinence may encourage people to build relationships in other ways.
Abstinence may be the course of action which you feel is right for you and makes you
feel good about yourself.
What are the disadvantages?

progestin-only pills?
Progestin-only pills contain just one hormone, a progestin. They work by making cervical
mucus thicker so sperm cannot get to the egg, and by making the lining of the uterus
thinner. Sometimes they stop ovulation (release of an egg). Among typical couples who
initiate the use of progestin-only pills about eight percent of women will experience
accidental pregnancy in the first year. But if these pills are used consistently and
correctly, just three in 1000 women will become pregnant. For protection from HIV and
increased protection from pregnancy, use condoms as well. Pills alone do not protect
from STIs and HIV.

Complete information about this contraceptive is available through a clinician or the

package insert accompanying the specific pills you or your partner are taking.

What are the advantages of choosing progestin-only pills?

Minipills do not have estrogen related side effects and can be taken by women who have
had side effects or complications using estrogen-containing pills.
The amount of the progestin in minipills is LESS than in combined pills.
Nursing mothers can take progestin-only pills (preferably after the baby is six weeks old).
Minipills cause light menstrual flow and less anemia.
Minipills reduce menstrual cramps, pain, headaches, mood swings, and breast tenderness.
Minipills are associated with reduced risk of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Minipills can help manage the pain associated with endometriosis.
What are the disadvantages?
Minipills do not protect from HIV/AIDS or other STIs. Use a condom for added
protection.
Menstrual irregularity is the big problem with minipills. While the amount of blood lost
is less, bleeding may be at irregular intervals and there may be spotting between periods.
Minipills tend to make periods very short and scanty. A woman may go several months
with no bleeding at all, and some women do not like this.
A woman must remember to take a pill every single day.
Some women using minipills gain weight or complain of feeling bloated. Regular
exercise and attention to a nutritious diet can minimize or control weight gain.
Some women using minipills experience increased symptoms of depression.

Cervical cap

The cervical cap is a small cap made of soft latex. A doctor or nurse practitioner "fits" a
woman for a cervical cap. The woman puts spermicide (which destroys the sperm) in the
cap and then places the cap up into her vagina and onto her cervix (the opening of the
womb). Suction keeps the cap in place so sperm cannot enter the uterus (the womb).
Women should obtain a new cap yearly. Among typical couples who initiate use of the
cap before having a child, about 16 percent of women will experience an accidental
pregnancy in the first year. If the cervical cap is used consistently and correctly, about
nine percent of women will become pregnant. Failure rates are significantly higher if the
cervical cap is used after a woman has had a child. Use a condom for additional
protection against HIV and other STIs.

What are the advantages of choosing a cervical cap?

The cervical cap is small and easy to carry. May be put in up to one hour before sex.
It will work continuously for 48 hours.
It does not matter how many times a couple has sex as long as you leave it in at least six
to eight hours after the last time you have sex.
Your partner doesn't have to know you are using it.
What are the disadvantages?
Is not the best protection against HIV and other STIs.
The cervical cap must be fitted by a clinician.
You must wash your hands with soap and water before putting in the cap.
It may interrupt sex.
A woman has to take it with her on vacations or trips.
It increases a woman's risk for inflammation of the surface of the cervix.
It is difficult for some women to insert a cervical cap properly even after being taught.
If left in too long, increases slightly a woman's risk for a very serious infection called
toxic shock syndrome. Don't leave your cervical cap in for more than 48 hours.
It may accidentally be placed onto the cervix improperly or may slip out of place during
sex.
After putting it in, a woman must check to be sure it is covering the opening of the uterus,
called the cervix.
New fitting may be necessary after a baby, abortion, miscarriage, or gaining 15 pounds.
Latex may cause irritation or a woman may be allergic to it.
A woman should have a new cap each year.
You need fresh spermicidal cream or jelly each time you use your cap.
It is not recommended that you use a cervical cap during menstruation.

condoms
Effective condoms are made of latex or polyurethane. Unrolled, condoms look like long,
thin balloons. They prevent body fluids from mixing when two people have sex. The
condom is put onto the penis before the penis comes into contact with the vagina, mouth,
or anus.

Among typical couples who initiate use of latex male condoms, about 15 percent of
women will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. If condoms are used
consistently and correctly, about two percent of women will experience pregnancy.
Condoms are most effective when they are used in combination with another method of
contraception, such as the pill or foam.

4. contraceptive sponge?
The vaginal sponge is a barrier method of preventing pregnancy. That is, the sponge acts
as a barrier to prevent semen from entering the cervix. The sponge is more effective with
women who have never given birth than with women who have. With typical use of the
sponge, about 16 percent of women will experience pregnancy within one year. With
consistent and correct use of the sponge, about nine percent of women will experience
pregnancy within one year.

Because vaginal barrier methods, including the sponge, protect the cervix, they may help
in preventing some sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and
trichomoniasis. Studies about the protective effect of vaginal barrier methods are not
consistent, however, so women should also use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted
infections.

What are the advantages of the contraceptive sponge?

Sponges are easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and available without prescription.
Because you may insert the sponge when your sex partner is not present, they offer a
good measure of contraceptive privacy.
What are the disadvantages?
Unlike hormonal methods, the sponge does not provide constant protection. You need a
new one for each occasion of sex.
You need to wash your hands with soap and water before you insert the sponge.
The sponge must be inserted into the vagina and up against the cervix prior to the penis
entering the vagina.
Some women find it difficult to place the sponge correctly.
Some women have difficulty removing the sponge.
If left within the vagina for more than 30 hours, the sponge slightly increases your risk
for a very serious infection called toxic shock syndrome. Don’t leave your sponge in for
more than 30 hours.
The sponge may accidentally be placed onto the cervix improperly or may slip out of
place during sex.
Sponges must be stored in a clean, cool, dark place—not in the glove compartment of a
car or in a purse.

injectable contraceptives?
The type of shot most used is called Depo-Provera. It is a shot given every three months.
It is a hormone, much like the progesterone a woman produces during the last two weeks
of each monthly cycle. Injectables stop the woman's ovaries from releasing an egg and
have other contraceptive effects. Among typical couples who initiate use of injectables,
about three percent of women will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year.
For the most effective protection against sexually transmitted infections, use condoms as
well. Complete information about this contraceptive is available through a family
planning clinic, local health department, or clinician.

What are the advantages of injectable contraceptives?

Nothing needs to be taken daily or at the time of sexual intercourse.
Injectables are extremely effective.
Women lose less blood during menstruation when they are using injectables and have
less menstrual cramps.
Privacy is a major advantage. No one has to know a woman is using this method.
Nursing mothers can receive injections; it is best to receive after the baby is six weeks
old.
It is okay for a woman to start another contraceptive method if it is less than 13 weeks
since the last shot.
Injectables may lead to improvement in PMS (premenstrual symptoms), depression or
symptoms from endometriosis.
What are the disadvantages?
Injectables do not protect you from HIV infection or other STIs. Use condoms to reduce
risk.
Injections can lead to very irregular periods. If a woman's bleeding pattern is bothersome,
there are medications which can be given to help have a more acceptable pattern of
bleeding.
Some women gain weight. To avoid weight gain, women should watch their calorie
intake and get lots of exercise.
A woman has to return every three months for her injection.
Depression and premenstrual symptoms may become worse.
It may be a number of months before a woman's periods return to normal after her last
shot.
Injectables may cause bone loss, especially in smokers. Women should get regular
exercise and consider taking extra calcium to protect their bones from osteoporosis.
Some women are allergic to injectables

Intrauterine Contraception (IUD)

 IUD?
In the horizontal arms of the Copper T 380A IUD there is some copper. The IUD slowly
gives off copper into the uterine cavity. This does several things. Most importantly, it
stops sperm from making their way up through the uterus. Among typical couples who
initiate use of this IUD, just less than 1% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the
first year.

What are the advantages of the Copper T IUD?

The Copper T IUD is the second most effective reversible method, rivaling surgical
sterilization in preventing pregnancy.
The IUD is effective for at least 10 years.
Only 2 of 100 women using a Copper T for 10 years will become pregnant.
Prevents ectopic pregnancies.
Far more readily reversible than tubal sterilization or vasectomy.
Protects against endometrial cancer.
Very low cost over time. Convenient. Safe. Private.
What are the disadvantages?
No protection against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms if there is any risk.
There may be cramping, pain or spotting after insertion.
The number of bleeding days is slightly higher than normal and you could have
somewhat increased menstrual cramping. If your bleeding pattern is bothersome to you,
contact your clinician. There are medications which may make you have a more
acceptable pattern of bleeding.
High initial cost of insertion.
Must be inserted by a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or physician's assistant.
A small percentage of women are allergic to copper.

contraceptive patch?
The contraceptive patch is a lightweight, thin, flexible, beige-colored patch. It has three
layers: the outer, protective, polyester layer; the medicated, adhesive layer; and a
protective liner which is removed prior to applying the patch. The patch can be applied to
the skin of the buttock, abdomen, upper torso (but not the breasts), or the outside of the
upper arm. Each patch lasts seven days. Women replace the patch each week for three
weeks, then have a seven-day patch-free week, during which time they begin their
menstrual bleeding. During a year of typical use, eight women will experience
pregnancy; with perfect use, only three in 1,000 women will experience pregnancy. For
protection against sexually transmitted diseases, use condoms as well.

Complete information about the patch is available through a clinician or the package
insert accompanying this contraceptive method.

What are the advantages of choosing the contraceptive patch?

Used properly and consistently, the patch is highly effective at preventing unintended
pregnancy.
It is easy to use, since it needs to be applied only once a week. In addition, the user can
easily verify that her patch is still in place.
It is rapidly reversible, should you decide that you wish to conceive a child.
Because the hormonal mechanisms of action are similar to that of birth control pills,
experts believe the patch may provide many of the same advantages and non-
contraceptive health benefits of contraceptive pills, although hard data about long-term
health benefits may not be available for decades.
What are the disadvantages?
The patch provides no protection against HIV or sexually transmitted infections. For
protection against HIV or STIs, a woman should use condoms.
Women must remember to change the patch once a week for three weeks and then to
resume the patch after seven patch-free days.
It is difficult to hide and thus offers less privacy than many other contraceptive methods.
The patch is expensive.
The patch must be stored carefully in a clean, cool, dark place—not in a purse or the
glove compartment of a car.
If a patch becomes dislodged and cannot be firmly reattached with ten seconds of
continuous pressure, then it must be removed and replaced.
Women who use the patch are vulnerable to the same health issues that arise with birth
control pills, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Women who smoke
should not use the patch.
The patch can cause skin irritation, redness, or rash.
The patch can cause breast tenderness, vaginal spotting, and/or temporary interruption of
menses. These side effects usually disappear within the first two cycles of patch use.
The patch is less effective in preventing pregnancy among women who weigh more than
198 pounds.

the shield?
The shield is a soft silicone cup with a loop to aid in its removal. It fits snugly over the
cervix and is used with spermicidal jelly or cream. The shield and the spermicide work
together. The shield keeps sperm from moving past the cervix; the spermicide prevents
sperm from moving toward the egg. Among 100 typical couples who use the shield, 15
women will accidentally get pregnant within a year. [There are no rates for perfect use.]
Users can increase the effectiveness of the shield by making sure the cervix is covered
and by using spermicide. For protection against STIs, couples should also use condoms.

What are the advantages of the shield?

Can be used by women who are breastfeeding;
Can be easily carried in a pocket or a purse;
Cannot usually be felt by either partner;
Is immediately effective;
Is immediately reversible;
Has no effect on your natural hormones;
Can be inserted several hours ahead of time.
What are the disadvantages?
It provides no protection against HIV and other STIs. Frequent daily use of spermicides
containing nonoxynol-9 can irritate the vagina, increasing your risk for HIV and some
other STIs. Use a latex condom to reduce the risk of infection.
You must visit a clinician or clinic to get a prescription for a shield.
It can be difficult to insert properly and may sometimes be difficult to remove.
It may be pushed out of place during sexual activity.
It causes some women pain or discomfort.
Some women are allergic to silicone. Some women or their partners are allergic to
spermicide.
You may not be able to use the shield if you have frequent urinary tract infections or if
you have a reproductive tract infection.
You must not use the shield during your period.