Contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs).
There are many different types.
Why should I use contraception?
To protect against unwanted pregnancy.
To protect against STDs.
Yes. You can get pregnant or get an STD the first time you have sex.
What questions should I ask myself?
Am I ready to have sex?
What birth control method is right for me? (Consider cost, effectiveness,
protection, privacy, side effects, etc.)
How will I protect myself/my partner against pregnancy?
How will I protect myself against STDs?
Have I been tested for STDs?
Has my partner been tested for STDs?
Who is responsible for protection? How can I plan ahead so I'm prepared?
What will I do if I get/my partner gets pregnant?
Do I have any more questions?
What are the different types? There are many different types of contraception. Some provide permanent
protection against pregnancy (such as surgeries). The ones described below are
temporary methods.
Abstinence
Spermicides
Condoms
Birth Control Pills
Diaphragm
Injections
Implants
Emergency Contraception
What should I know about each method? Some methods provide protection against both pregnancy and STDs while others
only provide protection against pregnancy.
Abstinence
Abstinence means not having sexual intercourse.
Nearly 100% effective against both pregnancy and STDs.
You can enjoy sexual activity without having intercourse.
Pregnancy is possible if the man ejaculates (comes) near the vagina.
It is acceptable in most religions and cultures.
It may be difficult for some couples to abstain from sexual intercourse
for a long period.
There are no side effects or costs.
Do not forget to use protection if you decide to have sex.
Spermicides
Spermicides come in the form of foams, creams, jellies, or suppositories
(like capsules).
Stops sperm. Makes the sperm unable to move so they can't reach the
egg.
Protects against pregnancy.
Offers some protection against STDs, but does not protect against HIV.
In addition to spermicide, use a condom to protect against STDs.
Can be bought at the store without a prescription.
Must be put into the vagina before intercourse. May be messy.
Inexpensive.
Condoms
A condom is a thin sheath (cover) made of latex or another material.
Protects against pregnancy.
Latex condoms protect against STDs.
Can be bought at the store without a prescription.
Available for both females and males.
Must be used correctly every time to be effective.
Read and follow package instructions. Check the expiration date.
The male condom must be put on the man's penis while it is hard and
before it enters the other person.
Leave space at tip. Smooth out bubbles and roll it down.
Hold condom against penis when taking the penis out.
More effective in preventing pregnancy if man pulls his penis from the
woman before he ejaculates.
Female condom must be put in vagina before intercourse.
Using spermicides in addition to the male or female condom will make
it more effective.
Do not use oil or Vaseline on condoms. K-Y Jelly can be put on the condom
to lubricate it.
May be messy. Possibly condom will break.
Best to store condoms in a cool, dark place. May be less effective if
they get too warm (such as against the body in a pocket for a long time).
Inexpensive. Female condom costs slightly more.
Birth control pills
Birth control pills are hormone pills that prevent the release of an
egg.
Protects against pregnancy.
Does not protect against STDs.
In addition to the pill, use a condom to protect against STDs.
Must see a doctor and have a prescription.
Woman must take a pill at the same time every day (usually within 4
hours).
If not taken correctly (at the same time each day), it is less effective.
Woman must remember to take pill even on days she is not planning to
have sex.
Some women may have side effects.
Women on the pill should avoid smoking.
Do not share pills with friends.
Pills cost more than some other methods.
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is like a shallow cup that fits inside a woman's body. It
blocks the sperm from getting to the eggs.
Protects against pregnancy.
Does not protect against STDs.
In addition to a diaphragm, use a condom to protect against STDs.
Woman must see a doctor to be fit for the diaphragm.
Diaphragm should be coated with spermicide.
Must have diaphragm in place before sex.
Women usually have fewer side effects with diaphragm than with other
methods.
May be messy.
Can use for several years.
Must pay for diaphragm.
Injections (Shots)
The shot prevents the release of an egg.
A common shot is called Depo-Provera.
Protects against pregnancy.
Does not protect against STDs.
In addition to the shot, use a condom to protect against STDs.
Woman must go to the doctor for a shot once every two or three months.
Woman does not have to take daily pill or put anything in place before
intercourse.
Some women may have side effects.
Must pay for each injection.
Implants
The doctor puts six small capsules under the skin in the woman's upper
arm.
The capsules release hormones that prevent the release of an egg.
Protects against pregnancy.
Does not protect against STDs.
In addition to the implants, use a condom to protect against STDs.
A common kind of implant is called Norplant.
Woman does not have to take daily pill or put anything in place before
intercourse.
Works for about 5 years.
Some women may have side effects.
Possible scarring at place where capsules were put in.
The doctor can take the capsules out at any time the woman wishes.
Cost for insertion and removal.
Emergency Contraception
Commonly called "the morning-after pill."
Comes in the form of a pill or medicine in the vagina.
Some women consider using if they believe they could have gotten pregnant
(from unprotected sex, or condom broke, or woman forgot to take her birth
control pills, rape, etc.)
If you are considering this option, call your doctor or a family planning
center, such as Planed Parenthood, within 3 days of the occurrence.
Some women have side effects.
Cost of the pills or other medicine.
Should not be used in place of other contraception. Plan on using another
method. The "morning-after pill" should be used only in emergencies.
What are some helpful tips?
"Pulling out" or "withdrawal" is not recommended as a safe birth control
method for teens. This method, where the man pulls out of the woman's vagina
before he ejaculates, is not always effective and may not go as planned.
Withdrawal does not protect against STDs.
If you decide to use a condom, use a new condom each time you have intercourse.
Very rarely, condoms can cause allergic reactions.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water before putting a contraceptive
device into the vagina.
Determining times of the month when you are fertile (most likely to get
pregnant) and infertile (less likely) is a difficult process that requires
special training. Do not rely on this method alone until you have talked to
your doctor.
Yes. You can get pregnant or get an STD the first time you have sex.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if you have questions about birth control or contraception.
Call the doctor if you have questions about pregnancy or STDs.
Call the doctor if you are considering a method of contraception that requires
a prescription or appointment.
Call the doctor if you have extreme side effects to a method of contraception.
Call the doctor if you think you might be pregnant.
Call the doctor if you think you might have an STD.
Call the doctor if you have been raped.
Call the doctor if you are considering using emergency contraception (the
"morning-after pill").
Call if you have any questions or concerns.
Quick Answers
There are many different types of contraception.
Some protect against pregnancy and STDs while others protect only against
pregnancy.
Ask yourself, "Am I ready to have sex?" "What birth control method is right
for me?" "What will I do if I get/my partner gets pregnant?"
You can protect yourself by not having sex (abstinence), using a condom,
taking birth control pills, or using another method of protection.
You can get pregnant or get an STD the first time you have sex.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about birth control, contraception,
pregnancy, or STDs.
References
EngenderHealth. Family Planning. 2002 (cited 2002 February 8). URL: http://www.engenderhealth.org/wh/fp/index.html
Iowa Health Book. Birth Control Options. Virtual Hospital. 2000 July (cited
2002 February 8). URL: http://www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/ObGyn/BirthControl.html
Planned Parenthood. Birth Control Choices for Teens. 1999 October (cited
2002 February 7). URL: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/
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