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KEY 10.8 Make an educated decision about birth control.

APPROXIMATE
METHOD EFFECTIVENESS PREVENTS STIs? DESCRIPTION

Abstinence 100% Only if no sexual Just saying no. No intercourse means no risk of pregnancy.
activity occurs However, alternative modes of sexual activity can still spread
STIs.
Condom (male) 85% (95% with Yes, if made of latex A sheath that fits over the penis and prevents sperm from
spermicide) entering the vagina.
10 Condom (female) 95% if used Yes if used correctly A pouch with flexible rings at each end. It is inserted into the
CHAPTER Diaphragm, 85% No A bendable rubber cap that fits over the cervix and pelvic bone
vagina, with the ring at the open end staying outside the vagina.
correctly
cervical cap,
inside the vagina (the cervical cap and shield are smaller and
or shield
fit over the cervix only). The diaphragm and cervical cap must
be fitted initially by a gynecologist. All must be used with a
spermicide.
Oral contraceptives 99% with perfect use, No A dosage of hormones taken daily by a woman, preventing the
(the pill) 92% for typical users ovaries from releasing eggs. Side effects can include headaches,
weight gain, and increased chances of blood clotting. Various
brands and dosages; must be prescribed by a gynecologist.

Injectable 97% No An injection that a woman must receive from a doctor every
contraceptives few months. Possible side effects may resemble those of oral
(Depo-Provera) contraceptives.

Vaginal ring 92% No A ring inserted into the vagina that releases hormones. Must be
(NuvaRing) replaced monthly. Possible side effects may resemble those of
oral contraceptives.
Spermicidal foams, 71% if used alone No Usually used with diaphragms or condoms to enhance effective-
jellies, inserts ness, they have an ingredient that kills sperm cells (but not STIs).
They stay effective for a limited period of time after insertion.
Intrauterine 99% No A small coil of wire inserted into the uterus by a gynecologist
device (IUD) (who must also remove it). Prevents fertilized eggs from
implanting in the uterine wall. May or may not have a hormone
component. Possible side effects include increased or abnormal
bleeding.

Tubal ligation Nearly 100% No Surgery for women that cuts and ties the fallopian tubes,
preventing eggs from traveling to the uterus. Difficult and
expensive to reverse. Recommended for those who do not want
any, or any more, children.
Vasectomy Nearly 100% No Surgery for men that blocks the tube that delivers sperm to
the penis. Like tubal ligation, difficult to reverse and only
recommended for those who don’t want any, or any more,
children.

Rhythm method Variable No Abstaining from intercourse during the ovulation segment of the
woman’s menstrual cycle. Can be difficult to time and may not
account for cycle irregularities.

Withdrawal Variable No Pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. Unreliable,
because some sperm can escape in the fluid released prior to
ejaculation. Dependent on a controlled partner.
Source: MayoClinic staff. “In-Depth birth control: Birth control basics.” Mayo Clinic. Accessed on October 28, 2011, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/birth-
control/MY01182/TAB=indepth
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