• 100%

• Refraining from vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse.

• No risk of unintended pregnancy.
• No risk of becoming infected with a sexually transmitted disease.
• Opportunities to express feelings and affection for another in other ways.

• Both partners must agree to honor this choice.
• Partners must have excellent communication skills; yes must mean yes and no must mean no.
• May need emergency contraception method if this method fails.

• Are you comfortable expressing your feelings for another in nonsexual ways?
• Is your partner in agreement?
• Does this method fit with your religious or moral beliefs?
• Is abstinence the best decision for you?

• 79% - 95%

• Over the counter barrier method of birth control.
• It is polyurethane (plastic) sheath with an inner ring that fits inside the vagina, around the cervix (like the diaphragm) and an outer ring that covers the outside labia.
• After the man ejaculates, you must twist the end close and gently pull from the vagina.

• Can be inserted into the vagina up to eight hours before sexual intercourse.
• Can be used with spermicides to increase STD protection.
• Provides protection against some sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
• Can be used by people allergic to latex or spermicides or by those who can't take hormones.
• Made from polyurethane plastic, which conducts body heat.
• Erection unnecessary to keep female condom in place.
• Some women and men have an increased sensitivity or "natural" feel compared to male condoms.
• Can be purchased without a prescription.
• Does not interfere with breast-feeding.

• You may experience the following:
• Difficulty inserting and/or keeping in place.
• Cannot be combined with male condoms as they pull each other off.
• May be noisy (add more lubricant if this is a problem).
• May irritate vagina or penis.
• More expensive than male latex condoms.
• Must be used every time you have sex.
  After the man ejaculates, you must twist the end close and gently pull from the vagina.

• Are you comfortable touching your vaginal area?
• Will you remember to use it every time you have sex?
• Does this method fit with your religious or moral beliefs?
• Is the female condom the best method for you?
  
  Reminder: This method provides some protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) including HIV and Hepatitis B. Using condoms consistently can help provide protection from STD's.

• 86 - 97%

• Made out of latex (rubber), but polyurethane and tactylon (both plastic) are available.
• Over the counter barrier method of birth control.

• Easy to get and relatively inexpensive.
• Can be discontinued at any time.
• Provides some protection from sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
• Reliable method for people who cannot use hormonal birth control methods.
• Responsibility of both partners.
• Can be purchased without a prescription.
• Does not interfere with breast-feeding.

• Non-cooperative partner.
• Some irritation or sensitivity to latex.
• Difficulty using condoms correctly.
• Must use a new condom with every sex act.
• Some men say it reduces sexual feelings.
• Must be rolled onto an erect penis before sexual intercourse, can interrupt foreplay.
  Spillage or leaking of sperm is possible if condom is put on or removed incorrectly.

• Will you remember to use it every time you have sex?
• Will your partner be cooperative in the use of this method?
• Can you or your partner maintain an erection?
• Does this method fit with your religious or moral beliefs?
• Is the condom the best method for you?

• More than 99%

• It is an injection given every 3 months.
• It contains synthetic progesterone.
• It stops ovulation, and/or thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from passing through.
• It is a reversible method of birth control given only by prescription.

• Does not interfere with sex.
• Only need to get a shot 4 times a year.
• May stop menses or make them very light.
• Excellent alternative for women 35 and older who smoke.
• Reduces the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.

• Irregular or unpredictable bleeding or spotting.
• Weight gain, especially right after pregnancy.
• It may delay your chances of getting pregnant after the shots are stopped. It can take between six and eighteen months for menstruation and ovulation to return consistently. This does not mean that you are protected from pregnancy during this time. Use alternate protection, such as condoms.
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (see warning below).
• You must go to the clinic or doctor's office 4 times a year.

• Is getting a shot a problem for you?
• Do you have any medical problems that will prevent you from taking Depo-Provera? Do you have liver disease, breast cancer or blood clots in your arms, legs or lungs?
• Do you have sex frequently or not very often, if not very often do you want extra hormones in your body all the time?
• Does this method fit with your religious, or moral beliefs?
• Is the Depo-Provera shot the best decision for you?

• 80-94% (during first year of use and whether or not you have delivered a child)

• Barrier type birth control method prescribed by your family planning clinician.
• A dome shaped rubber cup with flexible rim that covers the cervix and is inserted into the vagina before intercourse.
• Used in combination with spermicidal jelly or cream.

• Simple to use.
• No serious systemic side effects.
• Does not require partner involvement.
• Good for persons who do not have sex on a regular basis.
• Decreases risk of some sexually transmitted diseases.
• Does not interrupt lovemaking.
• Decreases risk of cervical cancer.
• Does not interfere with breast-feeding.

• Consistent and correct use is required to prevent pregnancy.
• Persons with allergies to latex or spermicides cannot use.
• Increased risks for developing urinary tract infections (UTI's).
• Remains in vagina for at least 6 hours after intercourse.
• Repeated sexual intercourse requires additional spermicide.
• Must remove within 24 hours to avoid risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
• Must replace diaphragm every two years.

• Are you comfortable touching your vagina?
• Are you comfortable inserting a medical device into your vagina?
• Do you have sex frequently (more than three times weekly)? If so you may want to use another method.
• Are you sensitive or allergic to latex or spermicidal products?
• Does this method fit with your religious or moral beliefs?
• Is the diaphragm the best method for you?

• 89%

• An emergency contraceptive method used after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
• Is most effective when used within 12 hours of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive accident.
• ECP can be used up to 72 hours or three days after unprotected sex.
• ECP only works if a woman is not already pregnant.
• Interferes with egg development.
• Prevents or delays ovulation.
• Inhibits fertilization.

• Only method of contraception used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
• Only method used to prevent pregnancy after male condom slipped, broke, or leaked.
• Only method used to prevent pregnancy after a woman's diaphragm or cervical cap was inserted incorrectly, removed too early, or found to be torn.
• Only method used to prevent pregnancy after a woman has missed one or more of oral contraceptives.
• Only method used to prevent pregnancy when a female condom was inserted or removed incorrectly.

• Does not work if already pregnant.
• Limited time frame (ECP must be used within 72 hours or three days after unprotected sex). · Is not an ongoing method of contraception.
• Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy may be a possible result.
• ECP changes the amount, duration, and timing of the next menstrual period in about 10 to 15% of women treated.
• There is still a chance of pregnancy. If menstrual cycle does not start in 7 days, consider pregnancy and contact your family planning clinician.
• Does not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases.

• Do you want to be pregnant?
• Do you understand that there is a possibility of pregnancy after taking ECP?
• Do you have unprotected sex frequently?
• Is 72 hours enough time for you to make a decision and get ECP?
• Does this method fit with your religious or moral beliefs?

• 98% - 99%

• Small plastic device which is placed in the uterus by a clinician.
• Prevents sperm from fertilizing egg.
• Some contain synthetic progesterone others have copper on them.
• It is a reversible method of birth control given only by prescription.

• Easy to use, low maintenance method.
• Easily inserted and removed in a clinic or doctor's office.
• Has no systemic side effects.
• Depending on the type they can be left in place 1, 5, or 10 years.
• Reduces the risk of tubal pregnancy.
• Does not interfere with breast-feeding.

• Must be inserted and removed in a clinic or doctor's office.
• Easily inserted and removed in a clinic or doctor's office.
• May be some cramping or pain at the time of insertion.
• May experience increased bleeding or cramping during periods.
• May experience spotting between periods.
• Should not be used by women with multiple sex partners because this increases exposure to STD's, which significantly increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

• Does this method fit with your religious or moral beliefs?
• Do you have sex frequently? (The IUD functions 24 hours a day.)
• Decide if it fits your birth control needs.
• Is the IUD the best method for you?

• 95% - 99% (1-5 in 1000 women become pregnant during their first year of using the pill)

• Synthetic hormones (progesterone and/or estrogen) like those produced by the body to regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Pregnancy is prevented because the pill stops ovulation and/or thickens the cervical mucus by stopping sperm from passing through.
• Reversible method of birth control given only by prescription.

• Doesn't interfere with sex.
• Regulates the menstrual cycle. Reduces menstrual flow and cramping.
• Decreases acne outbreaks.
• Reduces the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
• Most popular method used.

• Must be taken every day at the same time each day.
• Can not be used if you are 35 or older and smoke.
• Does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases (see warning below).
• Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots (in lungs, legs, or arms), especially if you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, or are over 35 and smoke
  

• Can you remember to take a pill every day?
• Do you have sex frequently or not very often?If not very often, do you want to take a pill every day?
• Are there some medical problems that prevent you from taking the pill?
• Do you have liver disease, breast cancer and/or blood clots in lungs, legs, or arms?
• Is the pill the best method for you?

• 50-95% (among typical users in the first year of use)

• A chemical birth control method that kills sperm and prevents pregnancy.
• Comes in the form of gel, foam, cream, film, suppository, or tablet.

• A relatively safe contraceptive method when combined with the use of a barrier method (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap).
• May lower the chance of becoming infected with a bacterial sexually transmitted disease.
• Can be purchased without prescription.
• Depending on the amount purchased is relatively inexpensive.
• Immediate protection is available.
• Good method for persons who have sexual intercourse infrequently or not very often.
• Simple back up method for women waiting to start the pill or have an IUD inserted, or for forgetting to take pill or running out of pills.
• Provides lubrication during intercourse especially with condom use.
• Male partner does not need to be involved in decision to use product.
• Does not interfere with breast feeding.

• Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to ingredients may occur.
• Some persons may have difficulty inserting properly.
• Abnormal vaginal anatomy (e.g. prolapsed uterus) may interfere with proper insertion.
• Poor protection from HIV exposure.

• Are you sensitive or allergic to ingredients in product?
• Do you have sexual intercourse infrequently? This may a good choice for you.
• Are you comfortable touching your vagina?
• Do you want to use vaginal spermicides as a backup?
• Does this method fit with your religious or moral beliefs?
• Your decision should be what is best for you.

• More than 99%

• A surgical intervention that mechanically blocks the fallopian tube to prevent the sperm and egg from uniting.

• Very reliable and effective method of contraception.
• Permanent method.
• No long term side effects.
• Does not interrupt lovemaking.
• Does not require partner involvement.
• Nothing to remember or buy.
• Does not interfere with breast-feeding.

• Permanent method.
• Difficult and expensive to reverse surgical procedure.
• Requires skilled surgeon to perform procedure.
• Expensive procedure.
• Possible ectopic (tubal) pregnancy if method fails.
• No protection against . sexually transmitted diseases

• Are you sure you do not want any more children?
• Are you willing to have an operation to prevent pregnancy?
• Have you considered other methods?
• Does this method fit with your religious or moral beliefs?
  Your decision for female sterilization should be what is best for you.
  
  Reminder: This method does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) including HIV and Hepatitis B. Using condoms consistently can help provide protection from STD's.

Sterilization - Male (Vasectomy)

Effectiveness (chances of NOT getting pregnant)

• 99% or more

• A surgical procedure that prevents pregnancy by blocking the passage of sperm into the ejaculated seminal fluid (cum).

• Permanent method of contraceptive.
• Highly effective method.
• Very safe surgical procedure.
• Removes the responsibility of contraception from the woman.
• No significant long term side effects.
• Does not interrupt lovemaking.
• Highly acceptable method.
• A no scalpel Vasectomy is also available.

• Protection for the male only (females are at risk for pregnancy).
• Usually irreversible.
• Requires skilled medical personnel.
• Lack of protection from sexually transmitted diseases and infections, including HIV.
• Initial cost may be expensive, some times considered an elective procedure, and requires self-pay. However, the long term cost benefits are great.
• Although unproven, serious long-term effects are possible.

• Are you sure you do not want any more children?
• Can you tolerate a surgical procedure?
• Can you afford the procedure?
• Have other methods been considered?
• Does this method fit your religious or moral beliefs?
• Is a Vasectomy the best decision for you?