Birth control pills and patches are two forms of contraceptives that are used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Birth control in these two forms is a hormone regulating medicine. Birth control works because it prevents ovulation. The atmosphere of the uterus and fallopian tubes is altered with birth control in order to prevent ovulation and the implantation of a seed, which is required for pregnancy to occur.

Birth control can prevent unwanted pregnancy but it cannot protect against STDs. Some benefits to using birth control include:

• Lightened heavy bleeding and cramps during menstruation.
• Can help improve acne.
• Long term use of birth control can help reduce the risk of cancer of the ovaries.
• Reduced chance of anemia.

Latex condoms, if used properly, can effectively prevent pregnancy, the spread of HIV (AIDS), and other STDs. If you are concerned about catching or transmitting an STD use latex condoms every time you have sex.

Latex condoms have proven to be the most effective and reliable in comparison to lambskin and polyurethane condoms. Polyurethane condoms work well for people with allergies to latex, but latex is still number one according to various studies.

Condoms are a barrier form of birth control. Some advantages to barrier methods such as the condom include:

• Do not affect future fertility status of a man or a woman.
• Safe to use while breast feeding.
• Only used at time of sexual intercourse.
• Generally condoms are less expensive than hormonal methods of birth control.
• Condoms do not require a prescription.
• Protection against HIV (AIDS), some STDs, and pregnancy when used properly!

Some people find there are some disadvantages to using barrier methods of birth control, such as:

• Feeling embarrassed about using a condom or talking with their partner about condoms.
• Interruption of foreplay or intercourse.
• Couple must be comfortable with using a condom and be prepared to use it every time they have sex.

Emergency Contraception may be needed if the condom breaks or tears during sex.

The female condom is a relatively new method of birth control approved by the FDA in December 1992.

It is very different from the condom that a man uses to cover his penis during sex. The female condom is a seven inch long polyurethane pouch with a ring at each end. One ring remains outside the body covering part of the genitals to prevent skin contact and the spread of infection through abrasions. The second ring, the close of the condom, fits like a diaphragm inside the body.

Some women experience mild irritation or itching after using the female condom. The female condom is not believed to be as effective as the traditional male condom.

An intrauterine device, commonly referred to as an IUD, is a long term method of birth control. An IUD is a small T-shaped device with a plastic string connected to the IUD that hangs down into through cervix into the vagina. This device is inserted into your uterus by a health care professional. You can check to make sure the IUD is in place by feeling for the plastic string described above; this string is also used in the removal process which is performed by your health care professional.

IUDs prevent fertilization of the egg by producing a body response to kill sperm. Some IUDs release progestin levonorgesrel that prevents fertilization by making it difficult for the egg or sperm to move. Progestins make mucus in the cervix thick and sticky reducing the ability of sperm to travel to the uterus. If you are interested in IUDs and would like more information please contact your health care provider.

Advantages to using an IUD:

• 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
• Easy to use.
• Does not involve the cooperation of sexual partner.
• Can be removed whenever the woman has problems or wants to stop using it.
• Fertility returns with the first ovulation cycle following IUD removal.
• Can be used for emergency contraception within 5 days of unprotected sex.
• Cost-effective method of birth control if used over a long period of time (if used for a period of over 5 years, this is statistically the most cost-effective form of birth control).
• No interruption of foreplay or intercourse.

Disadvantages of using an IUD:

• No protection against STDs or HIV.
• Can cost several hundred dollars for insertion, insurance may cover some of these costs.
• Only a health care professional can remove an IUD. Never try to remove an IUD yourself or with a partner!

The diaphragm is another form of barrier method birth control. The diaphragm is a round, dome shaped rubber device that is inserted into the woman vagina, covering the cervix. It should always be used with a contraceptive jelly, or sperm-killing cream (spermicide).

The diaphragm should be inserted no more than 6 hours prior to sex and must be left in place 6 hours after sex. A diaphragm can be left in place up to 24 hours maximum. Spermicide should be inserted prior to each time a woman has sex.

Diaphragms come in different shapes and sizes depending on the woman’s pelvic shape and vaginal muscle tone. In order to obtain a diaphragm you should have your health care provider fit you for one. Your health care provider will then give you a prescription for the right size and type of diaphragm. Diaphragms must be replaced every 1 to 2 years, and after a pregnancy a woman must get refitted to adjust for changes in the size of the cervix and vagina.

Advantages to using diaphragms as a method of birth control:

• Only have to use this at the time of sexual intercourse.
• No future effects on fertility for women or men.
• Safe to use while breast feeding.
• Less expensive that hormonal methods of birth control.
• May reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

Disadvantages to using diaphragms as a method of birth control:

• Diaphragms do not fully protect anyone against STDs or HIV (AIDS).
• If a woman has ever had Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) she should not use a diaphragm.
• Some people may be embarrassed to use this method since it may interrupt foreplay or intercourse.
• Women who use diaphragms may get more bladder infections, or urinary tract infections (see UTIs).
• Partners must not be allergic to latex.
Partners must to willing and able to use this barrier method every time they have sex in order to protect against pregnancy.

Spermicide can be found in foam, jelly, and cream form. The spermicide typically has a plastic applicator which is used to insert the spermicide into the vagina and pushed into the cervix area. Spermicide should be inserted 10-15 minutes prior to intercourse.

Some women and men have adverse reactions to spermicide or certain brands of spermicide. This method of birth control alone is up to 79% effective for preventing pregnancy. Spermicide does not protect against STDS or HIV(AIDS)

The idea behind natural family planning is all natural. No birth control pills, no chemicals, just you and your body tracking its natural fertility cycle. A woman is fertile for an estimated 100 to 120 hours every month. If a couple abstains from sex during this time frame they can avoid a possible pregnancy. Natural family planning is also known as “fertility awareness” and the “rhythm method.”

Natural family planning is based on several facts. Sperm may live in the female reproductive tract for up to 7 days. It is important to keep in mind that fertilization may occur days after intercourse. “Safe days” are 2 days after ovulation and continue until your next period. To get started on tracking your fertility cycle you should visit your doctor or family planning clinic where professionals will be able to help you identify the safest time during your cycle the have intercourse.

One advantage to this method of birth control is that there are no side effects. However this method does not guarantee 100% efficacy but neither does any other form of birth control.

When figuring out if this birth control is the right method for you, you should take several factors into consideration:

• Will your partner work with you on tracking and supporting this form of birth control?
• Do you have a regular menstrual cycle that you will be able to track steadily and consistently?
• Are you willing to invest the time and effort to learn about natural family planning and it’s various methods?
• Are you and your partner aware and accepting of the fact that this is not a perfect form of protection against pregnancy?
• It is also important to note that this form of birth control does not protect against HIV (AIDS) or STDs.

Norplant is a form of birth control consisting of six capsules that are inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm. It constantly delivers small doses of progesterone to the woman’s body instead of having a peak as may happen with the process of taking a pill.

Some advantages to this form of birth control:

• Effective for up to 5 years.
• Easily reversible with implant removal.
• Norplant contains no estrogen so has no estrogen-related side effects.
• Implant site is barely visible.

Some disadvantages of this form of birth control:

• Menstrual irregularity is a common side effect.
• Norplant is expensive.
• Removal of capsules requires minor surgery.
• Does not protect against disease.

Depo-Provera is a birth control given in the form of a shot. Similar to Norplant, this is a time-release progesterone. One shot protects you for three months. The active ingredient in Depo-Provera is synthetic progestin hormone and has been rated 99% effective. The FDA approved Depo-Provera in October of 1992.

The shot is effective immediately after the injection. You’ll need to get the first injection within five days after your period. Do not use Depo-Provera if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant.

Some advantages to this form of birth control:

• Convenient and private, you don’t have to keep any materials at home.
• Amenorrhea (absence or suppression of menstruation) after 9-12 months of use. (Some women feel this is a disadvantage particularly if they have a regular cycle that indicates they are not pregnant).
• Decreased menstrual cramps and pain.

Disadvantages to this form of birth control:

• Irregular spotting.
• Delayed return to fertility (estimated 6 – 12 months).
• Diminished libido.
• Headaches and dizziness.
• Weight gain.
• Allergic reactions.
• Does not protect against STD or HIV (AIDS).

This one size fits all form of birth control and does not require a medical exam to obtain. Sponges can be purchased without prescription at drugstores. Statistics show varying effectiveness and it is advisable to use a condom in addition to the sponge in order to provide more insurance against pregnancy and protect against STDs and HIV (AIDS). To use properly be sure to refer to the packaging. Most sponges are inserted in a comparable way to a tampon. Sponges must be moistened with water. The sponge must stay in place for 6 hours after sex in order for spermicide to kill off most sperm. The sponge cannot be left in for more than 24 hours continuously!
Some advantages to this form of birth control:

Some disadvantages of this form of birth control:

A dental dam is a square of latex held in place over the vulva for use during oral sex with a woman. The dental dam prevents contact with fluids and therefore helps to reduce the risk of STD or transmitting HIV (AIDS)

Withdrawal is the practice of the man withdrawing his penis before he ejaculates. Because of pre-ejaculatory fluid which contains sperm and because men can fail to withdraw before ejaculation, this method of birth control is not effective. Also, withdrawal does not protect against STDS, HIV (AIDS), or pregnancy.

Emergency contraception, or post-coital contraception is a form of birth that can be used within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Emergency contraception is for EMERGENCY situations and not to be used as a regular method of birth control. Emergencies include but are not limited to sexual assault, a condom breaking or slipping off during sex, or missing more than two pills of birth control during a monthly cycle.

Emergency contraception is approximately 75% effective when taken within 72 hours of unplanned, unprotected sex. Emergency Contraceptives are available from various locations. Planned Parenthood, private doctors, some hospital emergency rooms and women’s health centers can prescribe Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP).

Like any other prescription, ECP has some side effects. People who have used this method of birth control have reported feelings of nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and menstrual changes. Most importantly, emergency contraception does not protect against contracting STDS, or HIV (AIDS).

Abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy. You always have the right to be in control of your own body. Do not feel pressured to have sex. With the threat of transmitting an STD, HIV (AIDS) or becoming pregnant, many people choose not to have sex. It’s your body and your choice.

Myth: You can’t get pregnant the first time you have vaginal intercourse.
Truth: Whether this is your first time or your ninety-ninth time, you can get pregnant if you have unprotected sex.
Myth: You can’t get pregnant if you are very young.
Truth: If you have started getting your period, then you have started ovulating, and therefore you could get pregnant.
Myth: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex standing up.
Truth: The position you choose to have sex in has nothing to do with how the sperm moves. You can still possibly get pregnant.
Myth: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex during your period.
Truth: You may be able to get pregnant during your period. Women’s monthly cycles change often when not regulated by birth control, ovulation cycles are different from body to body.
Myth: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex in a hot tub.
Truth: If you have unprotected sex, it does not matter where you are, you can get pregnant.

The following are a list of possible signs of pregnancy. You should consult a medical professional to get tested if you think you may be pregnant.

• Have had sexual intercourse without any birth control.
• Missing one or more periods
• Having an unusually light period
• Experiencing fatigue
• Breast tenderness or enlargement
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Increased urination
• Taking a home pregnancy and finding positive results

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Resources

• National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
• 1998 Core Alcohol and Drug Survey/Princeton University Health Services www.alcohol.vt.edu
• CORE Institute: Statistics on Alcohol and Other Drug Use on American Campuses, 2000. October 31, 2003
• American Journal of Public Health. 2003; 93(11): 1929-1933