| |
BRIEF
DESCRIP. |
TYPICAL
EFFEC. |
AVG.
COST |
MAJOR
PROS |
MAJOR
CONS |
| Male Condom |
Sock-shaped latex sheath, placed on penis |
87% |
$1.00-$3.50
(per use) |
- Protects vs STDs
- Available over the counter
- Few side effects
|
- Possible allergies
- Lessens sensation
- May break |
| Female Condom |
Sock-shaped polyurethane
sheath with two rings, placed in vagina |
79% |
$1.00-$4.00
(per use) |
- Protects vs STDs
- Available over the counter
- Few side effects
- Can be inserted 8hrs before sex |
- Possible allergies
- Lessens sensation
- Ring may slide |
| Diaphragm |
Dome-shaped rubber cup with a rim, placed in
vagina |
81% |
$20-$45
(lasts 1-2yrs) |
- Reusable
- Lasts 1-2yrs |
- No STD protection
- Must be fitted by a Dr.
- Increases bladder infections
- Possible allergies |
| Cervical Cap |
Small thimble-shaped rubber
sup with a rim, placed in vagina |
81% |
$25-$50
(lasts 1-2yrs) |
- Reusable
- Lasts 1-2yrs |
- No STD protection
- Must be fitted by a Dr.
- Limited sizes available
- Difficult to insert |
| Birth Control Pill |
Combined estrogen and progesterone hormones,
taken orally every day |
97% |
$25-$45
(per month) |
- More regular periods
- Does not interrupt sex
- Protects vs ovarian cancer and cysts, endometrial cancer,
PID |
- No STD protection
- Rare side effects: blood clots, high blood pressure (esp.
in 35+ smokers)
- Must be taken daily |
| Mini-Pill |
Progesterone hormone only,
taken orally every day |
96% |
$25-$40
(per month) |
- Does not interrupt sex
- Protects vs ovarian cancer and cysts, endometrial cancer,
PID
- Less side effects than combined pill |
- No STD protection
- Increases ovarian cysts
- Irregular periods |
| Morning After Pill |
High-dosage estrogen and/or progesterone hormones,
taken orally within 72hrs |
90% |
$25-$45
(per use) |
- Good backup if condom breaks
- Unplanned/unprotected se and rape |
- Emergencies only
- Side effects: nausea and vomitting |
| Depo-Provera (Injection) |
Progesterone hormone injection |
99% |
$30-$65
(lasts 13wks) |
- Lasts 13wks
- Does not interrupt sex
- Can use while breastfeeding
- Protects vs endometrial cancer and anemia |
- No STD protection
- Side effects: irregular periods, headaches, depression and
weight gain
- Side effects reverse slowly
- Fertlity returns slowly |
| Norplant (Implant) |
6 small matchstick-sized
progesterone implants |
99% |
$450-$900
(lasts 5yrs) |
- Lasts 5yrs
- Does not interrupt sex
- Can use while breastfeeding |
- No STD protection
- Possible scarring or infection
- Side effects: irregular periods, headaches, depression and
nausea |
| Abstinence |
No sex |
100% |
$0 |
- Protects vs STDs
- Free
- No side effects |
- Difficult to resist pressures
- Difficult to resisit personal desires |
| Withdrawal |
Man withdraws his penis before
ejeculation |
80% |
$0 |
- Always an available option
- No devices to deal with |
- Limited STDs protection
- Pre-seminal fluid contains sperm too
- Difficult to get the timing/discipline |
| Rhythm Method |
Recording menstrual cycles
and refraining from sex during ovulation |
65% |
$0 |
- No side effects
- Inexpensive
- Accepted by most religions |
- No STD protection
- Difficult to predict
- Illness/vaginal infections can mislead |
| Breastfeeding |
Giving breastmilk to newborn |
98% |
$0 |
- Free
- Does not interfere with sex
- No side effects |
- No STD protection
- Baby must suckle frequently
- Difficult/inconvenient |
| IUD |
T-shaped plastic device containing
copper or progesterone, inserted in vagina |
99% |
$250-$750
(lasts 10yrs) |
- Lasts up to 10yrs
- Does not interrupt sex |
- Increases PID
- Can tear the uterus |
| Spermicides |
Chemicals in the form of
foams, creams, jellies, films, suppositories and sponges |
74% |
$0.50-$3.50
(per use) |
- Available over the counter
- Can be used with others |
- Limited STD protection
- Possible allergies |
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