There are many birth control options available. The two major categories
include:
- Non hormonal/Barrier Type: Male condoms, female condoms, diaphragm, cervical
cap, IUD and spermicides
- Hormonal: The Pill, Ortho-Evra®, Depo-Provera® and NuvaRing®
Many of these methods require a physical exam and prescription so you will
need to talk to your doctor about which method is right for you.
Some of the most common birth control methods include:
Sexual Abstinence is not having sexual contact (including oral, vaginal and
anal). Abstinence is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy and sexually
transmitted infections.
Male Condoms are used
to reduce the risk of pregnancy and STD’s. They
should be made of latex for maximum effectiveness and should also include
a spermicide. Condoms are up to 97% effective when properly used [placed
on an
erect penis with room left at the end (the reservoir tip)].
The Pill is an oral contraceptive that is taken at the same time each day
for a month and is up to 99% effective when taken properly. Of every 100
women
who use the Pill, eight will become pregnant during the first year with typical
use.
Ortho-Evra® is a
contraceptive patch that is applied once per week for three week and no
patch is used during the fourth week.
It is 99% effective
with perfect use.
Depo-Provera® is
a contraceptive injection given in the buttock or arm every month or every
3 months, and is 99% effective with
perfect use. DMPA
is one of the most effective reversible methods of birth control available.
Of every 100 women who use DMPA, three will become pregnant during the first
year.
NuvaRing® is a small,
flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina for three weeks and taken
out for the fourth week. It releases
hormones to
prevent
pregnancy and is 99% effective with perfect use.
For birth control and contraception questions or for exams, contact your doctor or (in Grand Rapids) contact Planned Parenthood at 616-774-0516 or GVSU Campus Health at 616-331-2435.
For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/campushealth or www.plannedparenthood.org. For a complete comparison chart of birth control methods, go to http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/birthcontrol.htm.
