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Safer Sex Talk - [ Pregnancy & Contraception ]

Birth Control Options

Use this chart as a general guide to determine which method of birth control may be the best choice for both you and your partner. ALWAYS consult a doctor for specific information regarding prescription and surgical methods. ALWAYS read information included with over-the-counter methods carefully to ensure proper use and care.

Hormonal

Barriers

Cervical Barriers

Surgical

Behavioral

Examples & effective rate
(perfect use - typical use)

The Pill
   (99% - 92%)
The Patch
   (99% - 92%)
The Ring
   (99% - 92%)
The Shot
   (99.9% - 97%)
Implants / IUCs
   (99.9%)

 Condoms
   (98% - 85%)
Female Condoms
   (95% - 75%)		 Diaphragm
   (94% - 84%)
Caps
   (86%)
Lea's Shield
   (85%)
Sponge
   (91% - 84%)		 Vasectomy
   (99.8%)
Tubal Sterilization, "Tubes Tied"
   (99%)		 Abstinence
   (100%)
Rhythm Method
   (80%)
Who's responsible Women.
The pill, patch, ring and injections must be prescribed by a doctor. IUDs are implanted by a doctor. EC is available over-the-counter.		 Men and women.
Condoms can be purchased over-the-counter by females and males of any age.		 Women.
Diaphragms and cervical caps must be prescribed and fitted by a doctor.
Sponges can be purchased over-the-counter.		 Men and Women.
Procedures must be preformed by a doctor.		 Men and women.
Both people must agree to ALWAYS follow the decided behavior in order for the method to be effective.
How it works Hormones are released into a woman's body, which prevents a woman's ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation), thin the lining of the uterus, and/ or thicken the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from joining with an egg. Condoms are designed to cover the tip and shaft of the penis.
Female condoms are inserted into the vagina, lining the vaginal canal and labia.
Both prevent semen and other fluids from entering the vagina.		 Each device is inserted into the vagina and positioned to completely cover the cervix (the opening to the uterus). Cervical barriers are designed to block the sperm cells from entering the uterus to reach an egg. They are use with spemicidal foam or jelly. For women, the fallopian tubes (where eggs travel to the uterus) are closed off preventing sperm from reaching an egg.
For men, the vas deferens (where sperm cells travel to mix with seminal fluid) are closed off preventing the cells from leaving the body.		 Men and women can decide to not have vaginal intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Some people choose to abstain from vaginal intercourse during the days of the month when a woman is most likely to become pregnant.
Pros Does not interfere with having sex.
Fewer menstrual cramps and lighter periods.
Some methods are effective over long periods of time.		 Immediately effective.
No side-effects.
Don't need a prescription.
Easy to get.
Can be used with other methods.
May increase pleasure and stamina.
Help prevent STIs.
The Female Condom can be inserted hours ahead of time.		 Immediately effective.
No hormonal side-effects.
Can be inserted hours ahead of time.
Generally cannot be felt by either partner.
Diaphragms, Caps, and Lea's Shield can be used multiple times.		 Protection against pregnancy for the remainder of reproductive years.
No or minimal side-effects.
Doesn't limit sexual pleasure.		 Abstaining from sex is 100% effective.
No medical side-effects.
Can reduce exposure to STIs.
No cost.
Cons Women must remember to take the hormones or to have them administered.
Bleeding between periods.
Change in sexual desire.
Very low chance of blood clots.
Certain medicines and herbs may reduce effectiveness.
IUDs and the Ring may slip out.
No protection against STIs.		 May reduce sexual pleasure.
Can interrupt sex play.
Cannot be used more than once.
For people with latex allergies, polyurethane and lamb-skin condoms may be hard to find.
Lamb-skin condoms do not protect against STIs.		 Sometimes less effective for women who have given birth vaginally.
Cannot be used during menstruation.
May be difficult to insert.
May be pushed out of place.
Not recommended for people allergic to latex or spermicide.
No protection against STIs.		 Most surgeries are NOT reversible.
Risks associated with any type of surgery, such as possible infection.
For women, there is a slight chance of ectopic pregnancy.
No protection against STIs.		 Many people find it difficult to abstain in the "heat of the moment".
When some people stop being abstinent, they are often unprepared with other birth control methods.
Average Cost The Pill
  ($15 - $35 /month)
The Patch
  ($30 - $40 /month)
The Ring
  ($30 - $35 /month)
The Shot
  ($30 - $75 each)
Implants / IUDs
  ($175 - $500)

Condoms
  ($.50 - $1.25 each)
Female Condoms
  ($2.50 - $3 each)

 Diaphragms, Caps and Shields
  ($20 - $75 each)
Sponge
  ($3 each)		 May cost hundreds. Ask your doctor. No cost.
Links Prescription Methods Info Barrier Methods Info Cervical Barrier Methods Info Permanent Methods Info Behavior Methods Info

*Information compiled from a variety of sources, including Planned Parenthood




Emergency Contraception

Use this chart as a general guide to determine emergency contraception be the best choice for both you and your partner. ALWAYS consult a doctor for specific concerns and ALWAYS read information included with over-the-counter methods carefully to ensure proper use.

EC (Emergency Contraception) - Hormonal

Examples & Effective Rate
(perfect use - typical use)

Plan B®
"Morning After Pill"
(89% - 75% if started within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse)

Who's Responsible Women.
Plan B® can be purchased over-the-counter by females and males 18 years or older. People under 18 can get EC prescribed by a doctor.
How it Works A woman takes a pill (or combination of pills) within 3 days after unprotected vaginal intercourse, but no later than 5 days after. The pills release hormones, which prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation or fertilization. EC will not cause an abortion or affect an existing pregnancy. Emergency Contraception is not recommended to be used as a regular method of birth control.
Pros Provides contraception if you made a mistake with your chosen birth control method.
Offers "peace-of-mind" if you have reason to think your chosen method failed.
Prevents pregnancy if you were forced into unprotected vaginal intercourse.
Prevents you from having to make difficult decisions in the event of pregnancy.
Cons

Breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, dizziness, and headaches may occur.
Some women Feel sick to their stomachs.
Next period may be earlier or later than usual.
Does not continue to prevent pregnancy during the rest of the cycle.

Average Cost Plan B® ($10 - $45)
Links Emergency Contraception Info

*Information compiled from a variety of sources, including Planned Parenthood




Pregnancy & Contraception Q&A

submit a question here

Can you get pregnant when you have sex for the first time?
YES!  You most certainly can become pregnant the first time you engage in unprotected vaginal intercourse.  If a female is ovulating and an egg is present, there is high risk of becoming pregnant with unprotected vaginal penetration, even if the male does not ejaculate.

Does it work to just pull out?
Using the withdrawal method, or "pulling out", is very risky.  Sperm is present in pre-ejaculatory fluids and could cause a pregnancy if an egg is present in the female's ovum.

Can I get pregnant from oral sex or anal sex?
No, there is no risk of pregnancy from oral or anal sex.  There are other risks associated with these unprotected behaviors, like increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted disease and HIV.

Should I use two condoms to be extra safe?
No, you should NEVER use two condoms at one time.  The friction caused when two condoms rub against one another reduces their effectiveness and increases the chance of breaking.  Condoms are very safe and effective if used consistently and correctly every time you engage in any penetrative sex.
 
I heard that condoms break all the time…is that true?
No, condoms do not break all the time.  Condoms have a 98% effective rate when used properly.  This means they must be stored properly.  Do not expose latex condoms to extreme temperatures.  Condoms can melt in high heat and crack in cold weather.  All condom packages come with instructions.  If you are unsure how to properly use them, read those instructions. 

Are thinner condoms more likely to break?
Thinner condoms WILL NOT break any more than a regular one.  The FDA regulates all condoms sold in the United States.  They are responsible for setting the guidelines for the thickness of condoms and testing them.  Other countries do not follow the same guidelines for the manufacturing and sales of condoms.  When traveling abroad, plan ahead and pack your own purchased in the US.  Check out Durex Extra Sensitive, a thin condom that was rated number 1 in a Consumer Reports test.

Do spermicidal condoms work better?
Spermicidal condoms do not 'work" any better than non-spermicidal condoms.  Spermicide is a harsh detergent used in lubricants that kill sperm.  The detergent however, causes irritations in the mucus membrane of the vaginal canal, thus increasing the risk of infection from bacteria and viruses.  Most condom companies today do not offer a spermicidal condom and all lubrication companies stopped adding the ingredient to their products.  For more on this topic, visit Lube In the News.


Can I use a condom more than once?
No, all condoms including the Reality Female Condom, are to be used only once.

I don't like condoms. What else can I use?
For pregnancy prevention with male to female sex, you have hormonal options, surgical procedures and behavior modification.  All hormonal and surgical options must be attended by a doctor and a medical examination is required.  For a complete list, visit our Birth Control Options chart.  Additionally, a woman can protect herself with the Reality Female Condom if her male partner is opposed to condoms.

Do we need to also wear condoms if she's on the pill?
If used correctly (taking the pill at the same time everyday, never missing) the pill is 99.9% effective in the prevention of pregnancy.  The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, HPV, or HIV.  You have to weigh your risk regarding behaviors with your partner regarding the use of a condom and the pill.  Do you know/trust that your partner is taking the pill at the same time everyday?  Is your partner being monogamous? Be sure, be safe.
 
Should I trust women who say they are on the pill?
I can't answer that.  I recommend that you know and trust a sexual partner before using the pill as your only birth control method.  Remember the pill doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases, HPV, or HIV.  Best risk reduction; get tested together before deciding not to use a condom.

Is taking hormones dangerous?
The pill, the first FDA approved hormonal method of birth control, has been in use since 1960.  The method is proven safe for many, but side effects can occur in some women.  Those that smoke, especially those over age 35 and smoke, are not supposed to use hormonal birth control methods.  Women that are required to take other medications, including natural herbs, need to check with their doctors for any interactions that could render the hormones useless.  For specific questions, consult with your doctor.

Can I still get pregnant if I've been on the pill for years?
Yes.  The pill and other hormonal birth control methods work on a time release program.  Regardless of the amount of time you've been on a method, if that time release program is interrupted in any way, there could be a chance for pregnancy.  Some medications also cause interruptions, so always communicate with your doctor as to what medicines you are taking, including vitamins and supplements. 

Are there any other birth control methods for men other than condoms?
Yes, surgery.  Men can get a vasectomy to prevent pregnancy.  Vasectomies used to be a permanent preventative, but recently, some can be reversed. 

Is taking the EC pill abortion?
Each individual, men included, has to decide what is right for them regarding EC.  EC pills release hormones, which prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation or fertilization. EC will not cause an abortion or affect an existing pregnancy. For more information about EC, visit our Emergency Contraception chart.

Does the morning after pill have any long term side effects?
The morning after pill, or EC, has no known long term side effects but should not be used as a regular method of birth control.  EC should be used in EMERGENCY situations only.  You and your partner will have to decide what "emergency" means for you.

Is spermicide safe to use on its own?
Spermicides used on their own, with no other form of barrier method, are not very effective in preventing pregnancy. Spermicides are recommended to use in conjunction with diaphragms and cervical caps.  Some men and women experience burning, swelling and/or bleeding on the genitals when using spermicides.  This is caused by the drying nature of the product, since spermicides are detergents.  If this occurs, discontinue use of the product.

Can I use my friend's diaphragm or cap?
Diaphragms and cervical caps are fitted for each woman and are fitted by a doctor.  Friends should never share their diaphragms or cervical caps.

I heard the sponge is no longer available. Is it back on the market?
The sponge was recently re-approved for sale as a barrier method for birth control.  The sponge is not a good choice for those needing protection from sexually transmitted diseases, HPV, or HIV because skin to skin contact is still present.

Can a man still cum if he has had a vasectomy?
Yes, after a vasectomy, men do experience a normal orgasm with fluids. Cum, or ejaculatory fluid, is made up of sperm, sugars, and water from the testicles, seminal vesicles, the prostate and the bulbourethral glands.  A vasectomy "cuts off" the sperm from the vas deferens prohibiting sperm from mixing with the other parts that make up ejaculate.

submit a question here





With or Without Spermicide?

Spermicidal lubricants in bottle form are no longer available. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) released a study in August, 2000 suggesting that the use of spermicides (aka: nonoxynol-9 or N-9) can cause the skin to dry and crack. The cracked skin creates portals for HIV, diseases and infections to enter. As a precaution, the lubrication companies stopped manufacturing their products with nonoxynol-9.

You can still purchase condoms with the spermicidal lubricant but studies show condoms lubricated with spermicides are no more effective than other lubricated condoms when used properly.

Avoid the risk…don't use condoms lubricated with spermicide. In fact, there are grassroots efforts to discontinue these condoms. Visit: www.stopn9condoms.com

Some companies have voluntarily stopped using N-9, such as Durex and Mayer Labs (Kimono, FC Female Condom).

Editorial Note from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Nonoxynol-9 Spermicide Contraception Use

"The 2002 STD treatment guidelines state that condoms lubricated with spermicides are no more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against the transmission of HIV infection and other STDs."

"In the future, purchase of condoms lubricated with N-9 is not recommended because of their increased cost, shorter shelf life, association with urinary tract infections in young women, and lack of apparent benefit compared with other lubricated condoms."

When is Spermicide recommended?

Spermicidal gel or foam is used in conjunction with diaphragms; only diaphragms COMBINED WITH the use of spermicide are approved as contraceptives.
Note: Diaphragms used with spermicide only prevent pregnancy…not STDs or STIs.



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