CONDOMS
What are they?
The male condom is a thin latex sheath worn over the penis. The female
condom is a thin polyurethane sheath with a flexible ring at one end.
One end is closed and inserted into the vagina, the other end is open and
the ring sits outside the opening of the vagina.
How do they work?
They both act as barriers and keep the semen from entering the vagina.
The male condom goes over an erect penis, while the female condom is
inserted into the vagina cavity. They cannot be reused.
Effective rate?
Male- 85-98% (15-2% failure)
Female- 79-95% (21-5% failure)
Side effects?
- Allergy to latex.
- Irritation of the penis or vagina from the spermicides used. (Allergic
reaction to the spermicide.)
WITHDRAWAL
What is it?
Is when a guy removes his penis from the vagina just before he
ejaculates
How does it work?
It attempts to keep the sperm from entering the vagina by having the guy
ejaculate outside of the vaginal cavity.
Effective Rate?
75-77% (23-25% failure rate)
Side effects?
- Offers NO protection from STDs.
SPERMICIDES
What are they?
Creams, gels, foams, and films that contain “nonoxynol-9” and kill off
sperm.
How do they work?
Spermicides immobilize and kill the sperm before they are able to swim
into the uterus. Spermicides must be placed into the vagina before
intercourse begins. Some offer protection right away, but most need to
be placed into the vagina at least 15 minutes prior to sex.
Effective Rate?
71-85% (15-29% failure rate)
Side Effects?
- Offers no protection against STDs
- May irritate the vagina and surrounding skin.
- May increase your risk of urinary tract infections due to the disruption
of the normal balance of bacteria in the girl’s body.
Pill
What is it?
It is a daily pill that contains hormones to change the way the body
works and prevents pregnancy.
How does it work?
The pill contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent
ovulation. The pill also thickens the mucus around the cervix, which
makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. The pill sometimes
affects the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to attach to
the wall of the uterus. * One pill is taken each day for 21 (or 28) days
straight.
Effective Rate?
92-99% effective (1-8% failure rate)
Side effects?
- Offers no protection against STDs.
- Person must remember to take the pill everyday.
- Irregular menstrual bleeding.
- Nausea, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness.
- Mood changes.
- Blood Clots
* Many times the pill will makes periods much lighter, reduce cramps,
and often prescribed for women who have menstrual problems.
PATCH
What is it?
It is a thin square patch that sticks to the skin and releases hormones into
the bloodstream through the pores in the skin.
How does it work?
The patch is placed on the female’s arm, buttocks, abdomen, or upper
arm and is worn for 3 weeks straight. The combination of the hormones
estrogen and progesterone in the patch prevents ovulation. The
hormones also cause a thickening of mucus by the cervix, making it
difficult for sperm to enter and reach any eggs. A thickening of the
lining of the uterus also makes it difficult for an egg to implant into the
wall.
Effective rate?
- 92-99% effective (1-8% failure rate)
Side Effects?
- Same as the pill.
SHOT
What is it?
A female gets an injection of progesterone in her upper arm.
How does it work?
The female gets the injection once every three months and this prevents
ovulation.
Effective rate?
97-99% effective (1-3% failure rate)
Side Effects
- No protection from STDs.
- No menstrual periods.
- Weight gain, headaches, and breast tenderness.
- Depression
- Possible hair loss.
RING
What is it?
It is a soft flexible ring about 2 inches in diameter. The ring is inserted
into the vagina and releases hormones through the vaginal wall.
How does it work?
The release of the hormones from the ring prevents ovulation, thickens
the lining of the uterus so an egg will not implant. The ring is inserted
into the vaginal cavity and remains in place for three weeks and is
removed after three weeks. This process repeats one week later.
Effective rate?
- 92-99% (failure rate 1-8%)
Side effects?
- Same as the pill.
* Also, possible vaginal irritation or yeast infection, and vaginal
discharge.
IUD
What is it?
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped piece of plastic about the
size of a quarter that is placed into the uterus.
How does it work?
It prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg. It also prevents ovulation
when coated with progesterone.
Effective rate?
- 99-100% effective (less than 1% failure rate)
Side Effects?
- Offers no protection from STDs.
- Spotting (bleeding) in between periods.
- Minor surgical procedure to implant device.
- Acne, breast tenderness, headaches, and nausea with hormonal IUD.
DIAPHRAGM
What is it?
This is a dome-shaped bowl made of thin, flexible rubber that sits over
the cervix.
How does it work?
It keeps sperm from entering the uterus by blocking the sperm. The
diaphragm is inserted into the vaginal cavity and pressed up against the
cervix. After intercourse, the diaphragm must be left in for 6-24 after
intercourse. It must be removed, washed, and stored after each use.
Effective rates?
- 84 % (16 % failure rate)
Side effects?
- Offers no protection from STDs.
- Strong odor or vaginal discharge may appear if left in to long.
- Female must be refitted every two years for a new diaphragm.
- May cause allergic reaction from the latex.
CERVICAL CAP
What is it?
A cervical cap is a small, thimble shaped cup made of rubber that fits
over the cervix.
How does it work?
The cervical cap acts as a barrier that keeps sperm from entering the
uterus. For added protection, spermicides should be placed into the cap.
The cap is inserted prior to sexual intercourse and can be left in place for
up to 48 hours. It also must be kept in place for at least 6 hours and is
removed by placing a finger into the vagina to pull it out.
Effective rate?
80-84 % effective (failure rate 0f 16-20 %)
Side effects?
- No protection against STDs.
- Spermicide may irritate vagina.
- Strong odors or vaginal discharge may appear if the cervical cap is left
in too long.
- May cause allergic reaction due to the rubber.