My Sex

Brush Up on Birth Control - What Option is Right for You?

Abstinence:

• Requires abstaining from sexual intercourse
• Effectiveness: 100%
• Cost: None

Birth Control Patch:

• Available by prescription
• Requires weekly application
• Reversible
• May alter menstrual cycle
• Does not protect against STIs
• Effectiveness: 99%
• The patch may be less effective for females weighing more than 198 pounds
• Cost*: $38.50 per month

Birth Control Pill:

• Available by prescription
• Requires women to take at about the same time each day
• Many different options available, combination, progestin-only, lo-doses
• May change menstrual cycle
• Reversible
• Does not protect against STIs
• Effectiveness: 99% when used properly
• Effectiveness may be reduced with the use of other prescription medications, be sure to tell your doctor you are taking the pill
• Cost*: $7-$108 per month

Depo-Provera:

• Requires injection every 3 months
• Minimal responsibility
• May alter menstrual cycle
• Does not protect against STIs
• Reversible
• Effectiveness: 99%
• Cost*: $50 for three months

Diaphragm or Cervical Cap:

• Made of soft rubber and measured to fit over the cervix
• Must be used with spermicidal cream or jelly
• Reversible
• Requires advance preparation or interruption of intercourse to insert
• Must be used every time you have intercourse
• Needs replacement about every 2 years
• Effectiveness: 80%
• Cost*: $12-$150

Female Sterilization:

• Permanent
• Requires surgery to 'tie your tubes'
• Effectiveness: 99%
• Cost*: $10,000-$15,000

Intrauterine Device (IUD):

• Device inserted into the uterus usually containing copper or synthetic progesterone
• Requires visit to a practitioner for insertion
• Can be effective for up to 10 years
• Reversible
• Effectiveness: 99%
• Cost*: $175-$500

Male Condoms:

• Made latex (natural lamb skin also available, but not as effective)
• Allows men to participate in birth control
• Must be used every time you have intercourse
• Also effective for prevention of STIs
• Readily available
• Effectiveness: 97%
• Cost*: $0.50 for 3

Male Sterilization:

• Permanent
• Can be reversed
• Effectiveness: 99%
• Cost: $450-$1000

Vaginal Ring:

• Available by prescription
• Inserted into the vagina weekly
• Reversible
• May alter menstrual cycle
• Effectiveness: 99%
• Cost*: $7 per month

Withdrawal:

• Requires the male to withdraw the penis from the vagina before ejaculation
• Requires the male to remain in control and remember to 'pull out'
• Not very effective because some sperm can be released prior to ejaculation
• Effectiveness: 80%-95%
• Cost: None

* Prices subject to change without notice
Source: http://www.orthoevra.com/html/pevr/birth_ctl_know_option.jsp?#1
The Boston Women's Health Book Collective. (1998). Our Bodies, Ourselves. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.