– Barrier Methods –
How do I use it?
External Condom
Before using an external condom, make sure which way it unrolls. Pull back the foreskin and unroll the condom all the way to the base of the penis. Talk to your partner about using a condom in advance. Change the condom if the penis is exposed to a different site (i.e. moves from anus to vagina). Remove the condom immediately after you ejaculate (cum). Withdraw the penis while holding the rim of the condom at the base of the penis to avoid having any cum spill out. The condom should be used just once and then thrown away. Do not use at the same time as the female condom and do not use 2 condoms at once (“double bagging”) as this can cause them to break.
Internal Condom
The Internal condom can be inserted into the vagina or anus before having sex. It is a tube-shaped condom with a flexible ring on each end. The inner ring at the closed end is used to insert the condom inside the vagina or anus and to hold it in place during sex. The outer ring at the open end of the sheath remains outside the vagina or anus. The penis is inserted into the open end of the condom. Do not use this condom at the same with an external condom because the friction from the two materials rubbing together can cause them to break. If you are using an internal condom for anal sex, remove the removable inner ring before insertion.
Diaphragm
The Diaphragm is non hormonal and creates a barrier over the cervix to stop sperm from entering the uterus.
Approximately how effective is it?
(if used correctly & consistently)
– Hormonal Methods –
How do you use it?
Birth Control Pill
For most types of BC pills you swallow one pill every day for three weeks. The last week you either take a pill that has no hormones –a “reminder” pill to keep you in the habit of taking a pill each day-or take no pills for one week. This is when you will get your period. There are also pills you can take to not get your period at all. Talk to your provider about what kind of pills are best for you.
Depo – Provera
The BC shot (also called Depo-Provera or just Depo) is given at the clinic every 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy. Depo has only one hormone in it, not two like some other methods. This hormone stops the ovaries from releasing an egg so you can’t get pregnant.
The Patch
The patch is worn on the skin like a band aid and releases hormones through the skin. A new patch is worn each week for 3 weeks. During the fourth week no patch is worn and you will get your period. The patch will not fall off during showering or swimming or even with exercise.
Vaginal Ring
Insert a new ring into your vagina every month to prevent pregnancy. The hormones in the ring go through the body to prevent ovulation, or release of an egg. The ring must be removed after 3 weeks. During the fourth week you will get your period. After that fourth week a new ring is inserted to protect against pregnancy for one more month.
Approximately how effective is it?
(if used correctly & consistently)
– Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods –
How do you use it?
Intrauterine Device
A clinician places it inside a person’s uterus during a simple 15 minute procedure where it can stay and remain effective for 5-12 years, depending on which kind of IUD is used.
Implant
A clinician places it inside a person’s uterus during a simple 15 minute procedure where it can stay and remain effective for 5-12 years, depending on which kind of IUD is used.
Approximately how effective is it?
(if used correctly & consistently)
– Other Methods –
How do you use it?
Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligations are performed by a clinician in a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office. The procedure is performed after numbing the area, and takes about 15 minutes. You can go home the same day. A follow-up appointment at 3 months is needed to make sure the tubes were successfully blocked
Vasectomy
A vasectomy can be performed by a clinician in a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office. It is a simple and quick procedure, and the patient can go home the same day. You will need to use a BC method for a few weeks after the operation, until a “sperm count” shows that no active sperm are leaving the body.
Fertility Awareness
You must learn the cycles of your own body to use the fertility awareness method. On the days when you are fertile each month, you must not have unprotected sex. Instead use a barrier method like a male or female condom, or a cervical cap or diaphragm.
For more in-depth information about using this method, go to:
Approximately how effective is it?
(if used correctly & consistently)