Male condoms are thin, disposable and usually made of latex, which protects you from most STDs. If you are allergic to latex, it is important that you use non-latex condoms. Condoms fit over an erect penis. Condoms must be put on as soon as a man has an erection for ideal protection from STDs and pregnancy. You can get condoms at most drugstores, grocery stores and clinics. You do not need a prescription.
NOTE: Condoms are currently no charge at Family Planning! For your convenience, we can mail up to 20 condoms per month, courtesy of our Male Involvement Project.
How to use a (male) condom:
Female condoms are made of thin plastic, and have a flexible ring at each end. The walls of the vagina are shielded from direct contact with the penis when the condom is in place.
A new condom must be used each time you have sex. Sometimes condoms break or come off. Using water-soluble lubricant, such as Astroglide or Slippery Stuff, can make using condoms more comfortable. You cannot use the female and male condom at the same time.
Interactive Questionnaire - Choosing a Birth Control Method
The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP) is a non-profit membership association composed of highly qualified and committed experts in reproductive health.
Birth Control Pills
The pill contains hormones like those produced by your own body - estrogen and progesterone. It prevents pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg. Once you stop taking the pill, you can get pregnant right away. That is why it is important to take your pill about the same time every day. Less than 1% of women using the pill 'perfectly' will get pregnant within the first year of use.
Birth control pills are easy to use unless you have trouble remembering to take a pill every day. Other advantages of the pill include:
If you give birth and decide to breastfeed your baby you can still use pills, however you would use a "mini-pill" with no estrogen until you are ready to wean the baby.
Plan B (emergency contraception)
Contraceptive injection (Depo Provera)
Depo is an injectable form of the hormone progesterone. Depo is slowly absorbed by the body, preventing pregnancy by stopping an egg's release. It is effective for three months. Depo is a highly effective and private method. Less than 1% women will get pregnant within the first year of use. Some women do not have periods with this method after being on Depo about 6 months. Most women will not have periods after about 1 year on Depo. It is important to talk to your provider about possible side effects before you decide whether it may be a good method for you. Once you have the shot you may not change methods until it wears itself out in three months time.
Contraceptive patch (Ortho Evra)
The birth control patch delivers steady levels of estrogen and progesterone through your skin to your bloodstream. The patch prevents pregnancy the same way birth control pills do, and is equally effective. A new patch is applied the same day every week for 3 weeks. The fourth week you do not wear a patch; it is your period week. The patch can be worn on the abdomen, upper torso (front or back, but not on your breasts) buttocks, or upper outer arm. Possible side effects should be discussed with your provider prior to use.
Contraceptive ring (NuvaRing)
The vaginal ring is soft, flexible and easy to use. It releases a steady, low dose of estrogen and progesterone into your body. You leave it in place in the vagina for 3 weeks. The ring is removed for the fourth week, which is when you will have your period. Most women do not feel the ring once it is inserted correctly. Its effectiveness is equal to birth control pills. Most women have no major side effects with the NuvaRing.
The Intrauterine Device (IUD - Paraguard)
The IUD is a T-shaped piece of plastic with a copper wire that provides very effective birth control for up to ten years. Less than 1% women get pregnant within the first year of use. Your medical provider must insert and remove the IUD. If you are allergic to copper, the IUD would not be a good method for you. The IUD is recommended only for women who are in a stable, faithful relationship and do not have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or ecctopic (tubal) pregnancy. Prior to insertion, you should be screened for STDs, and talk to your provider about potential side effects. Some women have spotty bleeding, heavier menstrual periods, and cramps with the IUD.
The Intrauterine System (IUS - Mirena)
Mirena is a T-shaped IUD that provides very effective birth control for up to 5 years. It releases a small amount of the hormone, progesterone. Less than 1% women get pregnant within the first year of use. Your medical provider must insert and remove the IUS Mirena. Mirena is recommended only for women who are in a stable, faithful relationship and do not have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or etopic (tubal) pregnancy. Mirena makes your periods lighter and less painful. During the first 3 to 6 months, spotting and bleeding can occur. Some women who use Mirena stop having periods. It is safe, and many women like not having periods. Your periods and your ability to get pregnant return soon after the Mirena IUS is removed.
Diaphragms and caps
The diaphragm is a small rubber cup that you fill with contraceptive jelly. You place it in your vagina, making sure your cervix is covered, before intercourse. It prevents sperm from entering your uterus. The cervical cap is like the diaphragm, but smaller. It uses suction to fit over your cervix and blocks sperm from entering your uterus.
The diaphragm or cervical cap must always be inserted correctly before you have intercourse. It requires careful planning ahead. You can insert it a few hours before you have sex; it must stay in place for about 8 hours after intercourse, but no longer. Six percent of women who use the diaphragm 'perfectly' will get pregnant within the first year of use. Nine to twenty-six percent of women using the cervical cap 'perfectly' will get pregnant within the first year of use.
Your medical provider will fit you for a diaphragm or cervical cap. You and your partner will not be able to feel the diaphragm or cap if it fits well. You may need a different size diaphragm or cap after having a baby, or losing/gaining a lot of weight. Diaphragms and cervical caps do not interfere with breastfeeding.
Sterilization
Sterilization is a surgical method of birth control. It is considered permanent, so you need to be certain you do not want a child, or anymore children, under any circumstances before you choose sterilization. It is a personal choice; no one can require or force you to be sterilized. Consent forms must be signed 30 days before you have the operation. You can change your mind at any time prior to the operation.
Sterilization only needs to be done once. It is highly effective. Your sex drive is not effected by sterilization.
Female sterilization is called tubal Ligation. The two fallopian tubes are blocked to prevent the sperm and egg from uniting. Tubal ligation will not cause menopause. The woman still has monthly periods.
Male sterilization is called a vasectomy. It is cheaper and safer than tubal ligation. The two sperm tubes are blocked so sperm can not pass through the penis. The man still has an erection and ejaculates, but no sperm are in the fluid.
Natural family planning
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a method that teaches a woman to recognize her own body's fertile time. You must not have intercourse near the time you ovulate. That is when you can get pregnant. There are no physical health risks associated with NFP. NFP can also be used to help you get pregnant.
In order for this method to work, you must record several body signs every day, and follow all the rules. It can be difficult for couples to avoid intercourse during fertile times.
CycleBeads are an easy way for a woman to track her cycle and clearly identify the days she could become pregnant and the days when pregnancy is most unlikely.