Nov 22 2008
Quick Glance At Birth Control
There are many different birth control methods out there today. All of which can help prevent pregnancy. Others might even help prevent HIV and STD’s. You should discuss the methods you are interested in with your doctor, so you can find a method that is right for you. Remember that for these methods to be effective, you must use them exactly to the specification given.
Hormonal methods
- The Pill - This is given by prescription only. Is 99% effective. But does not protect against STD’s. You take 1 pill each day, at the same time everytime. You have 1 menstrual period every 28 days. Costs about $15–$50 each month.
- The Extended Cycle Pill - This is given by prescription only. Is 99% effective. But does not protect against STD’s. You take 1 pill each day for 3 months. A menstrual period occurs just 4 times a year. Costs about $15–$50 each month.
- The Patch - This is given by prescription only. Is 99% effective. But does not protect against STD’s. A new patch is placed on the skin once a week for three weeks in a row, followed by a patch-free week. Costs about $15–$50 each month.
- Vaginal Ring - This is given by prescription only. Is more than 98% effective. But does not protect against STD’s. You insert a ring monthly. You would leave it in place for 21 days, and remove it for the remaining 1 week. Costs about $15–$50 each month.
- The Shot - The injections are given at your doctor’s office or clinic. Is more than 99% effective.But does not protect against STD’s. You get injections every 3 months to prevent pregnancy. Very convenient method. Costs $35–$75 per injection, plus any exam fees.
- IUD - IUD’s are inserted at your doctor’s office or clinic. But does not protect against STD’s. There are two brands of IUD available in the United States — ParaGard and Mirena. The ParaGard IUD contains copper. It is effective for 12 years. It’s 98.5% effective. The Mirena IUD releases a small amount of progestin, a hormone. It is effective for five years. It’s 99% effective. Costs between $175 and $500 up front.
Non Hormonal Methods
- Spermicide - Has to be applied every time before sex. No prescription needed. It has some protection against STD’s. It’s 94% effective. Costs about $8 per package.
- Diaphragm - Has to be inserted every time before sex. Prescription needed. It’s 94% effective and has some protection against STD’s when used together with an spermicide. Lasts up to two years. Costs about $15–$75.
- The Sponge - A foam sponge inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. Costs $9–$15 for a package of three sponges. The sponge is 89 - 91 % effective with correct and consistent use.
- Cervical cap - Has to be inserted every time before sex. Prescription needed. It’s effective against STD’s when used together with an spermicide. It’s 91% effective if you have no prior pregnancies. And 74% effective after having children. Lasts up to two years. Costs about $60–$75
- Female Condom - Has to be inserted every time before sex. No prescription needed. It has some protection against STD’s. It’s 95% effective. Average cost about $4 each.
- Male Condom - Partner must wear every time during sex. It protects against STD’s. And it’s up to 97% effective. Average cost about $1 each, but are sometimes available for free.
- Sterilization for Women -”Tubes Tied” - A permanent surgery that prevents pregnancy. 99.5% effective. But does not protect against STD’s. Costs between $1,500 and $6,000.
- Vasectomy - Permanent sterilization for men that prevents pregnancy. 99.9% effective. But does not protect against STD’s. Costs $350 to $1,000.
- Withdrawal (Pull Out Method) - Withdrawal is also called coitus interruptus or the “pull out method”. This is done during vaginal intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Withdrawal may be the world’s oldest way to prevent pregnancy. About 35 million couples worldwide rely on withdrawal. Withdrawal does not protect against HIV or STD’s. It’s only about 73-96% effective.
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