Deciding on
a method of contraception
Please Note
This article is for information
only. Dont take any medicines/ procedures without consulting the Doctor or
Specialist – We are not responsible for the effects
Deciding on
a method of contraception
- Contraception
is used for both birth control and/or protection from sexually transmitted
disease (STD). All contraceptive and protective methods have advantages
and disadvantages.
- A
full understanding of all aspects of contraception is important in making
the right choices for individual needs. Heterosexual intercourse may
combine both contraceptive (birth control) effectiveness and STD/HIV
prevention, while for homosexual sex STD/HIV protection will be the
primary concern.
- It
is important to remember that AIDS is much more dangerous to your health
than pregnancy, and unlike pregnancy, there is no way that the disease can
be terminated.
- Choosing
a method for contraception and/or STD prevention means choosing a method
which is right for a person's personal preferences and needs at a given
point, but may change with different situations, relationships, etc.
- There
are many well, written informative books that can be useful to read when
searching for the right method of contraception.
- Choosing
a method of birth control is not always easy as in addition to thinking
about the effectiveness, benefits, and possible side-effects, you also
need to think about what you feel comfortable using.
- Talking
about birth control with a partner can be hard. It may help to try to sort
out your own feelings before you bring up the subject with your partner.
Try to find a time and a way to talk about it that feels comfortable to
you.
- Your
main concern may be with preventing pregnancy when you choose a method of
birth control, but if you or your partner has ever had sexual contact with
anyone else, you may be at risk of contracting an STD.
- Using
condoms and spermicide provides the greatest protection against STD's.
Different Condoms, spermicides and lubricants are readily available at
most pharmicies, and if you feel uncomfortable ordering from your local
chemist there are many online pharmicies that can deliver your sexual
health products by mail-order.
- The
message is clear: anyone who engages in casual sex or is having sex with a
new partner should use a condom even if contraceptive protection is
provided by the Pill. Women as well as men are recommended to carry
condoms with them.
Effective
Rates of each method (efficacy)
The
effectiveness rate is important to consider when choosing a birth control
method.
Current
information on effectiveness rates:
- Abstinence
100%
- Depro-Provera
99.7%
- Diaphragm
or Cap with Spermicide 85 to 96%
- Female
Condom 85 to 98%
- IUD
(Intrauterine Device) 98 to 99%
- IUS
(Intrauterine System) impregnated with progestogen almost 100%
- Male
Condom & Spermicide 85 to 98%
- Male
Condom Only 88%
- Norplant
99.9%
- Oral
Contraceptives 97% (Combined Pill almost 100%; Progesterone Only Pill
about 97%)
- Spermicide
Only 79%
- Tubal
Ligation almost 100%
- Vasectomy
almost 100%
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