|
EVERY TIME
|
||||
|
Method
|
How well does it work?
|
Advantages
|
How to Use
|
Possible Problems
|
|
Male Latex Condom
 |
85-98%
|
• Easy to buy in drugstores, markets
• Can be put on as part of sex play • Can help relieve early ejaculation • Protects against many infections, including HIV • Can be used while breastfeeding |
• Use a new condom every time you have sex
|
• Latex allergy
• Loss of feeling • Can break or slip off |
|
Diaphragm
 |
84-94%
|
• Can last several years
• Costs very little to use • May protect against some infections (NOT HIV) • Can be used while breastfeeding |
• Must be used every time you have sex
• Must be used with spermicide • Must be fitted by a health care provider |
• Using spermicide nonoxynol-9 may raise the risk of getting HIV
• Should not be used during vaginal bleeding or infection • Higher risk of bladder infection • Can be left in for no more than 24 hours |
|
EVERY DAY
|
||||
|
Method
|
How well does it work?
|
Advantages
|
How to Use
|
Possible Problems
|
|
The Pill
 |
92-99%
|
• Can make periods more regular and less painful
• Can improve acne • Lowers risk of ovarian cancer • Ability to become pregnant returns quickly after stopping the pills |
• Must be taken daily
|
• May cause nausea, weight gain, headaches – but these can be relieved by changing to a new pill
• May cause spotting the first 1-2 months |
|
EVERY WEEK
|
||||
|
Method
|
How well does it work?
|
Advantages
|
How to Use
|
Possible Problems
|
|
The Patch
Ortho Evra  |
92-99%
|
• Can make periods more regular and less painful
• No pill to take daily • Ability to become pregnant returns quickly when use is stopped |
• Put on a new patch once a week for three weeks. No patch in week 4.
|
• Can irritate skin underneath the patch
• May cause spotting the first 1-2 months of use |
|
EVERY MONTH
|
||||
|
Method
|
How well does it work?
|
Advantages
|
How to Use
|
Possible Problems
|
|
The Ring
Nuvaring |
92-99%
|
• Does not require a “fitting” by a health care provider • Does not require spermicide
• Can make periods more regular and less painful • No pill to take daily • Ability to become pregnant returns quickly after stopping the ring |
• Insert a small ring into the vagina
• Change ring each month |
• Can cause increased vaginal discharge
• May cause spotting the first 1-2 months of use |
|
EVERY SEASON
|
||||
|
Method
|
How well does it work?
|
Advantages
|
How to Use
|
Possible Problems
|
|
The Shot Depo-Provera
 |
97-99%
|
• Each shot works for 12 weeks
• Helps prevent cancer of the lining of the uterus (womb) • No pill to take daily • Can be used while breastfeeding |
• Must get shot every three months
|
• May cause changes in your period (spotting, no periods or heavier periods), weight gain, depression, hair changes, skin rash, change in sex drive
• May cause delay in getting pregnant after shots are stopped • Some women may have side effects up to 6 months after stopping the shots |
|
EVERY 5 – 10 YEARS
|
||||
|
Method
|
How well does it work?
|
Advantages
|
How to Use
|
Possible Problems
|
|
IUD Intrauterine Device: ParaGard, Mirena
 |
99%
|
• Nothing to put in place before sex
• ParaGard may be left in place for up to 10 years, and Mirena for 5 years • No pill to take daily • IUDs with hormones (Mirena) may help period cramps and bleeding • Ability to become pregnant returns quickly when IUD is removed • Can be used while breastfeeding |
• Must be placed in uterus and removed by a health care provider
|
• ParaGard may cause more cramps and heavy periods
• Mirena may cause lighter or fewer periods • IUDs can cause spotting between periods • Rarely, uterus is injured during placement |
