Contraceptives Care

Which Type Is Best for You?

Start with a few questions: How will you protect against STDs? How important are convenience and cost? What about how well it works? Only abstinence is 100% effective, but there are methods that come close if you use them right.

Spermicide

This is a foam, jelly, cream, or film that goes into the vagina before sex that contains a chemical that kills sperm. Some types must be put in place 30 minutes ahead of time. If you use it often, it can irritate the vagina, making infections and STDs more likely. People usually use other types of birth control with it.

Pros: Easy to use, inexpensive.

Cons: May make STDs more likely, and 29% get pregnant during first year of use.

Male Condom

The latex condom blocks sperm from entering the woman's body, which protects against pregnancy and some STDs. Of couples who rely on male condoms only, 15% get pregnant in a year.

Pros: Widely available, protects against some STDs, inexpensive.

Cons: Effective only if used correctly every time. Can't be reused.

Female Condom

This is a thin plastic pouch that lines the vagina. A woman can put it in place up to 8 hours before sex. To do that, she would grasp a flexible plastic ring at the closed end and guide it into position. It doesn't work as well as the male condom.

Pros: Widely available, offers some protection against STDs.

Cons: Can be noisy, 21% of users get pregnant, and not reusable. Should not be used with a male condom to avoid breakage.

Diaphragm

This is a rubber dome that a woman places over her cervix before sex. You should also use a spermicide. Of 100 women who use it, 16 get pregnant in a typical year.

Pros: Inexpensive (a $15-$75 device lasts 2 years).

Cons: Must be fitted by a doctor. No STD protection. Can't be used during your period due to a risk of toxic shock syndrome.

Cervical Cap

This device, also called the FemCap, is similar to a diaphragm but smaller. It slips into place over the cervix. You use it with spermicide. About 15% of women who never had children get pregnant when using the cervical cap. About 30% of women who have had children get pregnant.

Pros: Can stay in place for 48 hours, inexpensive.

Cons: Must be fitted by a doctor. No protection against STDs. You can't use it during your period.

Birth Control Sponge

It's made of foam and contains spermicide. A woman can place it against her cervix up to 24 hours before sex. It prevents pregnancy about as well as the cervical cap. But unlike that product or the diaphragm, you don't need to get fitted by a doctor.

Pros: No prescription, effective immediately.

Cons: Can be hard to put in. No STD protection. You can't use it during your period.

Birth Control Pill

The most common type uses estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation. It's very effective if taken right. About 8% of women who use it get pregnant. You'll need a prescription for it.

Pros: Lighter, more regular periods or no periods, depending on the type. Less cramping.

Cons: Cost ($0-$50 per month). No STD protection. May cause breast tenderness, spotting, blood clots, and raised blood pressure. Some women shouldn't use it due to health risks.

Journal of Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine is an interdisciplinary journal that explores clinical, medical, social and economic aspects of female reproductive health and medication worldwide.

Authors can submit manuscript as an e-mail attachment to the Editorial Office at https://www.imedpub.com/submissions/womens-health-reproductive-medicine.html

Media Contact
John Kimberly
Associate Managing Editor
Journal of Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine
Email: womenshealth@emedscholar.com