There are many different choices to make when deciding on your options of birth control. These methods are very useful in preventing pregnancy, but they can also have various side affects. Although many of these methods are very effective, the only way to be sure you won’t become pregnant is to practice abstinence.

By:Kari Pollio and Emelia Podolski

The pill is the most commonly used method of birth control The pill is an edible contraceptive that is taken every day This method is 97-99% effectiave and is easy to undo if you decide you want to become pregnant again

Depo Proovera is a method of birth control where an injection of the hormone Progestin Depo provera slows down the rate that the sperm travel to the egg making it more difficult for fertilization The injection prevents pregnancy for three months

The nuva ring is a ring placed into the female It can be worn for three weeks In low doses it releases the two female hormones, progestin and estrogen into the body

Another option is the patch (Ortho Evra), for this method you wear a patch that produces the female hormones that travel directly to the skin It is placed on the bikini line or upper body The patch produces enough hormones for one week, you replace it every week for 3 weeks, but is not worn for the forth week when you have a menstrual period

Surgical Sterilization is a method for people who do not plan having children in the future This method is considered permanent because to reverse it you would need to have surgery that is risky, and usually unsuccessful

Female sterilization blocks the fallopian tubes so the egg can't travel to the uterus. Because the egg can’t travel to the uterus, this prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg The complications from these operations are rare

This method is commonly referred to as a vasectomy Vasectomy involves a quick operation, usually under 30 minutes, with possible minor complications, such as bleeding or infection This procedure is done by a Doctor, and it blocks the sperm from traveling from the testicle to the penis

An IUD is a mechanical device inserted into the uterus by a health-care professional that prevents the sperm and egg from meeting. Two types of IUDs are available in the United States: the Paragard CopperT 380A and the Progestasert Progesterone T. The Paragard IUD can remain in place for 10 years but the Progestasert IUD must be replaced every year. IUDs have one of the lowest failure rates of any contraceptive method, andserious complications from IUDs are rare

Overall these methods of birth control are very effective, but always remember there are some serious side affects along with some of these methods. Also remember that none of these options are 100% effective, the only way to be sure you will not get pregnant is to practice abstinence.