1. Contraception
Birth Control Choices

2. Continuous Abstinence
100% effective in preventing pregnancy
PREVENTS STD’S
No medical or hormonal side effects; good way to postpone physical and emotional risks of sex
May be difficult to abstain

3. Outercourse Nearly 100% effective
REDUCES risk of HIV/STD’s – some STD’s can be spread skin to skin
No hormonal side effects; can be safer if no fluids are exchanged
Outercourse may lead to intercourse and sperm may come in contact with the vagina

4. NuvaRing 99% effective NOT effective against HIV/STD’s
Protects against pregnancy for one month; does not require “fitting” by a doctor
Side effects include bleeding, weight gain/loss, nausea and a condom is necessary to reduce the risk of HIV/STD’s

5. Depo-Provera 99.7 % effective NOT effective against HIV/STD’s
Protects against pregnancy for up to 12 weeks
Side effects may include weight gain, depression and headaches; must use condom to reduce risk of HIV/STD’s

6. Ortho Evra 92 – 99 % effective NOT effective against HIV/STD’s
Protects against pregnancy for up to one month; no pill; nothing to insert before intercourse
Risk of blood clots, possible irregular bleeding & nausea; may irritate skin; must use condom to reduce risk of HIV/STD’s

7. The Pill 95 – 99.9 % effective NOT effective against HIV/STD’s
Protects against pregnancy when taken DAILY; less acne & menstrual cramping
Must be taken daily; rare but serious health risks; must use condom to reduce risk of HIV/STD’s

8. Latex Condom 86 – 98 % effective with spermicide
VERY good protection against HIV; reduces the risk of other STD’s
Inexpensive & easy to buy
Must be used correctly & consistently; spermicide may irritate or inflame skin; breakage

9. Diaphragm 80 – 94% effective NOT effective against HIV/STD’s
No major health concerns; can last for several years
Can be messy with allergies to latex or spermicide; can only be left in place for up to 24 hours; must be fitted

10. Female Condom 75 – 95% effective
Female condom REDUCES the risk of HIV/STD’s
Inexpensive & easy to buy; can be used by persons allergic to latex or spermicide
May slip and irritate skin

11. Methods NOT recommended
Sterilization
IUD
Withdrawal ( pulling out)
Fertility Awareness ( rhythm method)

12. Have fun; have friends; but be SAFE!