Birth control and family planning

Alternative names

Contraception; Family planning and contraception

Information

There are many different birth control and family planning methods to help sexually active individuals and couples prevent pregnancy. The information below summarizes many of the pros and cons of each method.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a birth control method:

• Effectiveness - how well does the method prevent pregnancy? Look at the the number of pregnancies in 100 women using that method over a period of one year. If an unplanned pregnancy would be viewed as potentially devastating to the individual or couple, a highly effective method should be chosen. In contrast, if a couple is simply trying to postpone pregnancy, but feels that a pregnancy could be welcomed if it occurred earlier than planned, a less effective method may be a reasonable choice.
  
• Cost - is the method affordable?
  
• Health risk - learn any potential health risks. For example, birth control pills are usually not recommended for women over age 35 who also smoke.
  
• Partner involvement - The willingness of a partner to accept and support a given method may affect your choice of birth control. However, you also may want to re-consider a sexual relationship with a partner unwilling to take an active and supportive role.
  
• Permanence - do you want a temporary (and generally less effective) method, or a long-term or even permanent (and more effective) method?
  
• Preventing HIV and other STDs - many methods offer no protection against STDs. In general, condoms are the best choice for preventing STDs, especially combined with spermicides.
  
• Availability - Can the method be used without a prescription, provider visit, or, in the case of minors, parental consent?
  

CONDOMS

• A condom is a thin sheath placed on the penis or, in the case of the female condom, within the vagina prior to intercourse. Semen is collected inside the condom, which must be carefully kept in place and then removed after intercourse.
  
• Condoms are readily available in most drug and grocery stores. Some family planning clinics offer free condoms.
  
• Latex condoms help prevent HIV and other STDs.
  
• About 14 pregnancies occur over 1 year out of 100 couples using male condoms, and about 21 pregnancies occur over 1 year out of 100 couples using female condoms. They are more effective when spermicide is also used.
  

SPERMICIDES