- Birth control pills are one of the most common forms of birth control. These pills contain synthetic hormones that prevent ovulation, thicken cervix mucous so that sperm cannot enter the uterus as easily, and thin the walls of the uterus to prevent fertilization from occurring. Birth control pills are effective as long as they are taken. If you forget to take two or more pills, you will have to rely on backup forms of birth control, as the pill will no longer be effective until the doses are caught up. According to the American Pregnancy Association, when taken on time, birth control pills are 99 percent effective. Synthetic hormones, given through an injection, will have the same results. Birth control injections have a failure rate of less than 1 percent, according the American Pregnancy Association. They need to be repeated every 10 to 13 weeks. Some injections such as Lunelle only last for four to five weeks. Neither the birth control pill or injection protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. If you plan to have unprotected sex with someone other than your spouse, choose additional protection such as a condom.
- The birth control patch has the same results as the birth control pill or injection, but introduces the hormones into the system through a patch that is worn on the skin. The difference with the patch is that you wear it for three weeks, and then in the fourth week you will have your menstrual cycle. The patch must be replaced each week on the same day. The patch, like the injection, has a failure rate of less than 1 percent. However, the patch is not effective if you weigh more than 198 pounds, and can be interrupted by taking antibiotics or anti-fungal medications. The birth control patch also does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Condoms are made of latex rubber, polyurethane or lamb intestine and are slid over the erect penis. This prevents the sperm from being able to enter the woman, essentially preventing the woman from getting pregnant. Condoms are an effective birth control method as long as they are readily available and are in good condition. However, using condoms that are old, or using a condom with lubricants such as petroleum jelly that break down the rubber, can cause the condom to break. It is also important to only use a single condom, as wearing two condoms can cause friction between the two layers of latex and break the condoms as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, two out of every 100 condoms break. Using a condom with a spermicide can reduce your risk of getting pregnant to 2 percent. Female condoms are also becoming more popular as an effective birth control method. A female condom is a 7-inch pouch that can be inserted into the vagina and is held in place by two rings. This effectively protects the vaginal canal, the cervix and the area surrounding the vagina. It is not recommended to use a female and male condom at the same time. Condoms protect you against both becoming pregnant and contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
- Spermicides are foams or jellies that are applied to the inside of the vagina. The chemicals inside the spermicide will kill any sperm on contact. This is not the most effective form of birth control, as some sperm may survive the chemicals and still make their way into fertilizing an egg. According to the American Pregnancy Association, spermicides have a failure rate of 8 percent. Spermicides do not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.
- The diaphragm is a rubber device that covers the cervix so that sperm cannot enter the uterus. Most diaphragms are used in conjunction with spermicide to kill any sperm that may make their way around the barrier. According to the American Pregnancy Association, diaphragms have a failure rate of 18 to 20 percent. A diaphragm will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.
- With the many side effects of birth control pills and patches, many couples are choosing natural family planning as a form of birth control. Natural family planning involves observing the functions of the body to calculate when the woman is in her ovulation period. The couple then chooses to have sex only on days that the woman is not ovulating, and then stays abstinent, or relies solely on foreplay, during the times in which the woman is ovulating. This period can last up to 10 days. This method is not the most effective, as the body can change its ovulation cycle without warning. However, many couples are able to effectively use this method through most of their marriage.
- Abstinence is the most effective form of birth control. Abstinence involves refraining from an sexual contact in which sperm may enter the vagina. However, this is obviously not an effective use of birth control for married couples. Abstinence is the only 100 percent guaranteed way to protect yourself against contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
