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Step 1
Determine what you're willing to do and what you aren't. Some contraceptive devices have to be ingested (with occasional and mild side effects), but not everyone is open to that. Other types of birth control are devices applied or used more or less externally rather than pill-form ingestion.
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Step 2
Understand the uses of condoms, male and female, and the diaphragm or cervical cap. Male condoms block sperm from reaching the egg with an 86 percent o 98 percent effective rate. But only latex and polyurethane are the only two materials proven to protect against STDs. Female condoms work in much the same way, preventing sperm from entering the body. They are slightly less effective at 79 percent to 95 percent. Preventative benefits are much the same, and they can be inserted up to 24 hours prior to sexual intercourse. Diaphragms are 80 percent to 94 percent effective by blocking sperm from entering. Cervical cap is 80 percent to 90 percent effective for women who haven't given birth, and 60 percent to 80 percent for those who have.
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Step 3
Research intrauterine devices, such as copper T IUD and the Progestasert T IUD. Both are T-shaped devices placed inside the uterus. The copper in the copper T IUD stops sperm, while the device itself releases a small amount of a hormone that blocks pregnancy. The other T IUD contains progesterone, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg. The copper version can remain in the uterus for up to 10 years, while the Progerstasert can last for a year. They are 99 percent and 98 percent effective, respectively.
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Step 4
Check with your doctor about pills and other ingestible or oral contraceptive options. Typically, these release hormones, estrogen and progestin, that block the release of eggs from the ovaries. "The Pill" releases both hormones, while the "mini-pill" only releases progestin. They are 95 percent to 99.9 percent effective. They can add to the risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, blood clots and blockage of the arteries. They require a prescription.
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Step 5
Receive injections from a physician. These include Lunelle, and Depo-Provera, which are shots of hormones given every one to three months. They are 99 percent and 99.7 percent effective, respectively.
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Step 6
Consult your health-care provider for other options, as there are many. But keep in mind that none of these is full-proof, for prevention of pregnancy or STD.
Comments
barbarah said
on 3/20/2009 I've been using the pill for over 15 yrs and resently started having yeast infections all constantly can any one relate? What did you switch to?
Vanessa22 said
on 2/12/2009 I need to learn more about IUDs!!!
torque63 said
on 10/29/2007 I have fathered three children as the result of birth control pills, before the last kid was born I opted for a vasectomy. A weekend of pain was worth it. No more babies in my home (finally), and to offer another nice form of birth control is reciprocal oral sex.
rjmsgrl said
on 6/4/2007 I have been on just about everything from the pill to the patch, and everything in between since I was 14, and yes I have 2 kids, this is because I could never remember to take the pill everyday or go back to the doctor when I needed another shot. Ok maybe I was irresponsible but get real, alot of people have the same problem, well not anymore, I found the best thing, IUD, I had this put in 2 years ago and I love it.
rjmsgrl said
on 6/4/2007 I have been on just about everything from the pill to the patch, and everything in between since I was 14, and yes I have 2 kids, this is because I could never remember to take the pill everyday or go back to the doctor when I needed another shot. Ok maybe I was irresponsible but get real, alot of people have the same problem, well not anymore, I found the best thing, IUD, I had this put in 2 years ago and I love it.