Contraception

There is no "best" method of birth control. Each method has its pros and cons. All women and men can have control over when, and if, they become parents. Making choices about birth control, or contraception, isn’t easy. There are many things to think about. To get started, learn about birth control methods you or your partner can use to prevent pregnancy. You can also talk with your doctor about the choices. Before choosing a birth control method, think about:

• Your overall health
• How often you have sex
• The number of sex partners you have
• If you want to have children someday
• How well each method works to prevent pregnancy
• Possible side effects
• Your comfort level with using the method

Keep in mind, even the most effective birth control methods can fail. But your chances of getting pregnant are lowest if the method you choose is always used correctly and every time you have sex.

You can choose from many methods of birth control. For a detailed list, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Women’s Health Web site.

No. The male latex condom is the only birth control method proven to help protect you from STIs, including HIV. Research is being done to find out how effective the female condom is at preventing STIs and HIV.

Where you get birth control depends on what method you choose. You can buy these forms over the counter:

• Male condoms
• Female condoms
• Sponges
• Spermicides
• Emergency contraception pills (girls younger than 18 need a prescription)

You need a prescription for these forms:

• Oral contraceptives: the pill, the mini-pill
• Skin patch
• Vaginal ring
• Diaphragm (your doctor needs to fit one to your shape)
• Cervical cap
• Cervical shield
• Shot/injection (you get the shot at your doctor’s office)
• IUD (inserted by a doctor)
• Implantable rod (inserted by a doctor)

You will need surgery or a medical procedure for:

• Sterilization, female and male