Birth Control Methods Birth Control There are many

Birth Control Methods

Birth Control • There are many types of birth control • There is not one “best” method for everyone • All methods of birth control are most effective when used correctly and consistently

Abstinence = 100% Effective Abstinence = not having any type of sex, including putting a penis in a vagina. ● How is it used correctly? Decide to wait and talk to your partner. No semen goes inside vagina or around vulva. ● Where can you get it? Your values, behavior, and your mind. ● Does it lower your risk for STDs? YES! ●

Condom Common & Works Well = 79 -98% Effective External Condom How is it used correctly? Pinch tip and unroll over penis before sex. Use every time. Internal Condoms How is it used correctly? Put in vagina before sex. Put penis in pouch during sex. Use every time. Where can you get it? School nurse, free clinics, pharmacies, corner stores. Does it lower your risk for STDs? YES!

Hormonal Birth Control Works: 2. Stops ovulation: Prevents eggs from coming out of the ovaries. 3. Thins the lining of the uterus: Makes it more challenging for a fertilized egg to implant. 1. Thickens the cervical mucous: Makes it difficult for sperm to get through.

Implant /IUD Easy to use & HIGHLY Effective = over 99% IUD How is it used correctly? Implant How is it used correctly? “T” shaped plastic device inserted into a uterus. Leave in hormonal type for 3 or 5 years. Leave in copper type for up to 10 years. Thin, plastic implant inserted under the skin in the upper arm. Leave in for up to 3 years. Where can you get it? Free clinics, your doctor Does it lower your risk for STDs? NO!

Hormonal Common & Works Really Well = 92 - 99. 7% Effective more effective less effective HIGHER chance of user error LOWER chance of user error Doctor gives you an injection every 12 weeks. Make your appointments early. Takes 1 -2 weeks to start working. Insert in vagina. Leave inside for 3 weeks. Remove during 4 th week. Takes 1 -2 weeks to start working. Stick patch to upper arm, upper torso or buttocks. Change every week for 3 weeks. Takes 1 -2 weeks to start working. Where can you get it? Free clinics, your doctor Does it lower your risk for STDs? NO! Take 1 pill every day at the same time. Takes 1 -2 weeks to start working.

Difficult to Use Correctly = about 70 -97% Effective Emergency Contraception How is it used correctly? Take 1 or 2 pills ASAP. Can use up to 5 days after unprotected sex or condom failure. Where can you get it? Free clinics, Pharmacies *Withdrawal or Pull-out Method (Not recommended for teenagers) How is it used correctly? The penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation. No semen inside vagina or around vulva. Where can you get it? No device needed Does it lower your risk for STIs? NO!

What is the “best” method? ? The best method of birth control is the one that you think fits your life best. It is a method that you (& your partner) feel comfortable using and that you will use correctly every time!