
Methods of Contraception
- NO! - Saying NO to sex or intimate contact is the only 100% effective way to avoid
pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease.
- Natural Family Planning - This method requires training to identify a woman’s fertile
period, and may involve taking your temperature and/or checking cervical mucus. This method
is 85% - 97% effective, and offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Condom - The condom is 86% - 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, and is more effective
if used with contraceptive foam. This method also offers protection from sexually transmitted disease.
- Film/Foam/Suppositories - These methods are 71% to 94% effective if used alone, 99% effective
if used with a condom. These methods do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Diaphragm - The diaphragm is 80% to 90% effective if used perfectly. It does not offer
protection against sexually transmitted disease.
- Oral Contraceptives, "The Pill" - There are many types and brands of pills, and your clinician
will choose the one that is right for you. The pill is 95% to 99% effective if used correctly.
It does not offer protection against sexually transmitted disease.
- Evra patch - This is a new method of contraception. It is an adhesive skin patch, less
than 3 inches square, that is applied once a week. If used correctly, the patch is 95% to 99%
effective. The patch does not offer protection against sexually transmitted disease.
- Injectable (Depo-Provera or Lunelle shot) - These forms of contraception must be given at
specific time intervals, and must be administered by a health care provider. They are 99.7%
effective in preventing pregnancy, but offer no protections against sexually transmitted disease.
- IUD - The IUD is a small plastic or metal device that is inserted into the uterus by a
clinician. The IUD is 97.4% to 99% effective. The IUD does not offer protections from
sexually transmitted disease.
- Emergency Contraception (the "Morning After Pill") - If you have unprotected intercourse or
your contraceptive fails, you can call the clinic to receive emergency contraception. These
pills prevent pregnancy about 75% of the time. The pills must be taken within 72 hours of
intercourse (3 days). The sooner the pills are taken, the more effective they are. Emergency
contraception is NOT recommended as a regular method of birth control