BIRTH CONTROL METHODS Birth control pills (BCPs) come in two The vaginal sponge is made of Abstinence means not having sex. Abstinence requires different types and many different brands. polyurethane. It is small, dome-shaped, planning how to avoid situations that might lead to Some have estrogen and progestin and has a removal strap, and requires tap having sex. Persons who choose abstinence should some have progestin-only. BCPs prevent water to activate the spermicide that is learn about contraception so they will be informed if or the release of an egg from the ovary. already in the sponge. It is more effective preventing when they become sexually active. This is the only BCPs are typically 91% effective preventing pregnancy. pregnancy in women who have never had a baby method that is 100% effective preventing pregnancy. (88%). It is 76% effective in women who have had a The vaginal contraceptive ring is a baby. The contraceptive implant is a small, very soft, plastic small, soft ring worn inside the vagina for 3 rod-shaped device. It is placed under the weeks. No ring is worn during the fourth skin of the inner upper arm, and releases week and the woman has a period. The The fertility awareness method means a highly effective progestin hormone and ring delivers the lowest dose of estrogen of avoiding sex during the fertile days of a no estrogen. The implant is about any of the hormonal methods; even lower than birth woman’s cycle. There are several ways 99.95% effective in preventing pregnancy control pills. The ring is 91% effective in preventing to determine the fertile days. Failure and is the most effective form of pregnancy. rates can be low if the method is used perfectly, but reversible contraception. typical use is 76% to 88% effective preventing The contraceptive patch is an adhesive pregnancy. Sterilization is a procedure to permanently prevent patch that is changed weekly for 3 weeks. pregnancy. The male procedure is called vasectomy No patch is worn during the fourth week Condoms (rubbers): The male and involves cutting and tying the tubes that carry and the woman has a period. The patch is condom is a light-weight latex covering sperm. The female procedure involves either cutting similar to birth control pills in that it that is rolled down over the penis. and tying or permanently blocking the tubes that carry contains both estrogen and progestin. Condoms provide some protection from the egg. Male sterilization is 99.85% effective and The patch delivers more estrogen than most birth control STDs. Typically, male condoms are female sterilization is 99.5% effective. pills. The contraceptive patch is typically 91% effective. 82% effective in preventing pregnancy. The female condom is a polyurethane tube that is placed into the The IUC (intrauterine vagina and covers the cervix, vaginal walls, and vulva. contraception) comes in two A diaphragm (with spermicide) is a It provides some protection from STDs though not as forms. Both require a health care small latex cup that is filled with 1-2 much as the male condom. Typically, female condoms professional to place the device tablespoons of spermicide gel or cream are 79% effective in preventing pregnancy. inside the uterus. Both are small, and inserted into the vagina, covering the t-shaped and made of very soft plastic. One works by cervix. A health care provider must Spermicidal films, foams, creams, jellies, releasing small amounts of copper. The other works by choose the right size for the woman. The and suppositories contain ingredients releasing a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel diaphragm is typically 88% effective. which kill sperm. Some people get an (LNG). The copper device is 99.2% effective. The LNG irritation from spermicides. This irritation device is 99.8% effective in preventing pregnancy. can make it easier to get an STD, including EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION PILLS HIV, from an infected partner. Typically, spermicides The birth control shot is given once (ECP) ECPs are pills that can be used to are 72% effective preventing pregnancy. every three months. It contains a highly prevent pregnancy after having unprotected effective progestin hormone and no sex. ECP is less effective than regular birth estrogen. The shot has been associated control methods. ECP does not terminate an WHICH ONE IS with weight gain in some women. The existing pregnancy. birth control shot is typically 94% effective in preventing RIGHT FOR YOU? pregnancy. Family planning services are Benefits confidential and include of Family Planning FAMILY PLANNING

MEDICAL SERVICES

physical exams Having children when you want to cervical cancer screening have them breast/testicular cancer screening STD testing and treatment Being able to prepare financially high blood pressure screening for your children anemia screening pregnancy testing Being healthier during pregnancy contraceptive methods Having sex without worrying about an unwanted pregnancy INFORMATION YOU CAN USE Making your own decisions about family size and birth spacing birth control contraceptive methods STD/HIV risks infertility The Choice is Yours how to stop smoking other health tips Is More Than You Think Please call your local REFERRALS FOR OTHER county health department SERVICES to make an appointment for family planning services.

This publication was made possible by grant #FPHPA040651 from the No one is refused services US Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the because of the inability to pay official views of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Department of Health, Authorization No. 343590, 39,000 copies. This public document was promulgated at a cost of $.04 per copy. 5/12 DH-0118