| Methods |
Failure Rates |
Side Effects
|
Advantages |
| Abstinence |
? |
Sexual frustration..
|
No cost and total freedom |
| Rhythm Method/Natural Family Planning |
20% |
Frustration during periods of abstinence.
|
No health risks. |
| Combined Oral Contraceptive (birth control pill containing
estrogen and progestin) |
3% |
Nausea, weight gain, fluid retention, breast
tenderness, headaches, missed menstrual periods, acne. Mood
changes, depression, anxiety, fatigue, decreased sex drive.
Circulatory diseases. Gastrointestinal disorders.
|
Reliable; offers protection all the time. Brings increased
regularity to menstrual cycle. Tends to reduce menstrual cramping.
|
| Minipill (progestin only) |
3% |
Irregular menstrual periods are a common
side effect. Bleeding between menstrual periods. Appearance
of ovarian cysts.
|
Safer for older women. Reliable; offers protection all the
time. Brings increased regularity to menstrual cycle. Tends
to reduce menstrual |
| Norplant implants |
0.09% |
Slight visibility of implants. Menstrual
cycle irregularities. Improper insertion or difficult removal.
May have risks similar to pills, but research is incomplete.
|
Long-term protection. Extremely reliable. Requires no attention
after initial treatment. |
| Depo-Provera injections |
0.3% |
Weight gain. Excessive bleeding. Menstrual
cycle irregularities. Increased depression. Decrease in sex
drive. May be associated with slight increase in breast cancer
risk for younger women, but research is incomplete.
|
3-month protection. Extremely reliable. |
| Cervical cap with Spermicide |
18% |
Possible risk of toxic shock syndrome.
Allergic reaction to rubber or spermicide. Abrasions or irritation
to vagina or cervix.
|
Can be left in place for long periods of time. |
| Spermicidal Foam, Cream, Jelly, Suppositories, or Film |
21% |
Allergic reactions to chemical. Unpleasant
taste of chemical during oral-genital sex.
|
Available without prescription. Minimal health risks. Easy
to carry and use. s, Does not require partner |
| Female Condom (Vaginal Pouch) |
21-26% |
Some reduction in sensations of intercourse.
Relatively high rate of contraceptive failure.
|
Allows woman to choose protection from disease, along with
contraception. Available without prescription. |
| Diaphragm |
18% |
Allergic reaction to the rubber Increased
risk of toxic shock syndrome. Bladder infection or vaginal
soreness because of pressure from rim.
|
Negative side effects are rare. Inexpensive. |
| Intrauterine Device (IUD): Progesterone T (Progestasert) Copper
T 380A Levonorgestrel |
2% 0.8% 0.1% |
Uterine cramping, abnormal bleeding, and
heavy menstrual flow. Pelvic inflammatory disease or perforation
of the uterus during insertion of the IUD; also violent allergic
reaction; infection of the ovaries.
|
Reliable Can be left in place. |
| Female Vasectomy |
0.15% |
Psychological implications of being infertile
can sometimes lead to some sexual problems.
|
Permanent; no other preparations. Very reliable. Minimal health
risks. |