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What Works

 
Male Condom
Birth control pills
Depo Provera
Diaphragm
Method
A latex (rubber) or occasionally polyurethane sheath covers the penis and collects the semen, preventing sperm from entering a woman's vagina. A women takes a pill that contains either a combination of artificial estrogen and progestin or progestin only, every day. The pill works by preventing ovulation, increasing cervical mucus to block sperm, and changing the lining of the uterus. A woman gets an intramuscular or subcutaneous shot of the artificial hormone progestin every three months, which keeps her from getting pregnant. A woman uses spermicide to coat the inside and outer-edge of this dome-shaped silicone or latex cup with a flexible rim. Then she inserts it to the back of her vagina so that is covers the cervix where it blocks sperm.
Success rate`
With typical use, 15 women in 100 become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, 2 women in 100 will become pregnant in one year. With typical use, 8 women in 100 become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant in one year. With typical use, 3 women in 100 become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant in one year. With typical use, 16 women out of 100 will become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, six women out of 100 will become pregnant in one year.
Groovy part
The consistent and correct use of male condoms provide the best available protection against STDs, including HIV, for those who are sexually active. Plus, you don't need a prescription, and they are cheap and easy to find at any drugstore. If taken correctly, the pill provides non-stop protection from pregnancy; it can make a woman's periods more regular, reduce cramps, and shorten or lighten a woman's period. Once you get the shot, you don't have to think about birth control for three months. It can be put in place up to six hours before intercourse and can stay there for up to 24 hours (though fresh spermicide should be applied each time you have intercourse).
Drag factor
Condoms occasionally break or fall off (especially if not put on correctly) and can leak if not withdrawn carefully. Latex condoms must not be used with any oil-based lubricants like Vaseline or massage oil. Offers no protection against STDs including HIV. Some women have nausea, headaches and moodiness. If you miss 2 or more daily pills during a cycle, or you are late starting a new cycle of pills, you should not have sex or use a back-up method of contraception (such as a condom) until you have taken seven consecutive pills. Offers no protection against STDs including HIV. Some women have weight gain and irregular periods. Can cause bone loss which is generally reversible after stopping. Won't effectively protect against most STDs including HIV and can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and toxic shock syndrome. Can be messy (thanks to the spermicide) and clumsy to use until you get the hang of it. Also, it has to stay in place for six hours after the last act of intercourse and then needs to be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
How to
get it
At drugstores and supermarkets; costs 35ยข to $2 each. They are often available free at family planning or STD clinics. Through a prescription from a health care provider; the cost runs $15 to $40 a month depending on the pill brand, plus the cost of the visit to your health care. Requires a visit to your health care provider every three months for administration of the shot; the cost is about $35 per shot, plus the cost of the office visit. Through a prescription from a health care provider; the cost is about $30 to $40 plus the cost of spermicide and the exam and fitting for the diaphragm.
 
Cervical Cap
Female
Condom
Patch
Vaginal Ring
Method
A woman uses spermicide to coat the inside of this silicone or latex thimble-shaped device. Then she inserts it into the back of her vagina so that is covers the cervix where it blocks sperm. A thin polyurethane sheath, shaped like a sock with flexible rings at each end. The ring at the closed end holds the pouch in place inside the vagina, while the ring at the open end remains outside the vagina. The pouch collects semen and prevents it from entering the vagina. A women uses a small patch which is applied to the buttocks, upper arm, lower abdomen or torso (except the breasts). The patch contains a combination of artificial estrogen and progestin. The patch is changed once a week for 3 weeks, followed by a 7 day patch-free interval. It works by preventing ovulation, increasing cervical mucus to block sperm, and changing the lining of the uterus. A women places a soft, flexible ring in the vagina for 3 weeks, followed by a ring-free week. The ring contains a combination of artificial estrogen and progestin. The ring works by preventing ovulation, increasing cervical mucus to block sperm, and changing the lining of the uterus.
Success rate`
With typical use, 16 women in 100 will become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, 9 in 100 women will become pregnant in one year. For women who have had a baby, the cap is less effective (32 out of 100 for typical use). With typical use, 21 out of 100 women will become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, five out of 100 women will become pregnant in one year. With typical use, 8 women in 100 become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant in one year. With typical use, 8 women in 100 become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant in one year.
Groovy part
It can be put in place up to six hours before intercourse and can stay there for up to 48 hours (and unlike the diaphragm, additional spermicide is not needed for additional acts of intercourse). Helps protect against STDs, including HIV; when a male condom cannot be used properly to prevent STDs, sex partners should consider using a female condom. You can get it without a prescription. Also, you can insert it up to eight hours before having intercourse. If you (or your partner) are allergic to latex and you want to use condoms, this is a good alternative. If taken correctly, the patch provides non-stop protection from pregnancy; it can make a woman's periods more regular, reduce cramps, and shorten or lighten a woman's period. It only has to be changed once a week. If taken correctly, the ring provides non-stop protection from pregnancy; it can make a woman's periods more regular, reduce cramps, and shorten or lighten a woman's period. It only has to be changed once a month.
Drag factor
Won't effectively protect against most STDs including HIV and can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and toxic shock syndrome. It only comes in four sizes so it may not be an option for everyone. Also, it has to stay in place for six hours after the last act of intercourse and then needs to be washed thoroughly with soap and water. The outside ring can slide inside the vagina during intercourse; also, caution should be used to make sure that the man's penis doesn't slip around the side of the condom. It can be awkward to use at first, and must be removed right after intercourse - before you stand up - to prevent semen leakage. Offers no protection against STDs including HIV. Some women have skin reactions, nausea, headaches and breast discomfort. If the patch is removed for more than a day, or you are late starting a new patch, you should not have sex or use a back-up method of contraception (such as a condom) until you have used a new patch for 7 days. It may be less effective in heavier women. Offers no protection against STDs including HIV. Some women have vaginal discomfort, nausea, headaches and breast tenderness. If you miss 3 or more hours during a cycle, you should not have sex or use a back-up method of contraception (such as a condom) until you have used a new ring for 7 days.
How to
get it
Through a prescription from a health care provider; the cost is about $35 to $60 plus the cost of spermicide and the exam and fitting for the cervical cap. Buy it at drugstores or supermarkets or get it from family planning clinics; costs $2 to $4 each. Through a prescription from a health care provider; the cost runs $30 to $40 a month, plus the cost of the visit to your health care provider. Through a prescription from a health care provider; the cost runs $25 to $35 a month, plus the cost of the visit to your health care provider.
 
Implant
Emergency Contraception
   
Method
A small rod is inserted under the skin of a woman's upper arm. This rod releases the synthetic hormone progestin which prevents ovulation, increases cervical mucus to block sperm, and changes the lining of the uterus. It is not a method of birth control, but can be taken within 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. A woman takes 2 pills (called Plan B), containing the synthetic hormone progestin. A woman can also take higher doses of regular birth control pills. It prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation, by increasing cervical mucus to block sperm, or by preventing a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.    
Success rate`
Less than one woman in 1,000 becomes pregnant in one year. If taken within 3 days of unprotected sex, 1 in 100 women who use emergency contraception will get pregnant. It is more effective the sooner it is taken.    
Groovy part
It protects against pregnancy for up to three years - without your having to do a thing. It can shorten or lighten a woman's period and reduce cramps. It can prevent you from getting pregnant if you had unprotected sex.    
Drag factor
Doesn't protect against STDs including HIV; may cause irregular periods, nausea, headaches, and weight gain. Some women may be able to see the rod under the skin and rarely can get a skin infection at the insertion site. Plus, having the rod removed can be a hassle. Doesn't protect against STDs including HIV. May cause nausea. If you do not get your period within 3 weeks, you should do a pregnancy test.    
How to
get it
Requires a visit to a health care provider; the cost for insertion is usually about $500-$750 (which is less than the overall cost of 3 years of birth control pills). The removal usually costs more because it takes more time to do. If you are 18 or older, you can buy Plan B at drugstores or family planning clinics; costs $10 to $45. If you are younger than 18, it requires a visit to a health care provider.