Birth Control and
Contraception

What is this?

The birth control pill is a daily pill that contains hormones to change the way the body works and prevent pregnancy.

How does it work?

Most birth control pills are "combination pills" containing a mix of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent the release of an egg during the monthly menstrual cycle. Pregnancy can't happen because there is no egg to be fertilized.The Pill also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released. The hormones in the pill can also sometimes affect the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to attach to the uterus.Most combination pills come in either a 21-day pack or a 28-day pack.

How effective is it?

Over the course of 1 year, about 9 out of 100 couples will have an accidental pregnancy.

Where can I get it?

A dotor or nurse must prescibe the pill to you.

How much does it cost?

It can cost up to 50 dollars.

Is this a good method?

It is very easy to forget a pill, so I do not think that is a very good method.

What is this shot?

The birth control shot is an injection given to a girl every 3 months to help prevent pregnancy. The birth control shot contains a longer acting form of the hormone progestin.

How does it work?

Like the pill, the shot will prevent the egg from going into the uterus.

How effective is it?

Over the course of a year, 6 out of 100 couples with get an accidental pregnancy.

Where can I get it?

The shot must be prescribed and given in a dactor's office or family planning clinic every three months.

How much does it cost?

It can cost up to $150.

Is this a good method?

It is a better option than taking the pill, but I still do not recommend it.

What is this?

This is a pill that is taken as a last resort, usually used for cases of sexual assualt.

How does it work?

it works by preventing the egg from leving. If this has alredy happened, the the egg has fertilzed, the pill will not interrupt this.

How effective is it?

Over the course of a year, one or two couples will get pregnant despite taking the pill.

Where can I get it?

You can get it over the counter , anytime at any age.

How much is it?

It can cost from 15 to 70 dollars.

Is this a good method?

i would use this as a last resort, emergencies only.

What are condoms?

Condoms are a thin pouch the pervents sperm from ever reaching the egg.

How do they work?

Men: The latex pouch goes over the penis when it is erect , while holding the tip so the sperm can collect there. When they ejectulate , all the sperm and semen will collect into the tip. Women: This latex pouch goes into the vagina. There is two ends, one open , one closed. The ring of the open end sits just outside of the vagina , and the closed ends sits deeper in. When ejectulation happenes , the condom will catch all semen and sperm. After sex, take the condom out, being careful not to lose any sperm or semen, then dispose of it. If the condom breks during sex, pull out and take it off. It is not safe . Call your doctor. They will tell you what to do next. Never use both a female and male condom , they will break.

How effective is it?

Over the course of one year, 15 out of 100 couples will get an accidental pregnancy, with a male condom. 21 out of 100 couples will get an accidental pregnancy , with a female condom. To be safe, use another form of contraception.

Where can I get it?

You can get them at a drug store, supermarket(family planning aisle) , and sometimes even vending machines.

How much does this cost?

Male condoms tend to cost 50 cents to a dollar. Female condoms cost about two dollars. However, some stores offer free condoms.

Is this a good method?

I think this is a very good method. It's cheap , easy to get, and easy to use.

What is an IUD?

An IUD is an T shaped piece of plastic in the uterus. There are two versions of it, the copper one and the prostegin one.

How does it work?

Copper: The copper in the IUD causes a reaction , killing off sperm and ovum. Prostegin: Prostegin works like copper, but also thins the uterine lining and thickens the cervial mucus.

How effective is it?

When using an IUD , over the course of a year, 1 out of 100 couples get an accidental pregnancy. A copper IUD lasts 10 years, and a prostegin one last from 3 - 6 years.

Where can I get it?

You can get an IUD at a doctor's office or at a health clinic. It can be inserted at any time during the menustral cycle, unless you are pregnant.

How much does it cost?

It can cost from 270-400 dollars.

Is this a good method?

It is a bit pricey. but it works really well. I would recommend using the copper IUD with a condom.

What is a diaphragm?

A diaphragm is a latex dome.

How does it work?

The diaphragm covers the cervix to prevent sperm from ever reaching the uteres. for added protection, spermicide is place in and on the ring of the diaphragm. It is put in within 2 hours before sex, and taken out after 6 hours after sex. it cannot stay in longer than 24 hours. More spermicide shoud be put in every time the woman has sex with it on.

How effective is it?

Over one year, 12 out of 100 couples have an accidental pregnancy.

Where can I get it?

A doctor or nurse's office has to give you a diaphragm, to make sure it is a proper fit, so it can work, and and teach you have to insert and remove it.

How much does it cost?

It can cost up to $250 , with an additonal $1 for spermicide.

Is this a good method?

I think this metod can work for some , since it is kind of pricey, but cheaper than an IUD.