How to Research The Different Types of Birth Control and Contraceptives

Condoms are one of the most common types of birth control and contraceptives available. Condoms are cheap, 98% effective (except accounting for human error in which they are 90-95% effective - http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~pcc/condom.html) and relatively easy to use. This type of birth control is most commonly used by the male, although female condoms are now on the market and are equally as effective. When used with other types of birth control such as foams, jellies, and oral contraceptives, condoms can be almost 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. Condoms are also great because they provide a barrier to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) unlike other types of birth control.

Spermicidal foams or jellies are another form of birth control that can prevent pregnancy. Foams and jellies are about 95-97% effective (http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~pcc/condom.html), fairly easy to use, and relatively cheap to purchase. They are inserted into the female's vagina usually with an applicator and work as a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the woman's reproductive system. One disadvantage to spermicidal foams and jellies is that they can be messy and a little uncomfortable due to the consistency. They also do not prevent the spread of STDs. A nice advantage to foams and jellies is that they are used by the female so that a woman does not have to count on the man to provide protection during intercourse.

Contraceptive sponges are another type of birth control used to prevent pregnancy during intercourse. Sponges are also easy to purchase, relatively cheap, and fairly easy to use. The sponge (most common form being the Today's Sponge) is inserted into the vagina and covers the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the woman's reproductive system. This type of birth control does not protect against STDs, however, so a condom should be used when considering this brand of contraceptive. The sponge birth control is about 80% effective at preventing pregnancy (http://www.pamf.org/teen/sex/birthcontrol/sponge.html) so you may want to use a condom or spermicidal lubricant when choosing the sponge as a contraceptive.

Oral contraceptives such as birth control pills are also an effective way to prevent pregnancy. However, because oral contraceptives are a type of medication, you have to get a doctor's prescription in order to take them. Oral contraceptives are about 92-99.7% effective (http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/thepill.htm) at preventing pregnancy, but do not protect against STD's, so again, you may want to use a condom as well. The pill is usually taken once a day at the same time of day for about 21-28 days depending on the type of oral contraceptive you choose. Talk to your doctor about the pill to find the one that is right for your body and needs. You can either choose to take an oral contraceptive that allows for a week at the end of the cycle for your menstrual period or one that allows you to get your period only 3 times a year. It is recommended that you do not smoke while on this type of birth control.

Contraceptive rings and patches are other forms of birth control that can be used to prevent pregnancy. The contraceptive ring (called Nuvaring) is inserted into the vagina and gives off hormones to prevent pregnancy. The patch (called Ortho Evra) is much like a nicotine patch in which you stick the contraceptive to your body on the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso, or outer arm in order to prevent pregnancy. Both the birth control ring and patch are removed after 3 weeks to allow the body to menstruate as normal. Each is 99.7% effective (http://www.womenscarecenter.com/Contraception.html) at preventing pregnancy and must be prescribed by your doctor for use. Each contain estrogen as a way to regulate your bodies ovulation cycle. You should not smoke while on these types of birth control.

Progesterone contraceptives such as the Depo-Provera or Lunelle shot and progesterone mini pills (oral contraceptives) are 87-99.7% effective (http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/minipill.htm) at preventing pregnancy. The Depo-Provera and Lunelle shots are usually given in the arm and must be prescribed by a doctor. Each prevents you from ovulating and having a menstrual cycle so that you can avoid getting pregnant. The Depo-Provera shot needs to be given every 3 months, while the Lunelle shot is given every month for effectiveness. The progesterone mini pill is taken once a month orally and allows a woman to still have a menstrual cycle. What's nice about these forms of birth control treatment is that you can take them even if you smoke. However, some woman tend to gain weight using progesterone types of birth control so this is something you may want to consider when choosing this brand.

IUDs (intrauterine devices) are another type of birth control that is effective at preventing pregnancy. IUDs do not keep you safe from STDs so this should be considered when choosing the brand of contraception that is right for you. There are two types of IUDs used to prevent pregnancy: ParaGard T380A and Mirena. Each must be inserted by a doctor, usually in the office and last 5 (Mirena) to 10 (ParaGard T380A) years. A few side effects of the IUD contraceptives are cramping, irregular bleeding, and discomfort. However, IUDs are 98-99% effective (http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/iud-intrauterine-device) at preventing pregnancy. They do not prevent the spread of STD's so you may want to consider the use of a condom when using this type of birth control. Talk to your doctor before deciding if an IUD is right for you.