This document provides information on various birth control options, including abstinence, hormonal methods like the pill and Depo shot, barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms, IUDs, and sterilization procedures. Each method is described in 1-3 sentences, outlining what it is and how it works. Potential benefits and risks of each option are then listed.

1. Birth Control
Options & Facts

2. Abstinence
□ The only 100% effective method of
preventing STD’s & pregnancy.
□ Consciously choosing to refrain from
engaging in high risk sexual behaviors,
actions, & intercourse.

3. Types of Birth Control
□ There are various types of birth control
to choose from:
Hormonal Methods
Barrier Methods
Chemical Methods
IUD
Sterilization

4. Hormonal Methods
□ Birth Control Pill
□ Depo Provera Shot
□ Norplant
□ Contraception Patch
□ Contraceptive / Vaginal Ring

5. Barrier Methods
□ condoms (male & female)
□ diaphragms
□ contraceptive sponge
□ cervical caps

6. Chemical Methods
□ Spermicide

7. Intra Uterine Device (IUD)
□ There are several designs of IUD’s, here
are some basic images:

8. Sterilization
□ Vasectomy
□ Tubal Ligation

9. The Pill
□ The combination pill is the most widely
prescribed and contains two
hormones: estrogen and progestin.
□ It works by suppressing ovulation each
month. Thinning the uterine lining and
changing the consistency of the
mucus in a woman's cervix, making it
harder for sperm to move into contact
with an egg.

10. The Pill (Benefits)
□ Regulate, shorten or eliminate a woman's menstrual
cycle
□ Decrease severe cramping and heavy bleeding
□ Reduce anemia
□ Reduce the development of ovarian cysts
□ Decrease benign breast disease
□ Protect future ability to become pregnant
□ Protect against Ectopic pregnancy
□ Reduce the risk of uterine (endometrial) cancer.
□ Minimize Perimenopausal symptoms, such as
irregular menstrual bleeding
□ Reduce acne

11. The Pill (Risks)
□ Increased risk of Heart disease or stroke
□ Blood clots in the deep veins or lung
□ Women with diabetes who have experienced blood vessel damage
or had the disease for more than 20 years should not use BCPs.
□ Smokers 35 or older. Smoking cigarettes while taking BCPs triples a
woman's risk of having an ischemic stroke or a hemorrhagic
□ Certain types of migraine headaches. Women who take birth control
pills and have a history of migraines have an increased risk of stroke
compared to nonusers with a history of migraine. Your risk is greatest if
you have migraines with "aura"—blurred vision, temporary loss of
vision or seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines.
□ Severe hypertension. BCP users with a history of high blood pressure
faced a substantially higher relative risk of ischemic (blood clot in the
brain) and hemorrhagic (blood vessel rupture in the brain) strokes
than nonusers with no such history.

12. The Pill (Risks cont.)
□ Smoking cigarettes while taking BCPs
dramatically increases risks of heart attack
for women over age 35. Even teenage girls
are at greater risk of heart attack and stroke
if they smoke while taking BCPs, according
to the American Heart Association.
□ Smoking is far more dangerous to a woman's
health than taking birth control pills, but the
combination of oral contraceptive pill use
and smoking has a greater effect on heart
attack risk than the simple addition of the
two factors.

13. The Pill (Side Effects)
□ Nausea
□ Breast tenderness
□ Bleeding / Spotting
□ Most side effects decrease or disappear after three
months of continuous use.
□ Switching to another BCP formulation can also
relieve side effects.
□ A serious issue often overlooked by both health
care professionals and women is that interactions
with other medications (Rifampin: antibiotics) can
reduce the effectiveness of BCPs.

14. Depo-Provera (Shot)
Benefits
□ Progestin shots (Depo-Provera (DMPA), or
the low-dose form, Depo-Subq-Provera):
□ Protection for up to three months
□ Many women stop having periods all
together.
□ Reduce the risk of uterine (endometrial)
cancer
□ Prevent anemia, ectopic pregnancy and
pelvic inflammatory disease.

15. Depo-Provera (Shot)
Side Effects / Risks
□ Bloating
□ Weight gain (typically 25 – 30 lbs)
□ Headaches
□ Depression (short term)
□ Loss of interest in sex
□ Minimal hair loss
□ Loss in bone density
□ Increased risk of Osteoporosis

16. Transdermal Patch
□ The contraceptive Ortho Evra is a
transdermal (skin) patch approved by the
FDA in 2001.
□ The one-and-three-quarter inch square
patch consists of three layers, with
hormones embedded in the adhesive
layer.
□ The patch is applied to the skin (lower
abdomen, buttocks or upper body, but
not breasts) where it slowly releases
hormones for a week.
□ It must be replaced every week.
□ After three weeks (and three new
patches) you have one week that is
patch-free, during which you get your
period.

17. Transdermal Patch
Benefits
□ The Ortho Evra patch is 99 percent
effective in preventing pregnancy
when used correctly.
□ It also removes the need to remember
to take a pill every day, or insert a
device before intercourse.

18. Transdermal Patch
Risks / Side Effects
□ In clinical trials, the patch was less effective in women
weighing more than 198 pounds.
□ Breast symptoms
□ Headache
□ Reaction at the application site
□ Nausea
□ Upper respiratory infection
□ Increased menstrual cramps
□ Abdominal pain.
□ Other risks are similar to those from using birth control pills,
including an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and
stroke.
□ Women who use Ortho Evra are strongly advised not to
smoke, as it may increase the risk of heart-related side effects.

19. (Male) Condom
□ The condom is a sheath made
of latex or polyurethane that is
placed on the penis just prior to
intercourse to prevent sperm
from entering the uterus.
□ Latex condoms, when used
consistently and correctly,
provide the best available
means of reducing the risk of
transmission of many sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs)
□ Also helpful in the prevention of
pregnancy

20. Condom
Benefits
□ Reduces transmission of STD’s
□ Prevents pregnancy
□ Inexpensive
□ Excellent availability
□ Easy to use

21. Condoms
Risks / Side Effects
□ Improper use; put on wrong
□ Past expiration date
□ Compromised with petroleum based
lubricants (hand cream, baby oil,
etc…)
□ Doubled up (using 2 condoms creates
friction & heat causing condoms to
fail)

22. Spermicides
□ Spermicides are nonprescription, non-hormonal
chemical products containing the active ingredient
nonoxynol-9 (N-9) or octoxynol-9 (0-9).
□ They can be used alone or in combination with
other barrier contraceptives such as condoms,
cervical caps, or diaphragms.
□ Spermicides are available as:
□ foam
□ cream
□ gel
□ suppository
□ Film
□ Benefits: they kill sperm.

23. Spermicides
Risks / Side Effects
□ Spermicides can cause irritation of the
vagina in some women and increase
the risk of yeast infections &urinary
tract infection (UTI’s)
□ (*)When used with other barrier
contraceptives, are more effective
than either method used alone.

24. Vaginal Ring
□ A Vaginal Ring is a thin, transparent, flexible
ring that you insert into the vagina yourself
to provide contraception protection.
□ Leaving the Vaginal Ring in for 3 weeks, it
slowly releases estrogen and progestin
hormones into the body.
□ These hormones stop ovulation and thicken
the cervical mucus, creating a barrier to
prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg.

25. Vaginal Ring
Benefits
□ Once every 3 weeks vs. once every
day
□ 1Vaginal Ring provides one month of
birth control.
□ The Vaginal Ring is 92-99.7% effective
as birth control.

26. Vaginal Ring
Risks / Side Effects
As the body adjusts to hormonal changes from the
vaginal ring, women may experience some minor
side effects, including:
□ Vaginal discharge
□ Vaginal irritation
□ Headache
□ Weight gain
□ Nausea
□ Irregular bleeding
□ Breast tenderness
□ Mood changes

27. Diaphragm
(Cervical cap & Sponge)
□ The diaphragm is a dome-shaped bowl
made of thin, flexible rubber that sits over
the cervix.
□ The diaphragm keeps sperm from entering
the uterus by blocking the cervix. For added
protection, spermicide is put into the
diaphragm and along its edges before
inserting the diaphragm high into the vagina
so it covers the cervix.

28. Diaphragm (cont.)
□ The diaphragm is inserted up to 6 hours before having sex. More
spermicide must be used each time you have sex while wearing
the diaphragm.
□ After sex, the diaphragm must be left in for at least 6 hours, but no
longer than 24 hours. The diaphragm can be removed by placing
a finger into the vagina to pull it out.
□ Each time the diaphragm is removed, it must be washed, rinsed,
and dried, then stored in its case. It should not be dusted with
baby powder and should never be used with oil-based lubricants
such as mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil. These substances
can cause the rubber to become brittle and crack. Other vaginal
creams, such as yeast medicines, can also damage the rubber.

29. Diaphragm
Benefits / Risks
□ Benefits
□ Prevents pregnancy (only
80% effective)
□ No hormones
□ Minimal physical side
effects
□ Risks
□ Spermicides may irritate the
vagina and surrounding
skin.
□ Strong odors or vaginal
discharge may appear if
the diaphragm is left in too
long.
□ The rubber or latex in the
diaphragm may cause an
allergic reaction (this is
rare).
□ Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
is a rare complication if the
diaphragm is left in too
long.

30. Intrauterine Device (IUD)
□ An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small object
that is inserted through the cervix and
placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
□ A small string hangs down from the IUD into
the upper part of the vagina. The IUD is not
noticeable during intercourse.
□ IUDs can last 1-10 years. They work by
changing the the the lining of the uterus and
fallopian tubes affecting the movements of
eggs and sperm and so that fertilization
does not occur.

31. IUD’s
Benefits / Risks
□ Benefits
□ Allows sexual
spontaneity.
□ Requires no daily
attention.
□ Immediately effective.
□ Long-lasting.
□ Not messy.
□ Risks
□ Does not protect against
sexually transmitted infections
, including HIV/AIDS.
□ Insertion and removal
require clinic visits.
□ Can be expelled.
□ Can cause more difficult
menstrual periods.
□ Possible risk to future
fertility.

32. Vasectomy
□ The vas deferens from each testicle is
clamped, cut, or otherwise sealed. This
prevents sperm from mixing with the semen
that is ejaculated from the penis.
□ The testicles continue to produce sperm, but
the sperm are reabsorbed by the body.
□ Because the tubes are blocked before the
seminal vesicles and prostate, you still
ejaculate about the same amount of fluid.

33. Vasectomy
Benefits / Risks
□ Benefits
□ A vasectomy is a
permanent method of
birth control.
□ Vasectomy is a very
effective (99.85%) birth
control method. Only 1
to 2 women out of 1,000
will have an unplanned
pregnancy in the first
year after their partners
have had a vasectomy.
□ Risks
□ Bleeding under the skin,
which may cause swelling
or bruising.
□ Infection at the site of the
incision. In rare instances,
an infection develops inside
the scrotum.
□ Sperm leaking from a vas
deferens into the tissue
around it and forming a
small lump (sperm
granuloma).
□ Inflammation of the tubes
that move sperm from the
testicles (congestive
epididymitis).

34. Tubal Ligation
(Tubes Tied)
□ Tubal ligation, commonly knows as
“getting your tubes tied,” is a
surgical sterilization technique for
women.
□ This procedure closes the fallopian
tubes, and stops the egg from
traveling to the uterus from the
ovary.
□ It also prevents sperm from reaching
the fallopian tube to fertilize an egg.
□ In a tubal ligation, fallopian tubes
are cut, burned, or blocked with
rings, bands or clips.

35. Tubal Ligation
Benefits / Risks
BENEFITS
□ Permanent birth control.
□ Immediately effective.
□ Allows sexual spontaneity.
□ Requires no daily attention.
□ Not messy.
□ Cost-effective in the long
run.
RISKS
□ Does not protect against
sexually transmitted infections
, including HIV/AIDS.
□ Requires surgery.
□ Has risks associated with
surgery.
□ More complicated than
male sterilization.
□ May not be reversible.
□ Possible regret.
□ Possibililty of Post Tubal
Ligation Syndrome