Birth control and family planning

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Barrier methods of birth control - series	Before and after vasectomy	Birth control pill - series	Cervical cap
Hormone-based contraceptives	Intrauterine device	Side sectional view of female reproductive system	The diaphragm
The male condom	Tubal ligation	Tubal ligation - series	Vaginal ring

Which form of birth control you choose depends on a number of different factors, including your health, how often you have sex, and whether or not you want children.

Contraception; Family planning and contraception

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a birth control method:

• Effectiveness -- how well does the method prevent pregnancy? Look at the number of pregnancies in 100 women using that method over a period of one year. If an unplanned pregnancy would be viewed as potentially devastating to the individual or couple, a highly effective method should be chosen. In contrast, if a couple is simply trying to postpone pregnancy, but feels that a pregnancy could be welcomed if it occurred earlier than planned, a less effective method may be a reasonable choice.
• Cost -- is the method affordable?
• Health risk -- learn any potential health risks. For example, birth control pills are usually not recommended for women over age 35 who also smoke.
• Partner involvement -- The willingness of a partner to accept and support a given method may affect your choice of birth control. However, you also may want to re-consider a sexual relationship with a partner unwilling to take an active and supportive role.
• Permanence -- do you want a temporary (and generally less effective) method, or a long-term or even permanent (and more effective) method?
• Preventing HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) -- many methods offer no protection against STDs. In general, condoms are the best choice for preventing STDs, especially combined with spermicides.
• Availability -- Can the method be used without a prescription, provider visit, or, in the case of minors, parental consent?

CONDOMS

• A condom is a thin latex or polyurethane sheath. The male condom is placed around the erect penis. The female condom  is placed inside the vagina before intercourse. Semen collects inside the condom, which must be carefully removed after intercourse.
• Condoms are available in most drug and grocery stores. Some family planning clinics offer free condoms.
• Latex condoms help prevent HIV and other STDs. Polyurethane condoms may give some protection against STDs, but they are not as effective as latex ones.
• About 14 pregnancies occur over 1 year out of 100 couples using male condoms, and about 21 pregnancies occur over 1 year out of 100 couples using female condoms. They are more effective when spermicide is also used.
• Risks include irritation and allergic reactions, particularly to latex.
• Condoms are used only once.