Various methods of contraception and their effectiveness
|
Methods |
Failure Rates |
Side Effects |
Advantages |
|
Abstinence |
? |
Sexual frustration.. |
No cost and total freedom |
|
Rhythm Method/Natural Family Planning |
20% |
Frustration during periods of abstinence. |
No health risks. |
|
Combined Oral Contraceptive (birth control pill containing estrogen and progestin) |
3% |
Nausea, weight gain, fluid retention, breast tenderness, headaches, missed menstrual periods, acne. Mood changes, depression, anxiety, fatigue, decreased sex drive. Circulatory diseases. Gastrointestinal disorders. |
Reliable; offers protection all the time. Brings increased regularity to menstrual cycle. Tends to reduce menstrual cramping. |
|
Minipill (progestin only) |
3% |
Irregular menstrual periods are a common side effect. Bleeding between menstrual periods. Appearance of ovarian cysts. |
Safer for older women. Reliable; offers protection all the time. Brings increased regularity to menstrual cycle. Tends to reduce menstrual |
|
Norplant implants |
0.09% |
Slight visibility of implants. Menstrual cycle irregularities. Improper insertion or difficult removal. May have risks similar to pills, but research is incomplete. |
Long-term protection. Extremely reliable. Requires no attention after initial treatment. |
|
Depo-Provera injections |
0.3% |
Weight gain. Excessive bleeding. Menstrual cycle irregularities. Increased depression. Decrease in sex drive. May be associated with slight increase in breast cancer risk for younger women, but research is incomplete. |
3-month protection. Extremely reliable. |
|
Cervical cap with Spermicide |
18% |
Possible risk of toxic shock syndrome. Allergic reaction to rubber or spermicide. Abrasions or irritation to vagina or cervix. |
Can be left in place for long periods of time. |
|
Spermicidal Foam, Cream, Jelly, Suppositories, or Film |
21% |
Allergic reactions to chemical. Unpleasant taste of chemical during oral-genital sex. |
Available without prescription. Minimal health risks. Easy to carry and use. s, Does not require partner |
|
Female Condom (Vaginal Pouch) |
21-26% |
Some reduction in sensations of intercourse. Relatively high rate of contraceptive failure. |
Allows woman to choose protection from disease, along with contraception. Available without prescription. |
|
Diaphragm |
18% |
Allergic reaction to the rubber Increased risk of toxic shock syndrome. Bladder infection or vaginal soreness because of pressure from rim. |
Negative side effects are rare. Inexpensive. |
|
Intrauterine Device (IUD): Progesterone T (Progestasert) Copper T 380A Levonorgestrel |
2% 0.8% 0.1% |
Uterine cramping, abnormal bleeding, and heavy menstrual flow. Pelvic inflammatory disease or perforation of the uterus during insertion of the IUD; also violent allergic reaction; infection of the ovaries. |
Reliable Can be left in place. |
|
Female Vasectomy |
0.15% |
Psychological implications of being infertile can sometimes lead to some sexual problems. |
Permanent; no other preparations. Very reliable. Minimal health risks. |