If no method of contraception is available you can always say "no" and abstain from intercourse.
 

This is a very effective method, as long as there is no genital contact

• Many people choose this for personal reasons
• Can be used if other methods are not available 
• No risk of STIs as long as there is no genital or oral contact.
• It can be a part of the fertility awareness birth control method

Most brands of pills contain 28 pills in each packet.  Depending on the type of pill, the last 7 pills may be a different color and act as placebos.  This is to allow a woman to get used to taking a pill every day. 

Menstrual blood flow usually occurs between 21 and 28 days of the cycle. 

97 - 99.5% effective

*Depends on the type of pill and consistency of use

• Does not interfere with intercourse
• Must be prescribed by a clinician
• Reduces menstrual cramps and flow
• Can reduce risks for fibrocystic breast disease, ovarian and endometrial cancer
• Very few women may experience a 3 -5 lb weight gain.  Some women may have breast tenderness, emotional changes, nausea
• Needs to be taken as prescribed
• The clinician will evaluate use for  women with a history of blood clots, cancer, heart disease, migraine headaches, liver disease or smokers (age 35+)

The spermicide used with it kills any sperm that may get by. 

This must be inserted prior to insertion of the penis and needs to stay in place for at least 6 hours after the last ejaculation occurred. 

82 - 94% effective

• Requires visit to the clinician for fitting and prescription
• Needs to be inserted before intercourse and stays in a minimum of 6 hours after
• May require practice to insert 
• Needs to be inspected for holes
• Needs to be refitted after pregnancy or weight change
• Spermicidal cream or jelly must be used with diaphragm
• Cannot be used during your menstrual period 

It serves as a physical barrier that does not allow sperm to come in contact with the vagina. 

Condoms come in a variety of colors, lubricated and in polyurethane or animal skin (Animal skin condoms are not considered effective in preventing the transmission of STIs).

Some condoms have a reservoir tip that catches and traps ejaculated semen.  Others without this special tip need to be pulled away at the tip so that about 1/2" is left to catch the semen.

Condoms are used once, then discarded.

88 - 98% effective*

*More effective when used with vaginal spermicide

• Inexpensive
• Easy to obtain/purchase
• Helps protect both partners from sexually transmitted infections 
• Allows man to share responsibility of contraception
• Some men feel it decreases sensations
• May break or come off during intercourse, so a back-up method should be available

Condoms are used once, then discarded.

88 - 98% effective

• Female condom is more expensive and somewhat bulky
• Provides STI protection without partner involvement
• Non-latex

The spermicide needs to be inserted into the vagina about 15 - 30 minutes before intercourse. 

Foam and gel are applied with an applicator. Suppositories, film and the sponge are manually inserted into the vagina. 
 

74 - 94% effective 

*More effective when used with a condom. 

• Easy to obtain/purchase
• Convenient
• Acts as a lubricant
• Needs to be used before each intercourse episode
• Some people are allergic to the spermicide and may develop irritation

99.7% effective

• Must have injection every 12 weeks
• No way to reverse the medication for at least three months if unhappy with the side effects
• Associated weight gain
• Many women quit having periods altogether
• Spotting is common the first few months
• May take about 9 - 18 months after stopping injections for a woman to conceive

A vasectomy entails the cutting of the vas deferens, the tube in which the sperm travels from the testicles.

A tubal ligation is the surgical cutting and tying of the fallopian tubes.

Tubal ligation stops the egg from traveling through the fallopian tube from the ovaries to the uterus to become fertilized. 

98 - 99% effective

These are very effective methods, but must be considered permanent and irreversible. 

• Is effective, but permanent
• Involves risk of surgery (general anesthesia for women, local anesthesia for men)
• Vasectomy is a simpler surgical procedure than tubal ligation, and equally effective
• Does not diminish sex drive
• A backup method is needed after a vasectomy until a sperm count indicates that the man is no longer fertile 

Abstinence or use of a barrier method during fertile time is an important part of this method. 

70 - 95% effective

Observations must be consistent, regular and accurate. Records need to be kept. 

* Depends on techniques used

• Not recommended for women with irregular menstrual cycles
• Fertility indicators can be affected by illness, level of activity, stress, food, drugs, alcohol and hormones
• Requires accurate and consistent record keeping
• Computerized devices are now available
• Can also be effective at helping achieve a pregnancy

98 - 99.9% effective 

• Replaced every ten years
• Inserted and removed by clinician 
• Recommended for women over 30 who have already had children
• Recommended for mutually monogamous relationship due to great risk of serious pelvic infection if exposed to STIs
• Can be removed, but not placed, at Campus Health Service

81 - 96% effective

• Advantages: it's free, requires no devices, and is available in any situation
• Disadvantages: no protection from STIs, pre-ejaculate may contain sperm and viruses including HIV
• Interruption of the sexual response cycle may diminish pleasure, and requires control on the part of the male partner

Also called the "morning after pill". 

75% effective

• Used in cases of method failure, when no contraceptive is used, or rape situations
• Treatment is most effective within the first 12 - 24 hours, but can be used up to 72 hours
• 20% experience nausea and vomiting
• Need to continue regular birth control method

Prevents egg release by the ovaries for fertilization and thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

>99% effective 

• Patch stays on with bathing and exercise and can be worn in 4 different discrete locations
• Patch must be replaced if it comes loose or comes off.
• Side effects similar to the pill 
• A clinician will evaluate use for women with a history of blood clots, cancer, heart attack or stroke, or smokers (age 35+)

After the ring is inserted, it releases a continuous low dose of hormones into your body. 
 

98 - 99% effective 
 
 

Possible side effects:

• vaginal infections and irritation
• vaginal discharge
• headache
• weight gain
• nausea