Pros and Cons of Different Contraceptive Methods

Birth Control Pills Minimum effectiveness for pregnancy prevention: 95%
Pros	Cons
Very effective against pregnancy if used correctly Makes menstrual periods more regular and lighter Decreases menstrual cramps and acne Makes you less likely to get ovarian and uterine cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, and anemia Doesn't interrupt lovemaking	Doesn't protect against STDs Need to remember to take every day at the same time Can't be used by women with certain medical problems or by women taking certain medications Can occasionally cause side effects such as nausea, increased appetite, headaches, and, very rarely, blood clots Need a prescription Should use condoms to lower the risk of STDs

Pros and Cons of Different Contraceptive Methods

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Depo-Provera Hormonal Injection Minimum effectiveness for pregnancy prevention: 99%
Pros	Cons
Each injection provides 3 months of protection against pregnancy Very effective against pregnancy Many women stop getting their menstrual period while getting injections. (This is not a medical problem and menstrual periods usually return 6-18 months after you stop taking injections) Helps protect against uterine cancer	Doesn't protect against STDs Need to see your health care provider every 3 months for an injection May have side effects such as weight gain, tiredness, and possibly a decrease in bone density Many women have very irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting for the first 3 to 6 months and sometimes longer

Male Condom Minimum effectiveness for pregnancy prevention: 86%
Pros	Cons
Lowers risk of STDs Effective against pregnancy Contraception that provides the most protection against sexually transmitted diseases (latex condoms are best) "Last longer" when using a condom Allow men to have an active part in preventing pregnancy	Have to use a new one every time you have sexual intercourse (can only be used once) May disrupt/interrupt lovemaking Can break Women may be allergic to latex

Female Condom Minimum effectiveness for pregnancy prevention: 79%
Pros	Cons
Provide protection against STDs (new product, so not clear how much protection given) and pregnancy Can be inserted well before intercourse Male does not need to withdraw right after ejaculation, as he does with a male condom	May move, be noisy, or uncomfortable Can only use for one act of sexual intercourse

Intra-Uterine Device (IUD) Minimum effectiveness for pregnancy prevention: 99%
Pros	Cons
Very effective against pregnancy Provide protection against pregnancy as long as in place in your uterus- protects as soon as inserted (so don't need to remember to use contraception if you have sexual intercourse) Doesn't need daily attention- just need to check to make sure in place at least once a month at time of menstrual period Comfortable- you and your partner cannot feel the IUD, although you partner may feel the string The levonorgestrel IUD (Mirena) lessens menstrual flow and can be used to treat heavy periods Can be removed at any time	Doesn't protect against STDs Needs to be inserted by a health care provider Should not be used by women who have a high risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease. It is best for women who have already had children and are in a steady relationship with one partner. Can fall out or can rarely puncture the uterus The copper IUD can have side effects such as menstrual cramping, longer and/or heavier menstrual periods, and spotting between menstrual periods Slightly higher risk for infection in the few weeks after insertion

Spermicide Minimum effectiveness for pregnancy prevention: 74%
Pros	Cons
Doesn't cost much, available at many pharmacies, don't need a prescription	Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and may increase the risk of HIV infection in women who have sex multiple times daily because of irritation from the spermicide. Effectiveness usually lasts only one hour (need to reapply each time have sexual intercourse) Some women and men may be allergic to spermicides May interrupt lovemaking (some forms need to be inserted at 10-20 minutes before intercourse) Has a lower effectiveness against pregnancy than many other types of contraception- should use with another form of contraception to increase effectiveness May change bacteria living in vagina and increase urinary tract infections

Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) for Women Who are Breastfeeding Minimum effectiveness for pregnancy prevention: 98%
Pros	Cons
Natural Costs nothing No side effects Effective against pregnancy during the first 6 months after childbirth in women who have not had their menstrual period after childbirth and are feeding their babies only breast milk	Only can be used by women who have given birth in last 6 months, fully breast feeding, and have not had menstrual period after childbirth Doesn't protect against STDs Only effective until menstrual period returns May need to use a lubricant with sexual intercourse because of vaginal dryness

Natural Family Planning Minimum effectiveness for pregnancy prevention: 76%
Pros	Cons
Natural Approved by many religions Woman gets to know her body and menstrual cycles Can be helpful for partners who are very careful and don't have sex during ovulation period and several days before and after	No protection against STDs Need to figure out when ovulating for each month, since different from one month to the next and young women often have irregular periods Requires a lot of work- need careful instruction and the woman needs to figure out when ovulating Can't have sexual intercourse for at least a week each month (during ovulation and several days before and after) Teens and women with irregular periods should not use- failure rate is high

Withdrawal Minimum effectiveness: 72%
Pros	Cons
Natural, so no side effects Doesn't cost anything Allows men to be an active part of preventing pregnancy	Not very effective method of contraception Doesn't protect against STDs Difficult for male to always predict ejaculation May decrease sexual pleasure of woman since need to always be thinking about what is happening during sexual intercourse No control by women- need to rely completely on men to prevent pregnancy