2011	 3

Some things to think about when you choose birth control:

	 • Your health.

	 • How often you have sex.

	 • How many sexual partners you have.

	 • If you want to have children in the future.

	 • If you will need a prescription or if you can buy the method over-the-

counter.

	 • The number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use a method

for one year. For comparison, about 85 out of 100 sexually active women

who do not use any birth control can expect to become pregnant in a

year.

Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you:

	 • Smoke.

	 • Have liver disease.

	 • Have blood clots.

	 • Have family members who have had blood clots.

	 • Are taking any other medicines.

	 • Are taking any herbal products, like St. John’s Wort.

To avoid pregnancy:

	 • No matter which method you choose, it is important to follow all of the

directions carefully. If you don’t, you raise your chance of getting

pregnant.

	 • The best way to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections

(STIs) is to practice total abstinence (do not have any sexual contact).
2011	 4

Male Condom (Latex or Polyurethane)

What is it?

• A thin film sheath placed over the erect penis.

• It can be made of latex or polyurethane.

How does it work?

• It puts up a block to stop the sperm from traveling to the

egg.

• Put it on the erect penis right before sex.

• Use it only once and then throw it away.

• Pull out before the penis softens.

• Hold the condom against the base of the penis before pulling out.

How do I get it?

• You do not need a prescription.

• You can buy it over-the-counter.

Chance of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, 11-16 may get pregnant.

• The most important thing is that you use a condom every time you have sex.

Some Risks

• Irritation.

• Allergic reactions (If you are allergic to latex, you can try condoms made of

polyurethane).

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

• Except for abstinence, latex condoms are the best protection against HIV/AIDS

and other STIs.

• Condoms are the only contraceptive product that may protect against most

sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Barrier Methods

Put up a block, or barrier, which keeps the sperm from traveling to the egg.
2011	 5

Female Condom

What is it?

• A lubricated, thin polyurethane pouch that is put into the

vagina.

How does it work?

• It puts up a block to stop sperm from traveling to the egg.

• Put the female condom into the vagina right before sex.

• Use it only once and then throw it away.

• You need a new female condom each time you have sex.

How do I get it?

• You do not need a prescription.

• You can buy it over-the-counter.	

Chance of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, about 20 may get pregnant.

Some Risks

• Irritation.

• Allergic reactions.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

• May give some protection against STIs.

• Not as effective as latex condoms.

• More research is needed.

Barrier Methods

Put up a block, or barrier, which keeps the sperm from traveling to the egg.
2011	 6

Diaphragm with Spermicide

• You must leave the diaphragm in place at least 6 hours after having sex.

• It can be left in place for up to 24 hours. You need to use more spermicide every

time you have sex.

How do I get it?

• You need a prescription.

• A doctor or nurse will need to do an exam to find the right size diaphragm for

you.

• You should have the diaphragm checked after childbirth or if you lose more than

15 pounds, you might need a different size.

Possibility of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, about 15 may get pregnant.

Some Risks

• Irritation, allergic reactions, and urinary tract infection.

• If you keep it in place longer than 24 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock

syndrome. Toxic shock is a rare but serious infection.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• A dome-shaped flexible disk with a flexible rim.

• Made from latex, rubber or silicone.

How does it work?

• It covers the cervix so that sperm cannot travel to the egg.

• You need to put spermicidal jelly on the inside of the

diaphragm before putting it into the vagina.

• You must put the diaphragm into the vagina before having

sex.

Barrier Methods

Put up a block, or barrier, which keeps the sperm from traveling to the egg.
2011	 7

Sponge with Spermicide

What is it?

• A disk-shaped polyurethane device with the spermicide

nonoxynol-9.

How does it work?

• The sponge covers the cervix and blocks sperm from

traveling to meet the egg.

• Put it into the vagina before you have sex.

• Protects for up to 24 hours. You do not need to use more spermicide each time

you have sex.

• You must leave the sponge in place for at least 6 hours after having sex.

• You must take the sponge out within 30 hours after you put it in. Throw it away

after you use it.

How do I get it?

• You do not need a prescription.

• You can buy it over-the-counter.

Chance of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, 16-32 may get pregnant.

• It may not work as well for women who have given birth. Childbirth stretches

the vagina and cervix and the sponge may not fit as well.

Some Risks

• Irritation and allergic reactions.

• Some women may have a hard time taking the sponge out.

• If you keep it in place longer than 24-30 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock

syndrome. Toxic shock is a rare but serious infection.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Barrier Methods

Put up a block, or barrier, which keeps the sperm from traveling to the egg.
2011	 8

Cervical Cap with Spermicide

What is it?

• A soft latex or silicone cup with a round rim, which fits

snugly around the cervix.

How does it work?

• It covers the cervix so that sperm cannot travel to the egg.

• You need to put spermicidal jelly inside the cap before you

use it.

• You must put the cap in the vagina before you have sex.

• You may find it hard to put in.

• You must leave the cap in place for at least 6 hours after having sex.

• You may leave the cap in for up to 48 hours.

• You do NOT need to use more spermicide each time you have sex.

How do I get it?

• You need a prescription.

Possibility of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, about 17-23 may get pregnant.

• It may not work as well for women who have given birth. Childbirth

stretches the vagina and cervix and the cap may not fit as well.

Some Risks

• Irritation, allergic reactions, and abnormal Pap test.

• If you keep it in place longer than 48 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock

syndrome. Toxic shock is a rare but serious infection.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Barrier Methods

Put up a block, or barrier, which keeps the sperm from traveling to the egg.
2011	 9

Spermicide Alone

• Instructions can be different for each type of spermicide. Read the label before

you use it.

• You need to put spermicide into the vagina between 5 and 90 minutes before

you have sex.

• You usually need to leave it in place at least 6 to 8 hours after; do not douche or

rinse the vagina for at least 6 hours after sex.

How do I get it?

• You do not need a prescription.

• You can buy it over-the-counter.

Possibility of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, about 30 may get pregnant.

• Different studies show different rates of effectiveness.

Some Risks

• Irritation, allergic reactions and urinary tract infection.

• If you are also using a medicine for a vaginal yeast infection, the spermicide

might not work as well.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• A foam, cream, jelly, film, or tablet that you put into the

vagina.

How does it work?

• Spermicide blocks the cervix, so sperm cannot travel to

the egg .

• It keeps sperm from moving, so sperm cannot travel to the

egg.

Barrier Methods

Put up a block, or barrier, which keeps the sperm from traveling to the egg.
2011	 10

Oral Contraceptives (Combined Pill)

“The Pill”

Hormonal Methods

Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or

implantation of the fertilized egg

How do I get it?

• You need a prescription.

Possibility of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, about 5 may get pregnant. This is

especially true if pills are missed or not taken on time. The risk of pregnancy

increases with each pill missed during one pill pack.

Some Common Risks

• Headache, nausea/vomiting, changes in your period/spotting or bleeding

between periods, breast tenderness, changes in mood, weight gain.

Uncommon Risks

• It is not common, but some women who take the pill develop high blood

pressure. It is rare, but some women will have blood clots, heart attacks, or

strokes.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• A pill with hormones (estrogen and progestin). 

How does it work?

• The pill stops the ovaries from releasing eggs in most

women.

• It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm

from traveling to the egg.

• You should swallow a pill at the same time every day,

whether or not you have sex.

• If you miss one or more pills, or start a pill pack too late,

you may need to use a back-up method of birth control.
2011	 11

Oral Contraceptives (Progestin-only)

“The Mini-Pill”

How do I get it?

• You need a prescription.

Chance of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, about 5 may get pregnant. This is

especially true if pills are missed or not taken on time. The risk of pregnancy

increases with each pill missed during one pill pack.

Some Common Risks

• Irregular periods.

• Light spotting or bleeding between periods.

• Weight gain.

• Breast tenderness.

• Less protection against ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tubes)

than the combination pill.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• A pill that has only a progestin hormone.

How does it work?

• The pill thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm

from traveling to the egg. Less often, it stops the ovaries

from releasing eggs.

• You should swallow a pill at the same time every day,

whether or not you have sex.

• If you miss one or more pills, or start a pill pack too late,

you may need to use a back-up method of birth control.

Hormonal Methods

Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or

implantation of the fertilized egg.
2011	 12

Oral-Contraceptives (Extended/Continuous Use)

“The Pill”

• You should swallow a pill at the same time every day, whether or not you have

sex.

• If you miss one or more pills, or start a pill pack too late, you may need to use a

back-up method of birth control.

How do I get it?

• You need a prescription.

Chance of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, about 5 may get pregnant. The risk of

pregnancy increases with each pill missed during one pill pack.

Some Common Risks

• Risks are similar to other oral contraceptives.

• You may have more light bleeding and spotting between periods than with

other oral contraceptives.

• It may be harder to know if you become pregnant, since you will likely have

fewer periods or no periods.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• A pill that uses hormones (estrogen and progestin)

• These pills are designed so women have fewer or no

regular periods.

How does it work?

• The pill stops the ovaries from releasing eggs in most

women. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps

the sperm from traveling to the egg.

Hormonal Methods

Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or

implantation of the fertilized egg.
2011	 13

Patch

How does it work?

• Put on a new patch each week for three weeks (21 total days).

• Don’t put on a patch during the fourth week. Your menstrual period should start

during this patch-free week.

How do I get it?

• You need a prescription.

Chance of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, about 5 may get pregnant.

• The patch may be less effective for women who weigh more than 198 lbs.

Some Risks

• It will expose you to higher than average levels of estrogen than most oral

contraceptives.

• It is not known if serious risks, such as blood clots, are greater with the skin

patch because of the greater exposure to estrogen.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• This is a skin patch you can wear on the lower abdomen,

buttocks, or upper body.

• It uses hormones (estrogen and progestin) to stop the

ovaries from releasing eggs in most women.

• It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm

from traveling to the egg.

Hormonal Methods

Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or

implantation of the fertilized egg.
2011	 14

Vaginal Contraceptive Ring

How does it work?

• You put the ring into your vagina.

• Keep the ring in your vagina for 3 weeks and then take it out for 1 week. Your

menstrual period should start during this patch-free week.

• If the ring falls out and stays out for more than 3 hours, use a back-up birth

control method until the ring has been used for 7 days in a row. Read the

directions and talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about what to do.

How do I get it?

• You need a prescription.

Possibility of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, about 5 may get pregnant.

Some Risks

• Vaginal discharge, swelling of the vagina, and irritation.

• Other risks are similar to oral contraceptives (combined pill).

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• It is a flexible ring that is about 2 inches around.

• You put it into the vagina and it releases hormones

(progestin and estrogen) to stop the ovaries from

releasing eggs in most women.

• It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm

from traveling to the egg.

Hormonal Methods

Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or

implantation of the fertilized egg.
2011	 15

Shot/Injection

How do I get it?

• You need a prescription.

Possibility of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, less than 1 may get pregnant. If you are

two or more weeks late getting your shot, you have a greater chance of getting

pregnant.

Some Risks

• You may have bone loss if you get the shot for more than 2 years.

• Bleeding between periods.

• Weight gain.

• Breast tenderness.

• Headaches.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• A shot of the hormone progestin that stops the

ovaries from releasing eggs in most women.

• It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the

sperm from traveling to the egg.

How does it work?

• You need one shot every 3 months.

Hormonal Methods

Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or

implantation of the fertilized egg.
2011	 16

Emergency Contraceptives

“The Morning After Pill”

Emergency Contraception (Plan B, Plan B One-Step, Next Choice, Ella)

May be used if you do not use birth control or if your regular birth control fails

It should not be used as a regular form of birth control

How does it work?

• It is thought to work by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from the

ovary. It may also stop an egg from attaching (implanting to the uterus).

• You must swallow the pills within three to five days of having unprotected sex.

• For the best chance for it to work, you should start taking the pill(s) as soon as

possible after unprotected sex.

How do I get it?

• You can buy Plan B (two pills taken 12 hours apart) Plan B One-Step (one pill)

over the counter if you are 17 years or older. If you are younger than 17, you

need a prescription.

• You need a prescription to get Ella, the newest pill for emergency contraception. 

Possibility of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• This method reduces the risk of pregnancy, resulting from a single act

of unprotected sex by almost 85 percent, if you take it within five days of

unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the better the chance of working.

Some Risks

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue and headache.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• These are pills with hormones similar to other oral

contraceptives.

• You can use these after you have unprotected sex (did not

use birth control).

• You can also use these if your birth control did not work

(the condom broke or slipped).

• You can take emergency contraception if you missed

some of your regular birth control pills.
2011	 17

Copper IUD

Implanted Devices

Are inserted into the body and can be kept in place for a few years.

How do I get it?

• A doctor or other healthcare provider needs to put in the IUD.

Chance of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, less than 1 may get pregnant.

Some Side Effects

• Cramps and irregular bleeding.

Uncommon Risks

• Pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

Rare Risk

• Tear in the uterus or cervix.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• A T-shaped device that is put into the uterus by a

healthcare provider.

How does it work?

• The copper IUD affects the way sperm move, and stops

them from traveling to the egg.

• It also changes the lining of the uterus, making it harder

for an egg to attach.

• The copper IUD can stay in place for 12 years.

• After the IUD is taken out, it is possible to get pregnant.
2011	 18

IUD with Progestin

Implanted Devices

Are inserted into the body and can be kept in place for a few years.

How do I get it?

• A doctor or other healthcare provider needs to put in the IUD.

Chance of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, less than 1 may get pregnant.

Some Side Effects

• Cramps and irregular bleeding.

Uncommon Risks

• Pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

Rare Risk

• Tear in the uterus or cervix.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• A T-shaped device that is put into the uterus.

How does it work?

• It may thicken the mucus of your cervix, and thin the lining

of your uterus, which makes it harder for the sperm to

travel to the egg.

• It may make it harder for sperm to move and survive.

• The IUD with progestin can stay in place for 5 years.

• After the IUD is taken out, it is possible to get pregnant.
2011	 19

Implantable Rod

How do I get it?

• A doctor or nurse needs to put it under the skin of your arm.

• You will get a shot in the upper arm to make the skin numb, then the rod is

placed just under the skin with a needle.

Chance of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, less than 1 may get pregnant.

• It might not work as well for overweight or obese women.

• It might not work as well if you are taking certain medicines for things like:

tuberculosis (TB), seizures, depression, or HIV/AIDS.

• Tell your doctor if you are taking the herb St. John’s Wort.

Some Risks

• Acne, weight gain, cysts of the ovaries, mood changes/depression, hair loss,

headache, upset stomach, dizziness, lower interest in sexual activity, sore

breasts, changes in your periods.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• A thin, matchstick-sized rod that contains the hormone

progestin.

• It is put under the skin on the inside of your upper arm.

How does it work?

• It thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from

traveling to the egg.

• Less often, it stops the ovaries from releasing eggs.

• It lasts up to 3 years.

Implanted Devices

Are inserted into the body and can be kept in place for a few years.
2011	 20

Sterilization Surgery for Women

Surgical Implant (also called trans-abdominal surgical sterilization)

Permanent Methods for Women

Are for women who are sure they never want to have a child or do not want any

more children.

Can it be reversed?

Reversals require complicated surgery. Even though tubes can sometimes be

rejoined, there are no guarantees. For many women, reversals are not possible

because there is not enough of their tubes left to reconnect.

• You will need a small cut (incision) below the belly button and 2 or more

smaller cuts (incisions).

• The woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked so the egg and sperm can’t meet in

the fallopian tube. This stops you from getting pregnant.

• This is a surgery a woman has only once.

• It is permanent.

How do I get it?

• This is a surgery you ask for.

Chance of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, less than 1 may get pregnant.

Some Risks

• Pain, bleeding, infection or other complications after surgery, ectopic (tubal)

pregnancy.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• A device is placed on the outside of each fallopian tube.

The woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked so the egg and

sperm can’t meet in the fallopian tube. This stops you

from getting pregnant.

How does it work?

• One way is by tying and cutting the tubes — this is called

tubal ligation. The fallopian tubes also can be sealed using

an instrument with an electrical current. They also can be

closed with clips, clamps, or rings. Sometimes, a small

piece of the tube is removed.
2011	 21

Sterilization Implant for Women

(also called transcervical Surgical Sterilization Implant)

• You need to use another birth control method during the first 3 months. You will 

need an X-ray to make sure the device is in the right place.

• It is permanent.

How do I get it?

• This is a surgery you ask for.

Possibility of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, less than 1 may get pregnant.

Some Risks

• Mild to moderate pain after insertion.

• Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• Small flexible, metal coils that are put into the fallopian

tubes through the vagina.

How does it work?

• The coils are put inside the fallopian tubes with a special

catheter. Since it is inserted through the vagina, you do

not need an incision (cutting).

• You may need local anesthesia.

• Scar tissue forms around the coil. This blocks the fallopian

tubes and stops you from getting pregnant.

Permanent Methods for Women

Are for women who are sure they never want to have a child or do not want any

more children.

Can it be reversed?

Reversals require complicated surgery. Even though tubes can sometimes be

rejoined, there are no guarantees. For many women, reversals are not possible

because there is not enough of their tubes left to reconnect.
2011	 22

Sterilization Surgery for Men

Vasectomy

How do I get it?

• A man needs to have surgery.

• Local anesthesia is used.

Possibility of getting pregnant

(Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women whose partner uses this method, less than 1 may get

pregnant.

Some Risks

• Pain, bleeding and infection.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

What is it?

• This is a surgery a man has only once.

• It is permanent.

How does it work?

• A surgery blocks the vas deferens (tubes that carry a

man’s sperm from the testes to other glands).

• Semen (the fluid that comes out of a man’s penis) never

has any sperm in it.

Permanent Method for Men

This method is for men who are sure they never want to have a child or do not want

any more children. Sometimes it is possible to reverse the operation, but there are no

guarantees. Reversal involves complicated surgery that might not work.

The success of reversal surgery depends on:

• the length of time since the vasectomy was performed.

• whether or not antibodies to sperm have developed.

• the method used for vasectomy and the length and location of the segments of vas

deferens that were removed or blocked.
Medicines To Help You 

Birth Control Guide 

Most Effective 

Least Effective

Methods 

Number of 

pregnancies 

expected per 

100 women 

How to use it Some Risks 

Sterilization Surgery 

for Women 1 One­time procedure; nothing to do or remember 

• Pain 

• Bleeding 

• Infection or other complications after surgery 

• Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy 

Surgical Sterilization 

Implant for Women 1 One­time procedure; 

nothing to do or remember 

• Mild to moderate pain after insertion 

• Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy 

Sterilization Surgery 

for Men 

1 One­time procedure; 

nothing to do or remember 

• Pain 

• Bleeding 

• Infection 

Implantable Rod 1 Nothing to do or remember 

lasts up to 3 years 

• Acne • Hair loss 

• Weight gain • Headache 

• Cysts of the ovaries • Upset stomach 

• Mood changes • Dizziness 

• Depression • Sore breasts 

• Lower interest in  • Changes in your

   sexual activity  periods 

IUD 1 Nothing to do or remember 

lasts 5­12 years 

• Cramps 

• Bleeding 

• Pelvic inflammatory disease 

• Infertility 

• Tear or hole in the uterus 

Shot/Injection 1 Need a shot every 3 months 

• Bone loss 

• Bleeding between periods 

• Weight gain 

• Breast tenderness 

• Headaches 

Oral Contraceptives 

(Combined Pill) 

“The Pill” 

5 Must swallow a pill every day 

• Dizziness • High blood pressure 

• Nausea • Blood clots 

• Changes in your cycle (period) • Heart attack 

• Changes in mood • Strokes 

• Weight gain 

Oral Contraceptive

(Progestin­only) 

“The Pill” 

5 Must swallow a pill every day 

• Irregular bleeding 

• Weight gain 

• Breast tenderness 

Oral Contraceptives 

Extended/Continuous Use 

“The Pill” 

5 Must swallow a pill every day 

• Risks are similar to other oral contraceptives 

• Bleeding 

• Spotting between periods 

Patch 5 Put on a new patch each week for 

three weeks (21 total days). Don’t 

put on a patch during the fourth 

week. 

• Exposure to higher average levels of estrogen than

   most oral contraceptives 

Vaginal Contraceptive 

Ring 

5 

Put the ring into the vagina yourself. 

Keep the ring in your vagina for 

three weeks and then take it out 

for one week. 

• Vaginal discharge 

• Swelling of the vagina 

• Irritation 

• Similar to oral contraceptives 

Male Condom 11­16 

Must use every time you have sex; 

requires partner’s cooperation. 

Except for abstinence, latex 

condoms are the best protection 

against HIV/AIDS and other STIs. 

• Allergic reactions 

Diaphragm with 

Spermicide 15 Must use every time you have sex 

• Irritation 

• Allergic reactions 

• Urinary tract infection 

• Toxic shock 

Sponge with 

Spermicide 

16­32 Must use every time you have sex 

• Irritation 

• Allergic reactions 

• Hard time removing 

• Toxic shock 

Cervical Cap 

with Spermicide 17­23 Must use every time you have sex 

• Irritation 

• Allergic reactions 

• Abnormal Pap test 

• Toxic shock 

Female Condom 20 Must use every time you have sex 

May give some protection 

against STIs 

• Irritation 

• Allergic reactions 

Spermicide 30 Must use every time you have sex • Irritation 

• Allergic reactions 

• Urinary tract infection 

Emergency Contraception — If your primary method of birth control fails 

Emergency Contraceptives 

“The Morning After Pill” 

15 

Must use within 72­120 hours 

of unprotected sex. 

It should not be used as a regular 

form of birth control. 

• Nausea 

• Vomiting 

• Abdominal pain 

• Fatigue 

• Headache 

s 

FDA Office of Women’s Health  http://www.fda.gov/womens                                                                                                            2011