Contraceptive Spreadsheet

Type Description Pro's Con's Barrier/Hormonal/Other Effective %

Abstinence * Choosing not to engage in sexual intercourse * Extremely effective in preventing pregnancy and infection

* Can be practiced at any time in one's life

* May help people build relationships in other ways * In case you change your mind, birth control might be handy Perfection 100%

Condoms * Made of latex and prevents body fluids from mixing when two people have sex * Safe at preventing pregnancy and some infections

* The best method of preventing infections * STI's can still be transmitted

* Must avoid tearing the condom

* Oil based lubricants can cause a hole in the condom

* Some are sensitive or allergic to latex Barrier 86%

The Pill * Stops ovulation and inhibits the movement of sperm * Safer than pregnancy and delivery

* Reduced risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer

* Reduce PMS symptoms

* Reduce menstrual blood loss and anemia * No protection against STI's

* Must take pill at the same time everyday

* Missed or very light periods

* Headaches and/or depression Hormonal 95%

IUD * Small device placed into the uterine cavity * Excellent at preventing pregnancy

* Effective for at least 10 years

* Prevents ectopic pregnancies

* Protects against endometrial cancer

* Convenient, Safe, & Private * No protection against STI's

* Cramping, pains, or spotting

* Number of bleeding days is slightly higher

* Professional insertion

* Few women are allergic Barrier 99%

Plan B * Can prevent pregnancy up to five days after having unprotected sex * Will not harm an egg that has finished implanting * Can make you nauseous, dizzy, or tired

* May cause vomiting, headaches, and/or sore breasts Hormonal 87.50%

Tubal Ligation * Surgical procedure in which a woman's fallopian tubes are clamped and blocked, or severed and sealed * Immediate and highly effective protection against unexpected pregnancy

* Protects women whose lives would be in danger if they were to conceive

* Permanent method of birth control

* Risky procedure

* No protection against STI's

* Permanent method of birth control

* Abnormal bleeding and bladder infections

* Post-tubal ligation syndrome Permanent 99%

Vasectomy * Surgical procedure where the vasa deferentia of a man are severed, and then tied/sealed to prevent ejaculation * Immediate and highly effective protection against unexpected pregnancy

* Safer than a tubal ligation

* Permanent method of