Choosing a birth control method

Things to consider:

• How effective does it have to be?

Pregnancies per 10,000 couples per year with each method:

Pregnancies per 10,000 couples per year with each method:

Pregnancies per 10,000 couples per year with each method:

Things to consider

• How often do I have to think about it?

How often do I have to think about it?

• Vasectomy/Tubal ligation: once per lifetime
• Paragard IUD: once every 12 years
• Mirena/Skyla IUD: once every 7 years

How often do I have to think about it?

• Depo-Provera shot: once every 3 months
• Nuva Ring: once every 21 days
• Birth control patch: once every 7 days

How often do I have to think about it?

• Condoms, withdrawal, cervical cap, diaphragm: every time you have sex
• Birth control pills, rhythm method: every day

Things to consider

• Do I need to see a health care practitioner?

Most methods do require a clinic visit!

Over-the-counter birth control:

• Male & female condoms
• The sponge
• Spermicide

No equipment needed birth control:

• Withdrawal
• The rhythm method

Things to consider

• Are hormones OK?

Hormonal methods may be dangerous for:

• Smokers
• Women over 35
• Women with a history of blood clots

Hormones may cause side effects:

• Acne, weight gain, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, nausea, spotting, mood changes, lower sex drive

Hormones can also have positive side effects:

• Reduced acne, weight loss, less painful/heavy periods, less PMS, more regular cycle, reduced facial hair

Even if one hormonal method doesn't work for you, another might!

Bay Area resources:

• Planned Parenthood Oakland: 510-300-3800
• Berkeley Free Clinic 510-548-2570
• Women's Community Clinic 415-379-7800