Contraceptives: Protecting Yourselves
Type: Continued Abstinence
Contraceptive: Abstinence
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: YES
Typical Effectiveness: 100%
Cost: Free
Availability: Personal choice
How it works: Individuals restrain from having sexual intercourse.
How to Use: Just say no repeatedly.
Contraceptive: The Pill
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 92 to 99.7% (if used properly)
Cost: $15.00 to $40.00/month Pills can be obtained for $7.00/pack through the Middlesex London Health Unit. Call 519-663-5446 for information.
Availability: Prescription
How it works: There are 2 types of pills: Progestin-Only and Combination Pills. Both pills work by thickening the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize egg.
Additionally, Combination Pills prevent ovulation all together.
How to Use: Take one pill each day at the same time everyday.
For 28-day Packs continuously take a pill every day, starting a new package immediately after one is empty.
For 21-day Packs, stop taking pills for 7 days (usually during your period) and resume on the 28th day with a new pack*
Contraceptive: Male Condom
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: YES (Not HPV or Herpes)
Typical Effectiveness: 85 to 95% (if used properly)
Cost: Approx. $1.00 to $10.00 for single or package
Availability: Over the counter
How it works: Condoms cover the man's penis during sexual intercourse and collect semen before, during, and after he ejaculates, preventing sperm from entering the vagina.
How to Use: The condom should be placed on the erect penis prior to any contact with the vagina and carefully removed immediately fter ejaculation.*
Contraceptive: Depo Provera Shot (DMPA)
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 97 to 99.7% (if used properly)
Cost: $30.00 to $75.00 per shot
Availability: Must be injected by a physician following a physical evaluation and a complete review of health history.
How it works: Progestin is injected into the blood stream and thickens the cervical mucus, suppressing ovulation. Similar to birth control pills. Completely prevents ovulation so there is no egg for sperm to fertilize. The shot must be given every 3 months and will only provide pregnancy protection during that time.
How to Use: Schedule appointments so injections can be administered every 12 weeks. Use back-up method (like a condom) if injection appointment is missed.
Contraceptive: Contraceptive Patch
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 92 to 99.7% (if used properly)
Cost: $30.00 to $40.00/month
Availability: Requires prescription
How it works: The patch releases a steady flow of synthetic estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream to protect against pregnancy for 7 days. Similar to The Pill, the hormones thicken the cervical mucus to restrict the sperm from entering the uterus. The patch also prevents ovulation and causes changes in the uterine lining that reduce implantation.
How to Use: A woman places the patch directly on skin, using a new patch each week for 3 weeks. In the 4th week, she does not wear a patch. The patch can be worn on 1 of 4 places on the body, allowing for discretion and personal comfort.*
Contraceptive: Sponge
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 84 to 87% (if used properly)
Cost: $7.50 to $10.00 each
Availability: Over the counter
How it works: The sponge is a soft, round barrier device that is about two inches in diameter. It covers the cervix (opening to the uterus), and blocks sperm from entering it. The sponge continuously releases spermicide, killing sperm on contact. Good for 24 hours, you can have sex as many times as you want in 24 hours with only one sponge!
How to Use: Prior to engaging in sexual activities, the woman moistens the sponge with water (to activate the spermicide) and inserts it into her vagina. Can be inserted up to 24 hours prior to intercourse and should be left in place at least 6 hours after sex.
Contraceptive: Plan B (Morning After Pill)
Prevents Pregnancy: YES (if used within 72 of intercourse)
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 89% (if used properly)
Cost: $45.00
Availability: Over the counter
How it works: Used as an Emergency Contraceptive, Plan B contains 2 pills to be taken orally. The pills contain progestin hormone, which prevents fertilization by preventing the sperm from joining the egg. Effective ‘back up' when a condom breaks, diaphragm moves, sponge is removed prematurely or when forced into unprotected sex.
How to Use: Pills can be taken orally up to 72 hours after intercourse.
Contraceptive: IUD (Intrauterine Device)
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 99.2 to 99.4%
Cost: Initial insertion of the IUD can cost anywhere from $175 to $500
Copper lasts for 10 years
Mirena lasts for 5 years
Availability: Implanted by a physician following a physical evaluation and a complete review of health history
How it works: Small “T-shaped” device that is inserted into the opening of the uterus. Its presence reduces a fertilized egg's likelihood to become implanted in the uterus.
There are 2 types:
ParaGara: wrapped in copper which acts as a spermicide
Mirena: releases progestin continuously over 5 years
How to Use: Once the IUD is inserted, there is really nothing for the woman to do. There are short strings attached to the device and once a month a woman can check to ensure the IUD is still intact if she prefers, but no additional action is required.
Contraceptive: Female Condom
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: YES
Typical Effectiveness: 79 to 95% (if used properly)
Cost: $2.50 to $5.00
Availability: Over the counter
How it works: Female condoms are polyurethane (plastic) pouches with flexible rings at each end. It collects semen and prevents the sperm from entering the woman's body.
How to Use: If you can insert a tampon, you can do this. You will probably want to “trial run” before the first time. As with a male condom; insert prior to any contact with penis and remove carefully as to not spill any semen*
Contraceptive: Spermicide
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 71 to 85% (if used properly)
Cost: $10.00 to $20.00
Availability: Over the counter
How it works: Spermicide is available as foams, film, creams, suppositories & jellies. The spermicide forms a barrier against sperm. These products should be placed deep into the vagina right before intercourse where they will then melt or foam.
How to Use: Foams are inserted into vagina using a ‘plunger” within 30 minutes of having sex* Jellies are squeezed onto an applicator and inserted into vagina at the cervix. Jellies also provide lubrication*
*FOLLOW MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS CLOSELY AND READ ALL PACKAGE INSERTS FOR WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS PRIOR TO USE.
Contraceptive: Abstinence
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: YES
Typical Effectiveness: 100%
Cost: Free
Availability: Personal choice
How it works: Individuals restrain from having sexual intercourse.
How to Use: Just say no repeatedly.
Contraceptive: The Pill
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 92 to 99.7% (if used properly)
Cost: $15.00 to $40.00/month Pills can be obtained for $7.00/pack through the Middlesex London Health Unit. Call 519-663-5446 for information.
Availability: Prescription
How it works: There are 2 types of pills: Progestin-Only and Combination Pills. Both pills work by thickening the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize egg.
Additionally, Combination Pills prevent ovulation all together.
How to Use: Take one pill each day at the same time everyday.
For 28-day Packs continuously take a pill every day, starting a new package immediately after one is empty.
For 21-day Packs, stop taking pills for 7 days (usually during your period) and resume on the 28th day with a new pack*
Contraceptive: Male Condom
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: YES (Not HPV or Herpes)
Typical Effectiveness: 85 to 95% (if used properly)
Cost: Approx. $1.00 to $10.00 for single or package
Availability: Over the counter
How it works: Condoms cover the man's penis during sexual intercourse and collect semen before, during, and after he ejaculates, preventing sperm from entering the vagina.
How to Use: The condom should be placed on the erect penis prior to any contact with the vagina and carefully removed immediately fter ejaculation.*
Contraceptive: Depo Provera Shot (DMPA)
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 97 to 99.7% (if used properly)
Cost: $30.00 to $75.00 per shot
Availability: Must be injected by a physician following a physical evaluation and a complete review of health history.
How it works: Progestin is injected into the blood stream and thickens the cervical mucus, suppressing ovulation. Similar to birth control pills. Completely prevents ovulation so there is no egg for sperm to fertilize. The shot must be given every 3 months and will only provide pregnancy protection during that time.
How to Use: Schedule appointments so injections can be administered every 12 weeks. Use back-up method (like a condom) if injection appointment is missed.
Contraceptive: Contraceptive Patch
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 92 to 99.7% (if used properly)
Cost: $30.00 to $40.00/month
Availability: Requires prescription
How it works: The patch releases a steady flow of synthetic estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream to protect against pregnancy for 7 days. Similar to The Pill, the hormones thicken the cervical mucus to restrict the sperm from entering the uterus. The patch also prevents ovulation and causes changes in the uterine lining that reduce implantation.
How to Use: A woman places the patch directly on skin, using a new patch each week for 3 weeks. In the 4th week, she does not wear a patch. The patch can be worn on 1 of 4 places on the body, allowing for discretion and personal comfort.*
Contraceptive: Sponge
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 84 to 87% (if used properly)
Cost: $7.50 to $10.00 each
Availability: Over the counter
How it works: The sponge is a soft, round barrier device that is about two inches in diameter. It covers the cervix (opening to the uterus), and blocks sperm from entering it. The sponge continuously releases spermicide, killing sperm on contact. Good for 24 hours, you can have sex as many times as you want in 24 hours with only one sponge!
How to Use: Prior to engaging in sexual activities, the woman moistens the sponge with water (to activate the spermicide) and inserts it into her vagina. Can be inserted up to 24 hours prior to intercourse and should be left in place at least 6 hours after sex.
Contraceptive: Plan B (Morning After Pill)
Prevents Pregnancy: YES (if used within 72 of intercourse)
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 89% (if used properly)
Cost: $45.00
Availability: Over the counter
How it works: Used as an Emergency Contraceptive, Plan B contains 2 pills to be taken orally. The pills contain progestin hormone, which prevents fertilization by preventing the sperm from joining the egg. Effective ‘back up' when a condom breaks, diaphragm moves, sponge is removed prematurely or when forced into unprotected sex.
How to Use: Pills can be taken orally up to 72 hours after intercourse.
Contraceptive: IUD (Intrauterine Device)
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 99.2 to 99.4%
Cost: Initial insertion of the IUD can cost anywhere from $175 to $500
Copper lasts for 10 years
Mirena lasts for 5 years
Availability: Implanted by a physician following a physical evaluation and a complete review of health history
How it works: Small “T-shaped” device that is inserted into the opening of the uterus. Its presence reduces a fertilized egg's likelihood to become implanted in the uterus.
There are 2 types:
ParaGara: wrapped in copper which acts as a spermicide
Mirena: releases progestin continuously over 5 years
How to Use: Once the IUD is inserted, there is really nothing for the woman to do. There are short strings attached to the device and once a month a woman can check to ensure the IUD is still intact if she prefers, but no additional action is required.
Contraceptive: Female Condom
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: YES
Typical Effectiveness: 79 to 95% (if used properly)
Cost: $2.50 to $5.00
Availability: Over the counter
How it works: Female condoms are polyurethane (plastic) pouches with flexible rings at each end. It collects semen and prevents the sperm from entering the woman's body.
How to Use: If you can insert a tampon, you can do this. You will probably want to “trial run” before the first time. As with a male condom; insert prior to any contact with penis and remove carefully as to not spill any semen*
Contraceptive: Spermicide
Prevents Pregnancy: YES
Helps to Prevent The Transfer of STI: NO
Typical Effectiveness: 71 to 85% (if used properly)
Cost: $10.00 to $20.00
Availability: Over the counter
How it works: Spermicide is available as foams, film, creams, suppositories & jellies. The spermicide forms a barrier against sperm. These products should be placed deep into the vagina right before intercourse where they will then melt or foam.
How to Use: Foams are inserted into vagina using a ‘plunger” within 30 minutes of having sex* Jellies are squeezed onto an applicator and inserted into vagina at the cervix. Jellies also provide lubrication*
*FOLLOW MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS CLOSELY AND READ ALL PACKAGE INSERTS FOR WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS PRIOR TO USE.
