Birth Control Methods
Birth Control
• There are many types of birth control
• There is not one “best” method for
everyone
• All methods of birth control are most
effective when used correctly and
consistently
Abstinence = 100% Effective
Abstinence = not having any type of sex, including
putting a penis in a vagina.
● How is it used correctly? Decide to wait and talk to your
partner. No semen goes inside vagina or around vulva.
● Where can you get it? Your values,
behavior, and your mind.
● Does it lower your risk for STDs? YES!
●
Condom
Common & Works Well
= 79-98% Effective
External Condom
How is it used correctly?
Pinch tip and unroll over
penis before sex. Use every
time.
Internal Condoms
How is it used correctly?
Put in vagina before sex.
Put penis in pouch during
sex. Use every time.
Where can you get it?
School nurse, free clinics, pharmacies, corner stores.
Does it lower your risk for STDs?
YES!
Hormonal Birth Control Works:
2. Stops ovulation: Prevents eggs from
coming out of the ovaries.
3. Thins the lining of the
uterus: Makes it more
challenging for a
fertilized egg to implant.
1. Thickens the cervical
mucous: Makes it
difficult for sperm to get
through.
Implant /IUD
Easy to use & HIGHLY Effective
= over 99%
IUD
How is it used correctly?
Implant
How is it used correctly?
“T” shaped plastic device
inserted into a uterus. Leave in
hormonal type for 3 or 5 years.
Leave in copper type for up to
10 years.
Thin, plastic implant inserted
under the skin in the upper arm.
Leave in for up to 3 years.
Where can you get it?
Free clinics, your doctor
Does it lower your risk for STDs?
NO!
Hormonal
Common & Works Really Well
= 92 - 99.7% Effective
more effective
less effective
HIGHER
chance of
user error
LOWER
chance of
user error
Doctor gives you an
injection every 12 weeks.
Make your appointments
early. Takes 1-2 weeks to
start working.
Insert in vagina.
Leave inside for 3
weeks. Remove
during 4th week.
Takes 1-2 weeks
to start working.
Stick patch to upper
arm, upper torso or
buttocks. Change every
week for 3 weeks. Takes
1-2 weeks to start
working.
Where can you get it?
Free clinics, your doctor
Does it lower your risk for STDs?
NO!
Take 1 pill every day
at the same time.
Takes 1-2 weeks to
start working.
Difficult to Use Correctly
= about 70-97% Effective
Emergency Contraception
How is it used correctly?
Take 1 or 2 pills ASAP. Can use
up to 5 days after unprotected
sex or condom failure.
Where can you get it?
Free clinics, Pharmacies
*Withdrawal or Pull-out Method
(Not recommended for teenagers)
How is it used correctly?
The penis is pulled out of the
vagina before ejaculation. No
semen inside vagina or around
vulva.
Where can you get it?
No device needed
Does it lower your risk for STIs?
NO!
What is the “best” method?
The best method of birth control is
the one that you think fits your life
best. It is a method that you (& your
partner) feel comfortable using and
that you will use correctly every
time!