What are the best options for contraception?

Methods of contraception

Sue L. McBride — When it comes to protecting yourself against pregnancy, the method that you choose is as personal as your choice of sexual partner. What you need to know, before you choose, is that no method of protection is 100 percent effective. Whether due to user error or the type of product that you choose, the only sure protection is avoiding sexual contact. Because abstinence is an unrealistic choice for many people, you need to educate yourself about the protection that is available to you.

1. Latex Condoms

If you are sexually active outside of marriage or a long-term, monogamous relationship, you should use a latex condom every time you have sex. Are they romantic? Not especially. Are they effective? They are considered to be the most effective. When used properly, a condom is over 90 percent effective in preventing pregnancy and the transmission of STDs. No matter your gender, you should always have a condom with you; just in case.

2. Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a device that looks something like a small, latex bowl. It is placed inside of the vagina, effectively covering the cervix. While diaphragms can be somewhat effective in preventing pregnancy and the transmission of STIs, it is typically not suggested that they be used as a sole means of protection. User error with diaphragms is high and, while diaphragms can trap semen before it enters the cervix, bacteria can still enter the system through tears or cuts in the vaginal wall. Additionally, diaphragms do nothing to protect men against STIs.

3. Female Condom

Though the female condom has failed to become a popular choice among the sexually active, it is an effective means of preventing pregnancy and the spread of STDs. Working much like the male version, the female condom is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. The device covers the cervix and lines the wall of the vagina. When used properly, the female condom is just as effective as the traditional, male condom.

4. Spermicide

When you couple a condom with spermicidal cream or jelly, you will be as protected as possible during sexual intercourse. Spermicide not only kills sperm, but it can kill many of the bacterium that is transferred during sexual intercourse. Spermicide may be applied directly to the condom or inserted into the vaginal canal; either method is an effective one. If you are unsure which spermicide is right for you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

5. Contraception

Do not confuse contraception and STD protection. Contraceptives like the birth control pill, patch, shot and ring do nothing to protect against sexually transmitted infections. While these products can protect against pregnancy and regulate the menstrual cycle, they will not protect against any STD. If you are using an oral, vaginal, or other type of hormonal contraceptive, you will need to use a barrier-type of protection, like a condom, if you want to protect yourself against STDs.

The protection that you choose should be a comfortable, easy-to-use and convenient one. If you choose a method that is unacceptable to your partner, find out why. If you don't feel that your partner's reason is good enough, find a new partner; it's your health that you're protecting.

And then there is abstinence.  Although some people maintain this is an extreme view of the problem, others see it as a reasonable alternative.  Whichever one is chosen, the emphasis is on that choice---or the degree of chance wants to take in avoiding pregnancy.



About the Author

Sue L. McBride writes public health articles.