Contraception - Overview
March 6th, 2008Contraception is used to prevent becoming pregnant. There are many different forms of contraception that are available, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
No contraceptive is 100% effective, except for abstinence.
In a normal couple that is not using any form of contraception, the chance of becoming pregnant in one year is 85%.
The chance of becoming pregnant in one year for each form of contraception is listed below:
- Oral contraceptives / Birth control pills / Nuva Ring / Ortho Evra Patch 3%
- Depo-Provera <1%
- IUD / Intrauterine Device 2%
- Implanon 1%
- Spermacides 20%
- Diaphragm with spermacide 18%
- Condom 12%
- The Today Sponge 15%
- Female Sterilization / Tubal ligation <1%
- Male Sterilization / Vasectomy <1%
In the following posts, I will discuss each method in more detail. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you have to feel comfortable with the method you chose, considering how effective it is, how convenient it is, and what the side effects are.