|  | Family Health | Family Planning

The Basic Facts About Contraception

Contraceptives are available for both men and women. Couple who are sexually active can prevent pregnancy through the use of contraceptives. Contraceptives can give couples the liberation to engage in sexual activity while drastically reducing the risk of pregnancy.

  1. Types

    • The most popular types of contraceptive methods are oral contraceptive, injectable contraceptive, IUD (intrauterine device), barrier method, contraceptive patch, spermicide and withdrawal.

    Effectiveness

    • According to Planned Parenthood, the IUD is over 99 percent effective. The oral, injectable and patch methods of contraception are 92 to 98 percent effective. Barrier methods are 75 to 85 percent effective and spermicide and withdrawal are approximately 70 percent effective.

    Considerations

    • Consider combining two or more methods (e.g. oral contraceptive and barrier method) of contraception minimizes the risk of pregnancy.

    Warning

    • Oral contraceptives that delay your menstrual cycle for three months or more (Yasmin, Quasense and Seasonique) may cause dangerous side effects, such as stroke, blood clotting and prolonged periods that may last three weeks or more.

    Plan B

    • You can take the Plan B pill up to 72 hours after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Plan B is an emergency contraceptive that is available to women ages 17 or older without a prescription at pharmacies.

Family Planning - Related Articles