Oral Contraceptive
ADVANTAGES
- Effective and reversible
- Periods are more regular and menstrual cramps are decreased
- Decreases acne
- Decreases the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer
- 92% effective with typical use*
DISADVANTAGES
- Must remember to take everyday
- A possible side effect is irregular bleeding or spotting
- May cause nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches
- May increase risk of blood clots if you smoke
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
- Requires a prescription
99.7% EFFECTIVE when used
PERFECTLY
Transdermal Patch
ADVANTAGES
- Effective and reversible
- Once a week
- Periods are more regular and menstrual cramps are reduced
- 92% effective with typical use
DISADVANTAGES
- Possible side effects include irregular bleeding or spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, and headache
- Possible skin irritation where the patch is applied
- Patch may detach from the skin (< 2%)
- May increase risk of blood clotsDoes not protect against STIs
- Requires a prescription
99.7% EFFECTIVE when used
PERFECTLY
Male Condoms
ADVANTAGES
- No prescription required
- Protect against STIs
- May help to avoid premature ejaculation
- 98% effective when used PERFECTLY
- 85% effective with typical use
DISADVANTAGES
- Must be stored and handled properly
- Possible allergic reaction to material i.e. latex
- Must not be used with oil lubricants
- Must be available at time of intercourse
- May slip or break
- May reduce sensitivity for either partner
- Check the expiration date!!
98% EFFECTIVE when used
PERFECTLY
IUDs– Intrauterine Device
ADVANTAGES
- Effective and long acting
- Does not contain estrogen
- Does not interfere with intercourse
- Decreases menstrual bleeding and cramping
- May decrease endometriosis pain
- May decrease the risk of precancerous cells developing in the uterus
- 20-30% of women will stop having periods
- 99.9% effective
DISADVANTAGES
- Possible side effects include irregular bleeding or spotting
- Perforation of the uterus may occur at the time of insertion (rare)
- May fall out in up to 6% of women
- Does not protect against STIs
99.9% EFFECTIVE
Female Condoms
ADVANTAGES
- No prescription required
- Protects against some sexually transmitted infections
- 95% effective when used PERFECTLY
- 79% effective with typical use
DISADVANTAGES
- Must be available at the time of intercourse
- Needs to be inserted properly
- More expensive than male condoms
- May slip or break
95% EFFECTIVE when used
PERFECTLY
Injectable Contraception
ADVANTAGES
- Effective and reversible
- Does not contain estrogen
- Only four times per year
- May be suitable for breastfeeding women
- A female may completely stop having periods
- Improves symptoms of endometriosis
- Decreases the risk of endometrial cancer
- 99.7% effective when used PERFECTLY
DISADVANTAGES
- Irregular bleeding is a common side effect
- Causes a decrease in bone mineral density (may be reversible if injection is stopped)
- May cause weight gain
- Delay in getting pregnant when injection is stopped
- Does not protect against STIs
99.7% EFFECTIVE when used
PERFECTLY
Vaginal Contraceptive Ring
ADVANTAGES
- Effective and reversible
- Once a month contraception
- Makes periods more regular
- Does not interfere with intercourse
- 99.7% effective when used PERFECTLY
- 92% effective with typical use
DISADVANTAGES
- Possible side effects include irregular bleeding or spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, and headache
- May cause vaginal discomfort or irritation (uncommon)
- Ring may fall out (uncommon)
99.7% EFFECTIVE when used
PERFECTLY
Contraception. (2017). Sex & U Web Site. Retrieved from http://www.sexandu.ca/contraception/