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/