It is critical to be educated about all forms of birth control. Few forms of birth control also prevent STDs or HIV.
Birth Control That Protects Against STDs
According to Web MD, only condoms and remaining abstinent have the power to protect against sexually transmitted disease.
Abstinence: Abstaining from sex is 100% effective at preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Condoms: Both male and female condoms help protect against pregnancy and provide a level of protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If a condom is always used correctly, it is 97% effective at protecting pregnancy.
Birth Control That Does Not Protect Against STDs
In order of effectiveness, here are the birth control methods that prevent pregnancy but do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Note: Each method is only as effective as it claims if used properly.
Sterilization: Vasectomies and tubal ligations are surgical procedures, and both can be both costly and difficult to reverse and should be considered permanent. Both methods are 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Essure: This is a new form of sterilization for a woman. Essure are tiny springs that are placed into the fallopian tubes along with a substance that causes scarring and sterilization of the tubes over time. It is about 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy starting three months after the procedure.
Birth Control Pill: The oral contraceptive stops the egg from releasing from the ovary, changes the cervical mucus to make it inhospitable for sperm, and makes the lining of the womb inhospitable for implantation. It must be taken every day, close to the same time each day. There are many different pills on the market, each containing different percentages of hormones. The side effects include nausea, weight gain, mood changes, sore breasts, spotting between periods, and more. The pill is 99.9% effective against pregnancy.
Depo-Provera: This is a hormone shot given to women that protects against pregnancy for up to 12 weeks. It works immediately after the first shot if given within five days of the start of a menstrual period. Side effects include irregular periods, headaches, weight gain and more. Depo-Provera is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
OrthoEvra: This birth control patch can be worn on the body for one week at a time and must be replaced each week. It releases the same hormones as the birth control pill. Side effects of OrthoEvra include breast tenderness, nausea, or headache. OrthoEvra is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Implanon: A tiny rod is implanted into a woman’s upper arm to release a steady stream of hormones for up to three years to prevent pregnancy. It is 99% effective, but is still relatively new on the market and needs additional research.
NuvaRing: The ring releases the same hormones as the pill, but it is inserted manually into the vagina and left there for three weeks. It is only removed during the menstrual period. Side effects include headache, weight gain, and nausea. When used correctly, NuvaRing is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.
IUD: The intrauterine device is a small plastic object that is placed into the uterus to prevent pregnancy through use of hormones and copper. One type can be kept in place for five years, and one for ten years. It rarely causes serious side effects. The IUD is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Spermicides: Spermicides contain chemicals that destroy sperm. When used alone, spermicides are only about 75% effective at preventing pregnancy, but if used properly with a condom, they can be up to 97% effective.
Sponge: The sponge is a device that is coated with spermicide and inserted into the vagina to kill sperm cells and trap sperm before they can enter the cervix. The sponge is approximately 90% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Plan B: Plan B is not a regular form of birth control. Plan B is for emergency contraception only, in instances where a condom broke, a woman forgot to take a pill, or sex was unexpected. Plan B prevents pregnancy by stopping the release of the egg into the ovary and prevents the egg from being fertilized by the sperm. It does not cause an abortion. It should be used within 72 hours after intercourse and lowers the chance of pregnancy to 89%.
Diaphragm: This round piece of flexible rubber is placed into the vagina just before intercourse. It prevents sperm from entering the womb and should be used with a spermicide. The diaphragm is only approximately 87% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Rhythm Method: Also called natural family planning, this involves a woman learning to be aware of her fertile days and avoiding them if she does not wish to become pregnant. It is most effective for women with regular, predictable cycles. It is less than 87% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Cervical Cap: The cap is a tiny cup made out of silicone that fits over the cervix and is used with a spermicide. It is inserted into the vagina before sex. The cap prevents sperm from entering the cervix and should not be removed for at least six hours after intercourse. The cervical cap is only about 86% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Cervical Shield: This is also a tiny cup with a valve that uses suction to stay properly snug against the cervix. It is used with a spermicide and should be inserted into the vagina just before sex. It should also not be removed until at least eight hours after intercourse. The cervical shield is only about 85% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Vaginal Contraceptive Film: This contains spermicide and is placed in the vagina about fifteen minutes prior to sexual intercourse. It is only effective for about one hour. The film alone is only about 80% effective at preventing pregnancy.
There are over a dozen birth control methods on the market that prevent pregnancy to some degree but do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Partners should not be afraid to learn each other’s sexual history and to recommend testing for disease before intercourse. Every sexually active person has the responsibility to care for his or her body and to protect against unwanted pregnancy and disease.
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