Contraception
Sex and Your Teen
by Pamela M. Peeke, MD, MPH
Today, nearly 70 percent of all high school seniors engage in sexual intercourse before graduating, one in eight contracts a sexually transmitted disease (STD) each year and more than 80 percent of all STD cases occur among those under 29.
And, an estimated one in five adolescent girls has an STD and doesn't know it. If you're a parent - even if your child is still in diapers - I bet you're white-knuckled with fear right about now. Don't be.
The Pill Isn't Your Only Choice for Birth Control
Choosing whether to have a baby and when to have one are among the biggest decisions a woman makes. For most women, it's important to have some control over these choices, and that's why many women use contraceptives at various stages of their lives. If you are a sexually active young woman who is not ready to have children, it's important to use a contraceptive that works for you.
More U.S. Women Turning to Long-Acting Contraceptives: CDC
Pill remains leading method of choice, but devices such as IUDs becoming more popular
THURSDAY, Oct. 18 (HealthDay News) -- A new survey of American women's contraceptive preferences show that while the Pill is still the favorite method, long-acting alternatives such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) are gaining ground.
One method of preventing pregnancy that is losing ground: condoms.
Withdrawal
Effectiveness: 82 to 96 percent (4-27 pregnancies per 100 women each year).
What is it? Your partner pulls his penis out of your vagina before climax and ejaculation. Also called pulling out or coitus interruptus. Effectiveness depends on the male's self-knowledge and self-control.
Spermicides
Effectiveness: 71 to 82 percent. (15-29 pregnancies per 100 women each year; when used alone, spermicide is not very effective, but it increases the effectiveness of other barrier methods of contraception).
What is it? Spermicides are chemicals, primarily Nonoxynol-9, that kill sperm. They come in the form of foam, gel, cream, suppository or vaginal contraceptive film.
Cervical Cap (FemCap)
Effectiveness: 80 to 90 percent for women who have not given birth; 60 to 74 percent for women who have given birth (14 pregnancies per 100 women each year who have never been pregnant or given birth vaginally; 29 pregnancies per 100 women each year who have given birth vaginally, and it's more effective when used with spermicidal cream or gel).
Sponge (Today Sponge)
Effectiveness: 84 to 91 percent for women who have not given birth; 68 to 80 percent for women who have given birth (9-12 pregnancies per 100 women each year who have not given birth; 20-24 pregnancies per 100 women each year who have previously given birth).
What is it? It's small round bowl-shaped piece of synthetic sponge, containing spermicide, with a nylon loop attached to the bottom for removal.
Female Condom
Effectiveness: 79 to 95 percent; effectiveness is reduced if it slips or tears (5-21 pregnancies per 100 women each year).
What is it? A soft, loose lubricated polyurethane pouch that fits inside your vagina and has flexible rings at each end to hold it in place. It is coated inside and out with lubricant.
Diaphragm
Effectiveness: 84 to 94 percent when used with spermicidal cream or gel (6-12 pregnancies per 100 women each year.)
What is it? It's a soft, flexible latex dome or cup about 2½ inches across that you fill with spermicide and insert into your vagina over your cervix.
Birth Control Options Chart
Not sure what birth control to use? Whether you’re considering birth control for the first time or whether you’re at a different stage of life and are reevaluating your choice, this chart can help you find the method that’s best for you. Be sure to discuss your options with your health care provider.
