The following table outlines different methods of birth control. Read this carefully and you’ll learn what they are, how they work and how effective they can be when used correctly.
Type of birth control | What is it? | How it works | Effectiveness | Consider this |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oral Contraceptives (The Pill) | Birth control pills taken daily. | Uses female hormones to prevent pregnancy. | >99% effective |
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Contraceptive Patch | A small, square beige patch that sticks to a woman’s skin. | Uses female hormones to prevent pregnancy (similar to The Pill). | >99% effective |
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Vaginal Ring | A soft, flexible, clear plastic ring inserted into the vagina. | Uses female hormones to prevent pregnancy (similar to The Pill). | >98% effective |
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Intra-Uterine Device (IUD) | A small, T-shaped device with a copper wire inserted into the uterus. | The copper wire changes the chemistry in the uterus and destroys sperm. | 98-99% effective Provides up to 5 years of contraception |
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Diaphragm | A saucer-shaped disk with a flexible spring rim that covers the cervix. | Prevents sperm from entering the uterus. | 80-94% effective with spermicide Lasts for several years |
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Cervical Cap | A deep latex cap that fits inside the vagina against the cervix. | Prevents sperm from entering the uterus. | 80-91% effective with spermicide |
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Contraceptive Sponge | A soft, round piece of foam, with low concentrations of spermicide. | Prevents sperm from entering the uterus. Spermicides kills sperm. | 75-90% effective One sponge can be used for up to 12 hours of sexual intercourse Most effective when used with a condom |
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Condoms | Male condom - thin sheath that rolls down over the penis. Female condom - thin sheath inserted into the vagina. | Prevents sperm from entering the vagina. | Male condom is 86-97% effective Female condom is 79-85% effective Male condom is most effective when used with another contraceptive Both help prevent sexually transmitted diseases |
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Spermicide | A cream (only for use with diaphragms), gel, foam, film or suppository, inserted into the vagina and used in combination with other methods of birth control. | Applied to the vagina to kill sperm. | Effective only when used in combination with a condom, cervical cap, or diaphragm |
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Adapted from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist of Canada, Clinical Practice Guidelines: Canadian Contraception Consensus, 2015.
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Birth Control Information
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