Hello Uncle_dan~
There are a whole host of options for putting off pregnancy. Which is
better really depends on what works best for the couple. Here is a
list of possibilities, with links to further information to help you
make a good choice.
? Diaphragms and Cervical Caps: This requires going to a physician and
having a ?cap? fitted to the woman?s body. It works by blocking the
passage of sperm from the vagina into the uterus. For more
information, see ?Diaphragms & Cervical Caps? at Planned Parenthood:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/DIAPHRAGMS.HTM Both the diaphragm
or cervical cap must be used with spermicide, available at all drug
stores for a few dollars. According to Planned Parenthood, Sixteen out
of 100 women using the diaphragm will become pregnant during the first
year of typical use. Six will become pregnant with perfect use.
? Condoms: There are two kinds of condoms?one style for men, and
another style for women. The kind for men is worn over the penis
during sex, preventing sperm from leaving it?s boundaries. Male
condoms have the bonus of helping prevent the spread of sexually
transmitted diseases (including AIDS). For more information on this,
see ?Condoms? by UHS: http://www.rochester.edu/uhs/condom.htm
According to Planned Parenthood, two women out of 100 will become
pregnant with this method, even if the condom is used perfectly.
(More, of course, if it is not.) Male condoms are about 50 cents a
piece, and a new one must be used every time you have sex. Both male
and female condoms work best if used with spermicide, which can be
purchased at any drug store for a few dollars. Female condoms are a
pouch that line the vagina; they also help protect against sexually
transmitted diseases. For more information, see ?The Female Condom? at
WSO: http://wso.williams.edu/orgs/peerh//sex/safesex/femcon.html
According to Planned Parenthood, female condoms are effective 75 to 95
% of the time. Female condoms cost about $2.50 a piece, and a new one
must be used every time you have sex.
? Contraceptive sponge: This is not an effective means of birth
control unless used with the condom. For more information, see ?What
Are Contraceptive Sponges?? by Columbia University:
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0395.html
? IUD: This requires going to a physician, who will insert a small
device into the woman?s uterus; it may last one to ten years. They are
98 to 99% effective, but may cause side effects in some women. For
more information, see ?IUD? at Women?s Health Information:
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/iudinfo.htm
? The Pill: This is the most popular method used today. The woman
takes a dosage of hormones, which prevents pregnancy. The pill is only
available from a doctor. Many women have side effects from the pill.
You must take the pill consistently, at the same time of day each day,
for it to be most effective. Some medications interfere with the pill,
so if you?re taking something, be sure to clear it with your doctor.
For more information on the pill, see ?The Pill? by Women?s Health
Information: http://fwhc.org/birth-control/thepill.htm According to
Planned Parenthood, eight out of 100 women will become pregnant on the
pill.
? Hormones in other forms: The Patch is literally a patch worn on the
arm that releases hormones into the woman?s body, much like the birth
control pill. The Patch must be changed at regular intervals to remain
effective, and some medications interfere with it. The same side
effects that bother women on the pill may also bother women on the
patch. For more information, see ?Is the Patch Right For You?? at
Planned Parenthood: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/030109_OrthoEvra.html
There?s also something called The Ring, which is inserted into the
vagina once a month and works in a similar fashion to the pill and the
patch. For more information, see ?Is The Ring Right For You?? at
Planned Parenthood: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/030109_NuvaRing.html
? Natural Planning: Great if other forms of birth control just aren?t
right for you, you are already married, and wouldn?t mind if you got
pregnant. However, this method usually involves not having sex during
certain times of the month, or withdrawing before the man ejaculates,
which not everybody likes. For more information, see ?Natural Family
Planning? at Ann Rose?s:
http://www.ultimatebirthcontrol.com/natural.html
Finally, if you hear about other methods, and want to know if they
work or not, consult a physician. Also, check out ?Myths about Birth
Control? by Teen Line Hawaii: http://www.pixi.com/~521teen/117.htm
Regards,
Kriswrite
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