Contraceptives Methods

There is a wide variety of contraceptive methods available for your use, but knowing what one is right for you may take trial and error. Contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy and consist of everything from ideas to chemicals. No contraceptive method is 100 percent, but some get awfully close and make worry-free sex a reality.

Condoms: Condoms do not only prevent pregnancy; the risk of getting some STDS, like AIDs, is also reduced by the use of a condom. Condoms actually come in male and female varieties; the female condom is a plastic sheath with a ring at each end and is inserted into the vagina before sex. Both condoms can break or fail if used incorrectly.

Chemical Methods: A birth control pill, shot and patch is available for use by women. All three methods introduce hormones into the body meant to prevent pregnancy and carry side effects like weight gain and skin problems. The pill, shot and patch must be used according to the stipulated dosage system in order to work effectively.

Insertions: A diaphragm or cervical cap are plastic devices placed onto the cervix to prevent sperm from entering. IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are small devices typically made of plastic and copper. The IUD is inserted into the womb to head off sperm, thicken the cervical barrier and alter secretions.

Surgeries: A man can have a vasectomy performed to end fertility. The vas on each side of the scrotum--small tube that carries sperm from the testicles--is cut through and sealed at both ends. The surgery involves a small incision in the scrotum and is done in one day. A woman can choose from different methods of surgical sterilization, but the procedure generally involves blocking the fallopian tubes and requires more recovery time than a vasectomy.

Rhythm Method: The rhythm method involves only having sex during the time the woman is the least fertile, as determined by the woman's ovulation cycle.

Abstinence: Abstinence is a birth control "method" based on the idea that the only sure way not to get pregnant is to not have sex. While that is undoubtedly true, raging hormones may make the concept a bit hard to stick to.

"Pulling Out:" Some couples use the "withdrawal" method--the man pulls his penis out before sperm enters his partner. The success rate of withdrawal depends on a lot factors, including how drunk you are at the time.