This article will examine a few contraceptive methods that are on the market today. Some are effective at also controlling sexually transmitted diseases and others are not. Which method is appropriate for you and your life?

What is abstinence? If you do not want to become pregnant, abstinence would then refer to not having intercourse during a period after ovulation when conception is the highest.

The advantages of abstinence:

It is free and everyone can use it

No sperm, no babies

There is no specific age limit to start or stop using it

No side effects

You are spending absolutely no money on birth control

The disadvantages of abstinence:

You may be in the mood during the wrong time of the month

Male Condoms: Latex condoms are excellent at preventing sexually transmitted diseases. They are also effect for birth control.

The advantage of the male condom:

Safe and effective at preventing the sperm from finding the egg and keeping STDs at bay

No office visit required to get fitted for anything

They are cost efficient and easy to buy

The disadvantages of the male condom;

They interrupt sex – unless the woman is adventurous and playful puts it on for her man

Erections may be hard to maintain

Emergency Contraception Pills (ECPs): are used in the prevention of pregnancy after unprotected sex and used in cases where a woman has been raped. This consists of two large doses of birth control pills and can be taken within 72 hours after the woman has had unprotected sex.

The advantages of the Emergency Contraception Pills:

ECPs are specifically designed to prevent an unwanted pregnancy

Taking an ECP will prevent an abortion and are more cost effective

The can be purchased and kept with you in case of an emergency

The disadvantages of the Emergency Contraception Pills:

They can cause nausea or vomiting

They are not as effective as several other forms of contraceptives

They are not intended to replace your normal method of birth control

They do not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases

They can be expensive sometimes more than $100

Emergency Postcoital Insertion of an IUD: You can insert this IUD after intercourse. You can insert it up to five to eight days afterwards to protect against pregnancy. This device is inserted into the uterus after unprotected sex. This device prevents the implantation of the fertilized egg.

The advantages of the Emergency Postcoital Insertion of an IUD:

The device can be inserted as much as five to eight days after unprotected sex

The IUD can be used up to twelve years

Fertility is only interrupted during the time the IUD is in place

The disadvantages of the Emergency Postcoital Insertion of an IUD:

There may be some cramping at the time of insertion

You may experience increased cramping or bleeding with your cycle

IUDs are not effective at preventing sexually transmitted diseases

This method is expensive though, if you use it for the twelve years it can be cost effective

Spermicidal Contraceptive Foam: The woman uses an applicator to insert foam in her vagina. This foam kills the sperm on contact along with blocking the sperm from entering the cervix.

The advantages of Spermicidal Contraceptive Foam:

This is available without a prescription

Insertion can take place twenty minutes prior to intercourse

No hormones involved – no side effects

The man does not need to withdrawal his penis after ejaculation

Lubrication is increased with the foam

This method can be used when a woman is breastfeeding

The disadvantages of Spermicidal Contraceptive Foam;

Possible irritation to the vagina

There is no protection against sexually transmitted diseases

The foam can interrupt sex if not used before

It is not discrete as far as carrying it with you

Film (VCF): This is a very small sheet of film that is soaked with spermicide. This is to be placed on or near the cervix. When this happens, it dissolves in seconds. The insertion should take place at least one hour before intercourse but you could insert it approximately fifteen minutes beforehand.

The advantages of using Film (VCF):

Very easy to use

No prescription is needed

Able to use during breastfeeding

The disadvantages of using Film (VCF):

The effectiveness is less than other contraceptive methods available

It is only good for intercourse one time

It possibly could cause irritation around the vagina or cervix

There is no protection against sexually transmitted diseases

Other forms of birth control on the market include:

Combined Birth Control Pills

Contraceptive patches

Nuva Ring

Depo-Provera

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