If you are sexually active and want to prevent pregnancy, there are many contraceptive options available to you. Some products are prescription-only, while others may be bought over the counter. What is comfortable for one woman may not be comfortable for another, so the contraceptive choice is a personal one, and you may have to try more than one to find the right one for you.
Female Condoms
Female condoms consist of a plastic pouch with rings on either end. Right before intercourse, you insert it into your vagina. The ring on the closed end keeps the pouch in the vagina, and the ring on the open end is on the outside of your vagina for intercourse. The female condom covers the inside of the vagina, preventing sperm from entering. The female condom is over the counter, and also helps reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
An IUD is a small "T" shaped product that is inserted into the uterus by a health care provider, and prevents pregnancy by affecting the way sperm move and changing the lining of the uterus. The IUD with progestin, Mirena, uses the hormone progestin to prevent ovulation, which helps prevent pregnancy. The two IUDs in the United States are ParaGard, which can be kept in the body for up to 12 years; and Mirena, which can be left in the body for up to five years. Neither IUD protects against sexually transmitted infections or HIV.
Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)
NuvaRing is a prescription-only vaginal ring that you insert into your vagina monthly for three weeks. It releases hormones that are in birth control pills, estrogen and progestin, that prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, thereby helping to prevent pregnancy. The vaginal ring does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections or HIV.
Birth Control pill, patch, and shot
Birth control pills, or "the pill," are prescription-only daily pills that contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, although some pills are progestin-only. These hormones mimic the hormones in your body and help prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining. The birth control patch (brand name OrthoEvra), also prescription-only, contains the same hormones as the pill and works the same way, but it is in a patch that releases the hormones through your skin. Depo-Provera is the brand name for the prescription birth control shot, and this shot is administered by your health care provider every three months. The shot only has one hormone, progestin, which works in the same ways as the combination birth control methods listed above. None of these methods protects against sexually transmitted infections or HIV.
Diaphragm
According to plannedparenthood.com, a diaphragm is a shallow, flexible cup made out of latex that is inserted into the vagina and covers the cervix. To help maximize the effectiveness of this birth control method, a diaphragm should be used with spermicide cream. When it is covering the cervix, the diaphragm prevents sperm from reaching the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus, and the spermicide helps immobilize any sperm. A healthcare provider will fit you for a diaphragm that fits your body. It does not help protect against sexually transmitted infections or HIV.
