Date: 8/6/15
To help you choose the best method of contraception for you and your partner, you both must first be familiar with the advantages, disadvantages, and effectiveness ratings of the different methods. Fill in the space below with the appropriate comments, using your text if necessary. If you are currently sexually active consider sharing this activity with your partner. Method
Advantages
Disadvantages
Effectiveness
Oral contraceptives
● Advantages: Reduces menstrual cramps. Regulates menstrual cycle. Prevents pregnancies. ● Disadvantages: Does not protect against STD’s. Very costly. Many side effects such as breast tenderness, depression, nausea, etc.
● Effectiveness: Highly effective in preventing pregnancies. Implants
● Advantages: Works for a few years. Reduces heavy periods and cramps. Fertility returns after implant is removed.
● Disadvantages: May disrupt periods. Causes irregular periods. Side effects such as headaches, acne, nausea, etc.
● Effectiveness: Effectiveness can vary based on medication taking. Injectable contraceptives
● Advantages: Not affected by other medication. Last 8, 12, or 13 weeks depending on type of injection. ● Disadvantages: Side effects include weight gain, mood swings, headaches, and breast tenderness.
Can take up to a year for fertility to return to normal.
● Effectiveness: Highly effective. More than 99% effective. IUD
● Advantages: Cost effective. Safe to use while breastfeeding. Can be removed at any period
● Disadvantages: Can cost several hundred. Does not provide protection against STS’s.
● Effectiveness: More than 99% effective. Male condom
● Advantages: Best method for reducing risk of STD’s. Can be easily obtained and does not require a prescription.
● Disadvantages: May break. Interrupts sex to put it on. Some may have allergies to latex.
● Effectiveness: Effective when put on correctly and used properly.
Female condom
● Advantages: Help protect against STD’s. No medical side effects.
● Disadvantages: May split or tear if not used properly. Not as widely available as male condoms.
● Effectiveness: Reliable method of preventing pregnancy. Diaphragm with Spermicide
● Advantages: Not felt by either partner during sex. Easier for women to learn to insert.
● Disadvantages: May not be left in female for more than one day. Mild allergic reaction to rubber may occur.
● Effectiveness: More effective when used correctly. Method
Advantages
Disadvantages Effectiveness Cervical Cap
● Advantages: Often not felt by either partner during sex.
● Disadvantages: More difficult for women to learn to insert. At risk if left on for more than two days. ● Effectiveness: Protects against pregnancy for up to two days and for multiple acts of intercourse. Contraceptive Sponge:
● Advantages: Does not require a prescription.
● Disadvantages: Must not be left for more than 30 hours or women is at risk of