How do I know which one is best for me?
Choosing birth control is a very personal decision. There is no right answer - the best choice is the one that you feel most comfortable using.
There are “barrier” methods that prevent sperm from reaching an egg, and there are “hormonal” methods that adjust your body to keep a pregnancy from occurring.
Before deciding, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the choice you are considering. If you have further questions or would like to see the various types of birth control, please call your Health Educator at 416-736-5196 to set up a free, confidential appointment. Or, consider doing some additional research through sexualityandu.ca, or by contacting Planned Parenthood, or one of the many sexual health clinics in Toronto.
The following information will provide a brief overview of the various methods available.
Abstinence
What is it?
How does it work?
What else do I need to know?
What is it?
- This is a method of birth control and of sexually transmitted infection prevention where both partners agree that there will be no exchange of bodily fluids
- It is the most effective method of birth control if practiced properly
How does it work?
- Both partners must communicate and agree to avoid any type of sexual activity that may lead to an exchange of bodily fluids.
- Both partners must agree to the same definition of abstinence to ensure there is no confusion or misunderstanding.
- Abstinence means you will need to be clear and define what you and partner will do for sexual pleasure.
What else do I need to know?
- Abstinence requires you are and partner to practice willpower and consistency.
- You and partner may want to discover other pleasuring techniques that avoid the exchange of bodily fluids like massages, rubbing, hugging, etc.
- It is a great method for the beginning stages of a relationship to ensure compatibility and the ability to communicative effectively.
Male Condom
What are they?
How do they work?
How do I use them?
What else do I need to know?
What are they?
- A soft, disposable latex sheath.
- They are between 85-97% effective in preventing an unintended pregnancy.
- Available various shapes, sizes, thickness, textures and colors.
- The male condom is inexpensive and readily available without a prescription.
- When used correctly, not only can they prevent pregnancy, they are extremely useful in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
How do they work?
The condom act as a physical barrier, preventing the exchange of genital fluids, so the sperm cannot reach the egg.
How do I use them?
- Open the package carefully so you don’t tear the condom. Sometime they are difficult to open, so take your time and consider having an extra ready, just in case the first one won’t open.
- Don’t use your teeth or any sharp instrument like a knife or scissors to open the package.
- After removing the outer package, hold the condom in the palm of your hand to be sure the rim and the tip is facing up. It should look like a little sombrero! See photo
- When the penis is erect, place the condom on the head of the penis.
- Pinch the tip with your thumb and pointer finger of one hand, and then use the other hand to unroll the condom onto the penis until you reach the base. Pinching the tip allows space for the semen to be collected.
- After the male partner has ejaculated, hold onto the rim of the condom while pulling out the penis. Be sure the penis is still hard when this happens because you don’t want the condom to slip off and allow ejaculate to spill.
- Tie the end of the condom in a knot and dispose of it in a garbage bin. If you have roommates and don’t want them to see it, wrap it in a piece of tissue or toilet paper. Do not flush the used condom down the toilet as they can cause a plumbing back-up.
- If you want to continue having sex, wait until the penis is hard or erect before putting on a new condom.
What else do I need to know?
- Ensure that you are using a latex condom (some condoms are made from other materials that aren’t as effective).
- Store condoms in a cool, dry environment. Your wallet or the glove compartment of your car is not a good place to store condoms
- Check the date on the condom to make sure it’s not expired. All condoms that are made from a reputable manufacturer will have an expiration date.
- You should also examine the condom before opening to check for air pockets, which means has not already been accidentally punctured or opened.
- Consider using a water-based lubricant (they are sold right next to the condoms) with the condom to increase pleasure and sensitivity for both partners. (oil-based lubricants like baby oil or hand cream can break down the integrity of the condom).
- Condoms can be a shared responsibility between both partners to help prevent an unintended pregnancy.
Female Condom
What are they?
How do they work?
How do I use them?
What else do I need to know?
What are they?
- They are a barrier method, available in pharmacies without a prescription.
- The female condoms are soft, disposable polyurethane material.
- They are 79-97% effective in preventing an unintended pregnancy.
- When used correctly, not only can they prevent pregnancy, they are extremely useful in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
How do they work?
The female condom acts as a physical barrier, preventing the exchange of genital fluids, so the sperm cannot reach the egg.
How do I use them?
- Open the package carefully so you don’t tear the condom.
- Don’t use your teeth or any sharp instrument like a knife or scissors to open the package.
- Look at the condom and make sure it is completely lubricated both inside and outside. Most will come pre-lubricated in the package, however if it isn’t, you can add a water-based lubricant to help with insertion and with enjoyable use.
- The condom has two ends. One end is secured and the other open. The enclosed end is inserted into the vagina and the open end is left outside to accommodate the penis.
- With one hand, squeeze the inner ring of the condom (this is the ring located inside the polyurethane sheath on the enclosed end)
- With the other hand, separate the outer lips of the vaginal opening.
- Gently insert the inner ring completely into the vagina. Feel the inner ring go up and it will move over the cervix. (the cervix is located at the top of the vagina).
- The outer ring should remain visible on the outside of the vaginal opening.
- When both partners are ready, guide the penis into the female condom.
- After sexual intercourse, dispose of the condom in a garbage bin. If you have roommates and don’t want them to see it, wrap it in a piece of tissue or toilet paper. Do not flush the female condom down the toilet as they can cause a plumbing back-up.
What else do I need to know?
- Store condoms in a cool, dry environment. Your wallet or the glove compartment of your car is not a good place to store condoms!
- Check the date on the condom to make sure it’s not expired. All condoms that are made from a reputable manufacturer will have an expiration date.
- You should also examine the condom before opening to check for air pockets, which means has not already been accidentally punctured or opened.
Diaphragm, Cervical cap, Lea’s Shield
What are they?
How do they work?
What else do I need to know?
What are they?
- The diaphragm, cervical cap, and Lea’s shield, are all non-hormonal, barrier methods of birth control.
- They are 68-84% effective in preventing an unintended pregnancy.
- They are flexible rubber or plastic device used together with a spermicide to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
- Diaphragm is a dome-shaped latex disc.
- Cervical cap is a thimble –shaped rubber cap.
- Lea’s shield is a cup- shaped silicone device with two extensions to help fit and removal.
How do they work?
- An internal examination from a medical professional is required to determine the correct size for a proper fit.
- Inserted into the vagina and fits over the cervix to create a barrier to sperm.
- When used with a spermicide, the spermicide works to “kills” the sperm in addition to the barrier blocking entry of the sperm into the uterus.
- Once intercourse in complete, they cannot be removed until at least 6 hours to ensure that the spermicide had done its job.
What else do I need to know?
- Available when needed- independent of the frequency of intercourse.
- No daily contraceptive routine or continued use required.
- They are a non-hormonal method of birth control.
- Can be used by women who smoke without out additional health risks. (women who smoke are at increased risk for health risks if they take hormonal contraceptives, like the pill)
- Must be available at time of intercourse and may seem to interfere with the mood because the female partner will need to stop to insert the device.
- Requires vagina manipulation (your ability to make the vagina comfortable and relax) and proper insertion techniques- some women may find it difficult to insert.
- May become dislodged during certain sexual positions.
- They offer very limited protection from sexually transmitted infections.
- These devices must be properly cleaned and stored to remain effective.
Sponge & Spermicides
What are they?
How do they work?
What else do I need to know?
What are they?
- These are a barrier method that you use only at the time of intercourse.
- They are 68-84% effective in preventing an unintended pregnancy.
- They are readily available in pharmacies.
- They do not require you to take any internal medicine.
- Primarily used as a method of pregnancy prevention. They have limited use as protection against sexually transmitted infections.
- The sponge is soft, disposable, foam, soaked with a spermicide. See photo
- Spermicides come in creams, jellies, foams, suppositories or films. see photo
How do they work?
Sponge:
- Fits over the cervix (located at the top of the vagina) and blocks sperm from reaching the egg; the spermicide in the sponge also works to “kills” the sperm.
- Should be left in place up to 6 hours after intercourse for optimum effectiveness.
Spermicide:
- Contains an ingredient that “kills” the sperm; requires 5 to 15 minutes in the vagina to become effective.
- Should be reapplied for each repeated act of vaginal intercourse.
- They are most effective when used in conjunction with another barrier method like a latex condom or a diaphragm.
What else so I need to know?
- There is no daily contraceptive routine and no need to take hormones.
- Spermicides may provide added lubrication.
- They must be readily available at time of intercourse.
- Sponges and spermicides do not protect against some sexually transmitted infections: for example HIV.
- Spermicides may cause possible sensitivity reactions to the vagina.
- May be considered messy by some.
- They are inexpensive and easy to find in the pharmacy next to the condoms.
Withdrawal
What is it?
How does it work?
What else do I need to know?
What is it?
- When a man feels he is about to ejaculate, he takes his penis out of the woman’s vagina.
- Withdrawal is not a very effective method of birth control and is not recommended.
How does it work?
- During vaginal sex the man pull his penis out of the vagina before he ejaculates. Then, he ejaculates away from the woman’s vagina and vaginal area.
- There are many reasons withdrawal does not always work very well. Men cannot always control when they are going to ejaculate. Even before they ejaculate, men release a clear liquid from the penis which they may not be aware of. This liquid is called pre- ejaculation or pre-cum. The pre-ejaculation also has sperm in it. If a woman gets pre-ejaculation in her vagina she could become pregnant.
What else do I need to know?
- You and your partner(s) are not protected against sexually transmitted infection, including HIV.
- Your chances of getting pregnant are almost as high as not using any method of birth control at all.
- You need to negotiate with you partner that you will both interrupt or stop sexual intercourse before ejaculation.
- You will have to stop sexual intercourse suddenly.
- If you are unsure if you withdrew the penis in time, consider reviewing the information on “Plan B” or “Emergency Contraceptive”.(insert link)
Calendar Method
What is it?
How does it work?
What else do I need to know?
What is it?
- This is a method that involves a woman keeping track of monthly periods on a regular and consistent basis, recognizing the monthly changes that occur with cervical mucus and vaginal muscles, and keeping track of body temperature.
- It is considered a “natural” method because there is no use of any type of product or medication.
- This is not a very effective method of birth control and is not recommended unless you are comfortable with the possibility of a pregnancy.
How does it work?
- Women are fertile only one time per month. This can range anywhere from day 7 to day 15 of their menstrual cycle.
- The first day of your period, is considered day one of your menstrual cycle.
- Along with counting the days, a women’s cervical mucus changes from a cloudy white vaginal discharge, to a clear, more slippery (almost like egg whites) type of discharge.
- As well, a women’s body temperature will increase slightly during ovulation.
- The combination of these physical cues is used to determine when the ovary will release an egg (called ovulation) and this is when vaginal intercourse should be avoided.
What else do I need to know?
- While it is helpful to understand how fertility works, for this to be your primary method of birth control, you will have to have a completely regular period, and spend several months becoming familiar with the changes taking place in your body.
- This method does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- The actual day that a woman ovulates is not clear; all of these signs are just an indicator that it may be happening. It’s very risky to only use this method of birth control.
- If you are interested in trying this method of birth control, it would be advisable to visit with a fertility expert and an organization that specializes in natural family planning.
Oral Contraceptive (the pill)
What are they?
How do they work?
What else do I need to know?
What are they?
- Highly effective method of hormonal contraceptive, taken daily in pill form.
- They are 92-99.9% effective in preventing an unintended pregnancy.
- Available in two forms; one type contains both estrogen and progesterone, and one type contains progesterone only. Both hormones are found naturally in the female body.
- Available under variety of brand names with various strengths and formulations.
- Available through a visit with a medical professional.
How do they work?
- Hormonal contraceptives typically work in a few ways to prevent pregnancy including:
- stopping the ovary from releasing an egg
- thickening the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to get to the egg
- changing the lining of the uterus making implantation difficult.
What else should I know?
- The pill is simple and easy to use. It’s important that it’s taken everyday at the same time for optimal protection from pregnancy
- The pill will not protect from sexually transmitted infections – it is only a method of birth control.
- Some women who experience painful and irregular periods will benefit from the pill as it regulates menstruation.
- Some women will experience a range of side effects including headaches, nausea, cramps, weight gain, etc., while others won’t experience any of these symptoms
- Always check with your pharmacist if you are on the pill and begin taking another form of medication to ensure there is no interference with the effectiveness of the pill.
- The pill is not recommended for women who smoke; there is an increased risk of blood clots in smoking women who are on the pill.
- For more information or to obtain a prescription, visit with your doctor, or one of the sexual health clinics located in Toronto.
Transdermal Patch
What is it?
How does it work?
What else do I need to know?
What is it?
- The transdermal patch is a sticky patch applied to the skin and removed and replaced once a week.
- It is 92-99.9% effective in preventing an unintended pregnancy.
- It can be placed on the buttocks, upper outer arms, lower abdomen, or upper torso.
- Commonly known as the “Evra” patch. This is the name of the company that manufactures this product.
- It releases hormones through the skin.
- You will need to see a medical professional to receive a prescription.
How does it work?
- Hormonal contraceptives typically work in a few ways to prevent pregnancy including:
- stopping the ovary from releasing an egg
- thickening the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to get to the egg
- changing the lining of the uterus making implantation difficult.
What else do I need to know?
- It can help to alleviate premenstrual cramping and regulate your periods.
- It is a reversible from of birth control.
- You don’t have to interrupt your sexual encounter to be protected; it’s already in place doing its job.
- It will not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- You can wear the patch while exercising, swimming or in the shower.
- It is more expensive than some other forms of birth control and not all student health plans will cover the cost – check with your plan administrator before choosing this method.
- It may cause skin irritation where it is applied to the body.
- Recent research sited an increased risk of blood clots while using the patch; the majority of these cases were in the United States where the hormone levels in the patch are higher. Speak to your doctor for information on this level of risk.
Vaginal Ring
What is it?
How does it work?
What else do I need to know?
What is it?
- A 2 inch, flexible ring containing two types of hormones, estrogen and progestin (just like the pill).
- Commonly known as “Nuvaring”. This is the name of the company that manufactures this product.
- It is 92-99.9% effective in preventing an unintended pregnancy.
- This small ring is inserted into the vagina and left in place for 3 weeks.
- The ring is removed for a one-week interval during menstruation, after which a new ring is inserted.
How does it work?
- Hormonal contraceptives typically work in a few ways to prevent pregnancy including:
- stopping the ovary from releasing an egg
- thickening the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to get to the egg
- changing the lining of the uterus making implantation difficult.
What else do I need to know?
- Some women report that it helps alleviate premenstrual cramping and helps regulate their periods.
- It does not provide protection from sexually transmitted infections.
- The ring will stay in place while exercising, swimming or in the shower.
- Some women may find it challenging to insert.
- You’ll need to see a medical professional to receive a prescription.
- Some people prefer to take the ring out of the vagina during sexual intercourse. That is perfectly acceptable; however it needs to be placed back in the vagina within 3 hours to ensure it remains effective.
- Some women will experience a range of side effects including headaches, nausea, cramps, weight gain, etc., while others won’t experience any of these symptoms.
Injectable contraceptives
What are they?
How do they work?
What else should I know?
What are they?
- Injectable contraceptives are made from an hormone called progesterone.
- The injection is given 4 times per year to women (great for people who have trouble remembering to take a pill everyday).
- They are a very effective method of birth control, however they do not protect from sexually transmitted infections.
- Available by prescription under the brand name “Depo-Provera”.
How do they work?
- Hormonal contraceptives typically work in a few ways to prevent pregnancy including:
- stopping the ovary from releasing an egg
- thickening the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to get to the egg
- changing the lining of the uterus making implantation difficult.
What else should I know?
- Recently, scientists discovered that Depo-provera was linked to a decrease in bone mineral density. For this reason, this method is not recommended for young women of child-bearing age.
- This method of birth control is only available through a visit with a medical professional.
- Sometimes, hormonal contraceptives will cause some vaginal bleeding at random times.
- Some women will experience a range of side effects including headaches, nausea, cramps, weight gain, etc., while others won’t experience any of these symptoms
- This type of contraceptive will stop your monthly period from arriving.
Intra-uterine Devices(IUDs)
What are they?
How do they work?
What else do I need to know?
What are they?
- This is a long-lasting method of contraception, which can remain in place for up five (5) years so you don’t have to worry about following a daily routine.
- They are 97-99.9% effective at preventing an unintended pregnancy.
- There are 2 types: one is a T-shaped device containing copper, and the other is a T-shaped device containing a hormone called levonorgestrel.
- They are inserted into the uterus by a simple procedure performed in the doctor’s office.
- A tiny thread hangs down from the uterus into the vagina, so a woman can check for herself to ensure the IUD is still in place.
How do they work?
- The device containing levonorgestrel may stop the ovary from releasing an egg.
- Decreases the sperms ability to penetrate the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to get to the egg.
- Changes the lining of the uterus making implantation difficult.
What else do I need to know?
- Some women experience a range of side effects that may include painful periods, or irregular bleeding during the first few months after insertion.
- They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- There is a very slight chance of perforation of the uterus during the time of insertion. This should be discussed with your doctor prior to deciding on this method of birth control.
- Since the IUD is in place, there is no need to interrupt sexual activity prior to intercourse.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills
What is it?
How does it work?
What else do I need to know?
What is it?
- Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) are also known at “the morning after pill”, or “plan b”
- ECP reduces your risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex (for example, the condom broke, you forgot to take your birth control pill, maybe you didn’t plan or you didn’t want to have unprotected sex).
- The pills contain a series of hormones that work to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting into the uterus.
How does it work?
- ECP does not cause an abortion.
- The hormones in the pills prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg, they also thin the lining of your uterus to make implantation less likely, and they make the cervical mucus less friendly toward sperm.
- It works much like a birth control pill or other form of hormonal contraceptive.
- 97-99% of women, who use emergency contraceptive pills, will not get pregnant.
- If you are already pregnant, from a previous sexual encounter that happened several weeks before your recent unprotected sexual encounter, and you take ECP, your existing pregnancy will not be affected.
What else do I need to know?
- ECP is now available directly from a pharmacist. You do not need to make an appointment with your doctor to receive the prescription.
- There are 2 types of pills. One is a 4 pill series, and the other is a 2 pill series. Your pharmacist or doctor can determine which is best for you.
- The sooner you take it after unprotected sex, the better! It’s recommended that it’s taken within 5 days after unprotected sex to be most effective.
- Some women will feel quite sick when they take the pills and if you throw-up, you’ll need to speak to your doctor or pharmacist to determine if you’ll have to take them again.
- ECP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- ECP is not intended to be a regular form of birth control. It’s a back up method when your primary form of birth control fails.
What if I think I’m pregnant?
The only way to know for certain if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. If your period is late, consider purchasing an “over the counter” pregnancy test from the pharmacy. These tests measure a hormone in your urine, which is only present if you are pregnant. If this test is positive, it’s best to confirm the results with a blood test through a lab, your doctor, or a sexual health clinic.
If you are pregnant, you may want to discuss your decisions and choices with a counselor or a health professional. Options for pregnancy include abortion, adoption, and parenting. All choices are legal and available in Ontario. Abortions are covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). There are a variety of service providers available to help you with your decisions; please be sure to connect to one that is non-judgmental and will support your decisions. If you would like confidential help in locating support, contact your Health Educator on campus at 416-736-5196 or by emailing healthed@yorku.ca
Student Community & Leadership Development (SC&LD)
Tel: (416) 736-5144
Location: S172 Ross Building
A division of Student Community Development (SCD)
