Birth control is what is used to temporarily or permanently limit the reproductive capacity of an individual or their sexual partner in order to prevent pregnancy.
It is important to emphasize that you chose your birth control method only for its contraceptive protection, not for protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which only condoms are proven to help reduce the risk of STIs. This is why condom usage is still highly recommended.
With Hormones
Without Hormones
There are lots of different birth control options out there.
We’re here to help you figure it all out.
Pick what’s important to you to find your best birth control method.
Vaginal Ring
Most commonly known as “NuvaRing”, is a safe, simple and affordable method of contraception that is placed manually inside the vagina. This small flexible ring protects against pregnancy by releasing hormones in the body. It is very effective if you always use it correctly.
Advantages
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Very comfortable
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Easy application and removal
Disadvantages
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Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Effectiveness
When used perfectly, the NuvaRing is 99% effective. But when it comes to real life, the ring is about 91% effective because it can be hard to be perfect.
Cervical Cap
Small cup of soft silicone shaped like a sailors cap. Manually placed deep inside the vagina, covering the cervix.
Advantages
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Can be inserted up to one hour before sexual intercourse
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Only needed to be worn while having sex, does not need to be worn continuously
Disadvantages
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Cannot be used during menstruation, and at time of menstruation you have to choose another contraceptive method
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It can be difficult to place comfortably for some women
Effectiveness
60% to 70% and can be further increased in effectiveness if used in conjunction with spermicides.
Male Condom
Condoms are thin, stretchy pouches that are worn on the penis during sex. Prevents pregnancy by retaining the semen inside the condom, thus preventing the entry of sperm and other microorganisms into the vagina. Some are coated with lubricant or spermicides, others are not. They come in many different sizes, shapes, colors, flavors, and textures.
Advantages
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Helps prevent STIs and HIV/AIDS when used correctly and consistently
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Prevents pregnancies
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Widely available at pharmacies and grocery stores alike
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Easy to keep on hand for when they are needed
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Has no side effects
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Does not require a medical consultation or prescription
Disadvantages
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Does not protect against herpes, the genital wart virus (HPV) and other diseases that can cause ulcers on the skin not covered by the condom
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May cause irritation if allergic to latex
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Some men report decreased sensitivity during sexual intercourse
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Although it is highly unlikely, condoms can break
Effectiveness
If you use condoms perfectly every single time you have sex, they’re 97% effective at preventing pregnancy. But people aren’t perfect, so in real life condoms are about 85% effective.
Female Condom
A transparent, thin pouch made of a soft plastic (polyurethane) with a flexible ring on one side and another movable one on the other, which is placed at the opening of the vagina. Before having sex it must be placed inside the vagina so that during intercourse the penis can be inserted inside of the the female condom inside of the vagina.
Female condoms are an alternative to male condoms. They provide almost the same high level of protection against pregnancy and against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Advantage
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Completely controlled by the woman
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Helps prevent STIs, AIDS and unplanned pregnancies when used correctly and consistently
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Has no side effects
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Does not require medical consultation or prescription
Disadvantages
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Requires co-participation of the sexual partner
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Requires a new, unused one for every sexual encounter
Effectiveness
If you use them perfectly every single time you have sex, female condom effectiveness is 95%. But people aren’t perfect, so in real life they’re about 79% effective.
Sources:
Planned Parenthood® . (2018). Métodos Anticonceptivos. Recuperado de https://www.plannedparenthood.org/es/temas-de-salud/anticonceptivos
Sosa Josué; Sansores Deily; Suárez Lizandra y Rodríguez Lucía. (2018). Métodos Anticonceptivos. Recuperado de libro de campaña de promoción de la salud sexual y reproductiva (P. 26-37).