Birth control can be a tough topic to handle. There are a lot of options out there, which means deciding the best one for you can be a bit intimidating. Whether you’re already on birth control, or if you’re thinking about starting, the first step is to make sure to talk to a gynecologist. UHS covers one exam per year or you can see your own doctor. In any case, Freeze brings you our annual birth control report, so that you have the info you need to know before making a decision.

We’ll cover the two main methods of birth control. These are the ones that are probably most applicable to you as a college-aged woman:

Barrier method – physically puts up a barrier to prevent sperm from reaching an egg.

Hormone method – prevents ovulation, thins the uterine walls to prevent fertilized eggs from attaching, and thickens the mucous of the cervix so that it prevents sperm from reaching eggs.

Different options of birth control include:
1) Male Condoms
What: A thin layer of latex, polyurethane or lambskin that covers the penis during intercourse.

Essential info: Condoms prevent most STIs and pregnancy, and are around 85-98% effective.

Where to get it: Male condoms are certainly the most readily available type of birth control. You can pop into almost any convenience store (CVS has quite a variety) or you can stop by PCC and get them for free!

2) Female Condom
What: Similar to a male condom, the female condom differs by having a ring on each end. It’s inserted into the vagina, with the closed end next to the cervix.

Essential info: Also like the male condom, the female condom helps prevent against STIs and pregnancy. It’s about 75%-95% effective.

Where to get it: Most superstores, many drugstores and Planned Parenthood all have female condoms. They cost around $4 per condom.

3) Spermicide
What: Spermicide is inserted into the vagina before sex to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. It comes in a variety of forms, including: gels, foams, creams, films and suppositories.

Essential info: Spermicide is 71-85% effective in preventing pregnancy, but it does NOT protect against STIs. Also, you may have to plan ahead when using spermicide. Many brands require you to insert them a set period of time before you have sex. The cost is generally around $8.

Where to get it: Supermarkets, drugstores and Planned Parenthood should all carry spermicide.

4) Diaphragm or Cap
What: A diaphragm is a thin and shallow latex cup. A cap is similar, but is thimble-shaped. Both are inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix during intercourse.

Essential info: The diaphragm can be inserted up to 24 hours before sexual activity, and the cap up to 48 hours. Both should, however, be used in conjunction with spermicide and left in for at least 6 hours after the last intercourse. Also, you’ll need to have your gynecologist perform a pelvic exam to fit you for a diaphragm or cap. Once you do that, however, you can keep and reuse the same device for up to 2 years. Neither device prevents STIs. The diaphragm is about 84-94% effective in preventing pregnancy. The cap is slightly less effective: 71-86%.

Where to get it: Because you’ll need a pelvic exam, go to your doctor to get a diaphragm or cap. He or she will make sure you get the right size. The approximate cost is between $15-75, not including a doctor’s visit.

5) Implants and Shots
What: The implant is a thin, flexible rod inserted in the upper arm. The shot (Depo-Provera) is given in the arm or bum every 3 months.

Essential info: The implant is expensive ($500-750 for insertion, and $75-125 for removal) but lasts for 3 years. Depo-Provera—the shot—needs to be given every 3 months and costs around $35-75 per shot. Both have high rates of preventing pregnancy (92.9-97% effective) BUT neither prevent against STIs. A plus with the shot is that after just 24 hours, you’re already protected against pregnancy.

Where to get it: You must go through a health care provider, and have a prescription from a doctor.

6) The Pill
What: The pill is literally just that: a daily pill to prevent pregnancy.

Essential info: The pill has one major downside: it must be taken at the same time every day. If you forget, you should NOT take two pills at once. Remember, these are hormones! Instead, take the pills 12 hours apart until you’re back on schedule. Pills are effective (92-97%) but don’t protect against STIs. Cost is around $15-50 per month.

Where to get it: You can pick it up at any drugstore, but you’ll need a prescription.

7) The Ring
What: The ring (NuvaRing) is a flexible ring inserted into the vagina.

Essential info: The ring is kept in for 3 weeks, and then taken out for 1 in order for you to menstruate. Many women worry that the ring will be uncomfortable, but like a tampon you won’t be able to feel it. The ring is up to 99.7% effective and costs $15-50 per month. It does not prevent STIs.

Where to get it: You’ll need a prescription from your doctor, but you can pick it up at any pharmacy. Also, make sure to ask your gynecologist for free samples!

8) The Patch
What: It’s kind of like a really sticky Band-Aid. The patch goes on your skin, and you’ll replace it once a month.

Essential info: The patch can be placed on your upper arm, butt, abdomen or upper torso (excluding your breasts). Leave the patch on for three weeks, and then take it off for one in order to have your period. It does not offer protection against STIs. The patch is up to 99.7% effective and costs $30-40 per month.

Where to get it: At a pharmacy, with a prescription.

9) (IUD) Intrauterine Device
What: A more serious commitment to birth control, the IUD is a molded plastic (sometimes containing copper) T-shaped device that is placed in the uterus.

Essential info: IUDs can remain in the uterus anywhere from 1 – 12 years. They’re incredibly effective at preventing pregnancy – 99.2-99.9% – but do not protect against STIs. Costs, including an exam, follow up and the device, total at around $175-650.

Where to get it: You must go through a health care provider.

10) Plan B
What: Emergency contraception, in case birth control fails or you have unprotected sex. It comes in the form of a pill.

Essential info: DO NOT USE PLAN B AS YOUR MAIN METHOD OF BIRTH CONTROL. That said, up to 5 days after unprotected sex, you can take Plan B, but the sooner you take it the more effective it is. It works by giving you a large dose of hormones to prevent pregnancy. There is no STI protection. Be warned that nausea is a common side effect. It costs anywhere from $10-70, and reduces risk by 75-89% if taken within 3 days.

Where to get it: Most drugstores (including CVS) and healthcare providers have it.

Considering all of that, we want to leave you with one final thought. We know you’ve heard it before, but the only device that will protect you against STIs (and pregnancy) is a condom. So please, if you are having sex: use a condom, use a condom, use a condom!

References
Palo Alto Medical Foundation. (2009, February). Birth Control and Safe Sex. Retrieved February 10, 2010, from http://www.pamf.org/teen/sex/birthcontrol/
Planned Parenthood (2010). Birth Control. Retrieved February 10, 2010, from http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control-4211.htm
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2008, January). Cervical Shield. Retrieved February 10, 2010, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/leas-shield/BI00010
Women’s health.gov (2009, March) Birth Control Methods. Retrieved February 10, 2010, from http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/birth-control-methods.cfm#barmet