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Oral contraceptives | An estrogen and/or progestin-based pill that suppresses ovulation | 8% | Dizziness, nausea, changes in menstruation, mood, weight gain, acne, pain. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack, stroke | Must be taken daily |
Injection (Depo-Provera®) | A progestin-containing injection that inhibits ovulation and fertilization | 3% | Irregular bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches. Prolonged use may result in bone loss | One injection every month or every 3 months |
Vaginal contraceptive ring (NuvaRing®) | A flexible ring inserted in the vagina that releases progestin and estrogen to prevent ovulation and fertilization | 8% | Vaginal discharge and infection, irritation, other risks similar to those posed by oral contraceptives | Inserted and kept in place for three-week intervals. If expelled for more than three hours during the three-week interval, another method of contraception must be used |
Patch (Ortho Evra®) | A patch worn on the body that releases progestin and estrogen to prevent ovulation and fertilization | 8% | Similar to oral contraceptives | A new patch must be applied each week, except for the week of the menstrual period |
IUD (Mirena®) | A device placed in the uterus by a healthcare professional that emits hormones, preventing ovulation | 0.2% | Ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, perforation of the uterus, embedding into the uterus, cramps, bleeding, miscarriage, premature birth, breast cancer, nausea, mood swings, headaches, nervousness, inflammation/pain of vagina/uterus, back pain, weight gain, acne, hypertension changes in menstrual cycle, ectopic pregnancy | Remains in place for between 1 and 5 years |
IUD (Paraguard®) | A device placed in the uterus by a healthcare professional that releases copper, preventing implantation | 0.8% | Pelvic inflammatory disease, perforation of the uterus, embedding into the uterus, cramps, bleeding, vaginal discharge, allergic reaction, expulsion, anemia, ectopic pregnancy, life-threatening infection, miscarriage, premature birth, Wilson’s disease, vaginal infection, inflammation/pain of vagina/uterus, back pain, pain during sex, fainting, changes in menstrual cycle | Remains in place for between 1 and 10 years |
Male condom | A sheath placed over the penis that prevents passage of sperm | 15% | Irritation, allergic reactions, reduced effectiveness if used with oil-based lubricants | Applied immediately before intercourse and used only once |
Female condom | A lubricated sheath placed in the vagina to prevent sperm from entering the uterus | 21% | Irritation and allergic reactions | Applied immediately before intercourse and used only once |
Diaphragm with spermicide | A flexible, dome-shaped rubber disk that covers the cervix so sperm cannot reach the uterus—a spermicide must be applied before insertion | 16% | Irritation, allergic reactions, urinary tract infection, risk of toxic shock syndrome | Inserted before intercourse and left in place for 6 to 24 hours. Spermicide must be added for repeated intercourse |
Spermicide | A foam, cream, jelly, film, suppository or tablet containing nonoxynol-9, a sperm-killing chemical | 29% | Irritation, allergic reactions, urinary tract infections | Inserted 5 to 90 minutes before intercourse |
*Data adapted from FDA’s Uniform Contraceptive Table (revised 9/17/98) and Birth Control Guide (12/03)