1. Male condoms: How it is used: Placed over penis to capture semen. How often used: For a single us

1. Male condoms:

How it is used: Placed over penis to capture semen.

How often used: For a single use at the time of intercourse.

Pros: Widely available for free. Available in many sizes, colours, and flavours. Protect against STD/STIs. No medical side effects.

Cons: Can tear if not handled with care. Most commonly found in latex. Man has to pull out his penis right after ejaculation.

How effective: 98%

2. Female condoms:

How it is used: Placed inside the vagina to catch the semen.

How often used: For a single use at the time of intercourse.

Pros: Protect against STD/STIs. No medical side effects.

Cons: Not widely available. Can make noise. Can tear if not handled with care. 

How effective: 95%

3. Combined pill:

How it is used: Take daily intakes of progesterone ands oestrogen to prevent the release of an egg.

How often used: Taken daily at the same time each day.

Pros: Can reduce acne. Can lighten and regulate menstruation. Can reduce risk of ovarian cancer.

Cons: Does not protect against STD/STIs. Can have medical side effects. Can increase blood pressure. Linked to breast cancer and blood clots. 

How effective: 99%

4. Progesterone only pill:

How it is used: Take a daily pill that releases progesterone to thickens mucus in cervix, and stops sperm from reaching the egg.

How often used: Taken daily at the same time each day.

Pros: Can be used for women who can’t use contraception that contains oestrogen. Can use it while breastfeeding. Can be used at any age. Smokers can use this. Can reduce symptoms of PMS.

Cons: Does not protect against STD/STIs. Have to take a pill everyday at the same time. Some medicines may affect effectiveness. Can have side affects.

How effective: 99%

5. Cap:

How it is used: Covers the cervix and worn for 6 hours after intercourse to keep sperm from entering. Must be used with spermacide.

How often used: Used at the time of intercourse. 

Pros: No side affects. Reusable. 

Cons: Does not protect against STD/STIs. Takes time to learn how to insert. Linked with bladder infections.

How effective: 99%

6. Implant: 

How it is used: Inserted under the skin of the upper arm. Releases progesterone to stops eggs from being released. 

How often used: Lasts for 3 year.

Pros: Can be removed. Safe to use while breast feeding. An option for people who can’t use oestrogen. 

Cons:  Does not protect against STD/STIs. Periods may be irregular or stop for the first year. Numerous side affects. Needs to be put in by a professional.  

How effective: 99%

7. Diaphragm

How it is used: Placed inside of vagina. Must be used with spermicide

How often used: Use at the time of intercourse.

Pros: No serious health risks. Only have to think about it when you are about to have sex. 

Cons:  Does not protect against STD/STIs.  Learning how to use it properly takes time. May develop a bladder infection. 

How effective: 92-96%

8. Patch:

How it is used: Releases progesterone and oestrogen to prevent release of the egg. 

How often used: Change the patch every week for 3 weeks and then 1 week without the patch.

Pros: Can be worn in water or playing sports. Reduces heavy and painful periods. 

Cons: Does not protect against STD/STIs. Increases blood pressure. Can develop blood clot. Not suitable for smokers. People over 35 or people who weigh more that 90kg. Visible. Mild side affects. 

How effective: 99%

9. Injection: 

How it is used: Injects progesterone to stop eggs from being released.

How often used: Lasts for 8 to 12 weeks depending on the type.

Pros: An option for people who can’t use oestrogen. Not affected by medication. Safe to use while breastfeeding. May reduce heavy and painful periods.

Cons:  Does not protect against STD/STIs. Numerous side affects. Cannot be removed. Periods may become irregular or stop. Can take up to one year to gain fertility back. Possible allergic reaction.

How effective: 99%

10. Natural Family Planning:

How it is used: Keep a daily record of your fertility signals, such as your temperature and fluids coming out of your cervix. It takes three to six menstrual cycles to learn the method. Should be accompanied with condom.

How often used: Needs to be checked daily.

Pros: No physical side effects. Learns more about your own body. 

Cons:  Does not protect against STD/STIs. Must follow the instructions. Does not allow for mistakes. Fertility signs can be affected by factors such as illness, stress or travel. If you want to have sex during time when you might get pregnant, must use another method. 

How effective: 75-99%

11. Intrauterine System:

How it is used: Releases progesterone into the womb. Makes it difficult for sperm to move through and reach an egg.

How often used: 3-5 years

Pros: It can be taken out at anytime. You don’t have to think about contraception everyday. It can be used by women who can’t have combined contraception. Can reduce menstruation pain.

Cons:  Does not protect against STD/STIs. Risk of mood swings, skin problems or breast tenderness. Small risk of getting infection. Uncomfortable to be put in. Hormonal problems can occur. 

How effective: 99%

12. Intrauterine Device:

How it is used: Stops sperm and egg from surviving in the womb 

How often used: 5-10 years

Pros: It can be removed at anytime. You don’t have to think about contraception everyday. 

Cons:  Does not protect against STD/STIs. Changes to your periods (can make them heavier or more painful). Your body may expel IUD. Small chance of infection. Can be uncomfortable to get put in.

How effective: 75-99%

13. Vaginal Ring:

How it is used: Ring releases oesterogen and progesterone, which prevents ovulation, and makes it difficult for sperm to get to egg.  

How often used: Provide contraception for a month.

Pros: Does not interrupt sex. Don’t have to think about contraceptive everyday. 

Cons: Does not protect against STD/STIs. Don’t have to think about it everyday. Temporary side effects, such as discharge, breast tenderness and headaches. Possible blood clotting. Sometimes the ring can come out on its own. 

How effective: 99%

14. Female steralization:

How it is used: A surgery to block or seal the fallopian tubes. 

How often used: Permanent procedure. 

Pros: Won’t affect your hormones. Will not affect you sex drive. Rarely any long term problems. 

Cons: Does not protect against STD/STIs. Must continue to use contraceptives for 3 months after the surgery. Chance of the blocked tubes to rejoin. 

How effective: 99%

15. Vasectomy: 

How it is used: A surgery to cut off, block, or seal the tubes that carry sperm from a male’s testicles. 

How often used: Permanent procedure. 

Pros: The failure rate is only 0.05%. Rarely long term effects. Does not affect hormones or sex drive. 

Cons: Does not protect against STD/STIs. Must continue to use contraceptives for 8 weeks after the surgery. Complications can occur. 

How effective: 99%

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