When choosing a method of birth control, you should consider the cost, effectiveness, benefits, possible side effects of each method, and what feels most comfortable for you and your partner to use. Your lifestyle, personality, and partner's feelings also influence the decision you will make about which method is best for you.
Back to the Contraception Main page
A range of effectiveness is often given for birth control methods. The lower rate is the "typical effectiveness" which considers incorrect or inconsistent use. The higher rate is the "theoretical effectiveness" which assumes that the method is used correctly with every act of intercourse. The method with the highest effectiveness rating may or may not be the "best" method for you. The best method is the one which you are informed about, comfortable with, and will use consistently.
You may be at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if you or your partner has ever had sexual contact with anyone else. Most methods of birth control are ineffective against preventing STIs. Using condoms provides the greatest protection against STIs.
No method of birth control is perfect, but correct and consistent use of your method makes it less likely to fail. If your method fails, or you have unprotected intercourse, you can call the Nurse Consult (438-7676) or Appointments (438-2778) about the availability of emergency contraception (the morning-after pill). The risk of pregnancy may also be reduced by immediately inserting an application of spermicide into the vagina.
Withdrawal can fail to prevent pregnancy due to the presence of sperm in pre-ejaculatory fluid, or the couple misjudging when the man should withdraw. Couples who use the rhythm method should abstain from intercourse or use a backup method during the fertile time in the woman's menstrual cycle. This method can fail because it is possible for a woman to ovulate at any time during her cycle, including while she is menstruating. Douching after intercourse is not an effective form of birth control, because sperm may reach a woman's uterus almost immediately after ejaculation. In addition, douching may push sperm toward the uterus and increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
