Emory Univ :: S.O.M. :: GYN-OB Dept. :: Choosing a Contraceptive

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contraception
Choosing a Contraceptive

more
natural methods
physical devices
medication
surgical
emergency

You have many options to help protect you and your sexual partner from infection and pregnancy! The amount of information about contraception can be mind-boggling since you have to keep so many issues in mind: timing, advantages and disadvantages, new technology, and communication with your partner. These brief descriptions of contraceptive options are designed to help you stay well informed so that you can make the best decision for your needs and lifestyle.

You should note that this information is NOT intended as a substitute for seeing a qualified health care provider. You can get more information on each of these methods from a clinician or family planning clinic.

Preparation of this material was not supported by funds from a pharmaceutical company.

Your contraceptive choices include:

Natural Methods

Abstinence:not having sexual intercourse
Breastfeeding:nature's way of spacing babies
Fertility Awareness Method (FAM):
- basal body temperature charting (BBT)
- the symptothermal method
Outercourse! or what you might call the alternatives to sexual intercourse
Withdrawal (coitus interruptus): pulling out

Medication

Contraceptive foam
"The Pill" or combined oral contraceptives
"Mini-Pills" or Progestin-Only Pills: the same kind of pill every single day
Depo-Provera injections: "the birth control shot"
Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs): to prevent pregnancy AFTER having unprotected sex

Physical Device Protection

Surgical Methods

Tubal sterilization: sterilization for women
Vasectomy: sterilization for men

Other Languages

ECP information in other languages
Pildoras anticonceptivas de emergencia (PAE): ECP information in Spanish
Pillules contraceptives d'urgence (ECP ou MAP): ECP information in French

Last Update: 12/13/2005