Contraception, or birth control, is a broad term referring to any method people use to avoid becoming pregnant.
Use the table below to learn about some of the contraceptive methods that are available. Click on the method to find out more about it.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
Abstinence: avoiding sexual intercourse
|
100% effective at preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
|
Many people who plan to remain abstinent wind-up having sex.
|
|
Condoms: latex sheaths that cover the penis
|
Can prevent pregnancy and STIs. Available without a prescription or doctor’s visit. About 82% effective at preventing pregnancy in actual use.
|
Can slip or break. Male partner must be cooperative with use. Can cause latex allergy.
|
|
Birth control pills, patches, or injections: hormonal contraceptives
|
More than 91% effective at preventing pregnancy. Can be very long lasting.
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Do not prevent STIs. Require visits to and prescription from a healthcare provider. Cause an increased risk of blood clots, especially for smokers.
|
|
IUD: intrauterine device
|
More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Can last up to 10 years
|
Does not prevent STIs. Requires visit to a healthcare provider. Rare, but possibly, serious complications can happen.
|
See if you can rank the contraceptives from least to most effective at preventing pregnancy.
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abstinence
Condoms
IUD
birth control pills
|
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Great job! You got them all!
The ones with X's are incorrect. Try again.
