| What is it? | How does it work? | Where do you get it? | Effectiveness
(number of pregnancies per 100 people using this method perfectly*) | Protection
against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) |
| The Pill |
| Pill contains hormones that a woman takes either for 21 or 28 days every month to prevent pregnancy | Contains hormones that stop the egg being released every month Makes cervical mucous thicker to stop sperm from getting into the uterus | Need a prescription from a doctor or a clinic | .5 | No |
| Condom for Men |
| A tube of latex rubber worn over the erect penis | Catches semen which contains sperm and prevents sperm from entering the vagina and uterus | Drugstores; clinics; some grocery stores; some public washrooms have dispensers. | 3 | Yes
NOTE: those sold as 'Novelty' items are not safe/effective birth control or prevention of disease |
| Intra Uterine Device (IUD) |
| A small plastic piece placed in the uterus. It stays inside the uterus for up to 10 years | Stops sperm from reaching the egg Changes the lining of the uterus so a woman will not get pregnant | Doctors; clinics | 1.5 | No |
| Implants |
| Usually 6 small capsules placed under the skin in the arm; lasts for 5 years | Hormones released from capsules makes cervical mucous thicker May also stop eggs from leaving the ovary | Doctor trained in inserting capsules. | .05 | No |
| Depo Provera |
| A hormone injection given every 3 months | Hormone makes cervical mucous thicker May stop egg from leaving ovary | Doctors; some clinics | .3 | No |
| Fertility Awareness Method (Natural Family Planning) |
| A combination of natural methods of birth control | Woman keeps record of her menstrual cycle Looks for signs that she is close to releasing an egg (ovulation) No intercourse (sex) around time of ovulation | Usually need to attend several information sessions to learn how to use this method. Contact local Regional Healthy Authority or doctor for more information. | 3 | No |
| Spermicides |
| Sperm killing chemicals, usually nonoxnol 9 | Placed in vagina before intercourse Spermicide is released which kills sperm | Drugstores; clinics | 6 | No |
| Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) |
| Natural method of birth control using breastfeeding | Stops ovulation under certain conditions Mother must be fully or nearly full breastfeeding Baby must be less than 6 months old Mother must not have her period yet | Get more information from a Public Health Nurse or Lactation Consultant before using. | 2 + | No |
| Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, Cervical Sponge |
| Barrier which covers the cervix at the back of the vagina | Used with spermicide Holds spermicide inplace to kill sperm Prevents sperm from entering the uterus or womb. | Doctor or clinic fits woman with diaphragm or cervical cap. | 6 | No |
| Emergency Contraception |
| Method used if condom breaks, there is unprotected sex or a sexual assault | Two methods:
1. The Pill - a prescribed number of pills must be taken within 3 days after unprotected sex
2. The IUD - must be inserted as soon as possible within 7 days after unprotected sex. | Doctors; clinics | 25 | No |
| Sterilization |
| Permanent method of birth control | Men: the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles are cut Women: the tubes that carry the egg to the uterus are cut or blocked | Men: Doctor does surgery in his office or hospital. Women: Doctor performs surgery in hospital | .5
.15
| No |
