Birth control methods

Birth Control pill:

Yes it does need a prescription

Advantage: 91-99.7% effective
Disadvantage: No protection against STIs including HIV
May improve acne

Trans-dermal patch:

Yes you need a prescription

91-99.7% effective
Possible skin irritation and no protection against STIs
Didnt know how similar this is to birth control pill

Contraceptive ring:

Yes needs a prescription

Regulates your period
May have some side effects including upset stomach, breast
tenderness, headaches and bleeding between periods
Stays in your vagina for 21 days

Injection method:

Needs a prescription
94-99.8% effective
Slower return of fertility and no protection against STIs
Each injection lasts 12 weeks

Intrauterine device (IUD):

Needs a prescription
99.2-99.8% effective
Strings need to be checked to make sure its in place
Can be left in place for 5 years before needing to be changed

Male Condom:

No prescription needed

82-98% effective
Can only be used once
Can cause irritation to skin

Female Condom:

No prescription needed
79-95% effective
Can only be used once
Non-latex options

Sponge:

No prescription needed
76-91% effective can be used more than once
No protection against STIs and HIV
Can lead to yeast infection

Spermicides:

No prescription needed
72-82% effective when used on its own
May cause skin irritation and no protection against STIs and HIV
Comes in different forms including foam, gel and film

Abstinence:

Decision not to have anal, oral or vaginal sex

100% effective
May need to confront the pressure of friends and partner

Sterilization

Permanent method of birth control

95-99.9% effective
No protection against STIs and HIV

Fertility Awareness:

No prescription
No cost or side effects

Requires time and commitment

Illness or stress may occur

Withdrawal:

No prescription needed
No cost and can be used anytime
Hard to accurately ejaculate
Should be used with another method of birth control