Protect Yourself
To prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infections, it's up to YOU to decide what method(s) will be best for you. The
only 100% sure way to prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infections is ABSTINENCE. But remember, abstinence is 100%
effective only if skin-to-genital, genital-to-genital and body fluids-to-genital contact are eliminated. This does not mean that practicing abstinence means no closeness. Couples that practice abstinence can engage in kissing, hugging, holding
hands and spending time together, just to name a few.
In order to help you make the best decision for you, take a look at the table below to learn how effective each birth control method is in preventing pregnancy.
| Birth Control Method | Effectiveness (Typical Use*) | Effectivness (Perfect Use*) |
|---|---|---|
| Abstinence (No sexual contact) | 100% | 100% |
| IUD "Mirena" | 99.90% | 99.90% |
| Male sterilization (vasectomy) | 99.85% | 99.90% |
| NuvaRing | 92.00% | 99.70% |
| Evra patch | 92.00% | 99.70% |
| Birth control pill | 92.00% | 99.70% |
| Depo Provera injection | 97.00% | 99.70% |
| Female sterilization (tubal ligation) | 99.50% | 99.50% |
| IUD "Copper T" | 99.20% | 99.40% |
| Male condom | 85.00% | 98.00% |
| Natural family planning | 75.00% | 96.25% |
| Withdrawal | 73.00% | 96.00% |
| Female condom | 79.00% | 95.00% |
| Diaphragm | 84.00% | 94.00% |
| Sponge (if never before pregnant) | 84.00% | 91.00% |
| Spermicide | 71.00% | 82.00% |
| Sponge (if previous pregnancy) | 68.00% | 80.00% |
| Chance | 15.00% | 15.00% |
*Typical use refers to how most people use the method. Perfect use refers to how the method is meant to be used.
As you can see, abstinence is the only 100%
effective method. If this is not the right decision for you, then it's
important to take a look at the other methods. Of those listed in the table,
the condom is the only method that can be used to prevent both sexually
transmitted infections and pregnancy. Therefore, the condom is a highly
recommended form of protection. As the table shows, proper use is very important. In
order to learn how to use a condom properly, watch the video below. After the
video is finished, press the back button to return to this page.
Condoms can be very effective when used properly. Despite their effectiveness, dual protection that includes a form of birth control in addition to the male condom is recommended. Use the link below to help you decide what birth control method may be best for you. After you have completed the activity, click the back button to return to this page.
Now that you have an idea of what your protection options are, the next step is to talk to a health care provider. Your health care provider can answer your questions and provide you with access to birth control. In addition, if you begin using a form of protection and have any questions or difficulties, your health care provider can answer your questions and help you find the best option for you.
Congratulations on completing the My Sexual Health website! We hope that you've learned a lot about yourself and that you are thinking about the sexual health decisions that are best for you. Because this website is for your personal learning only and is not medical advice, it is important that you bring any questions or concerns to your health care provider.
Be safe, happy and healthy!
