This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at VCU chapter.

According to Guttmatcher Institute, a nonprofit organization that works to advance reproductive health, approximately 49% of pregnancies in the United States are unintended each year. If you are sexually active but don’t plan on having a baby soon or even in the future, birth control is a necessary option for you. With so many different types of birth control methods out there, it’s easy to feel confused. Her Campus VCU is here to help you pick the form of birth control that works best for you.

1. The Male Condom

What is it? The male condom is a thin latex sheath (also available in sheep skin and polyurethane for those allergic to latex) worn on the penis during intercourse.

How does it work? Condoms prevent pregnancy by creating a barrier between semen and the vagina and it is the only birth control method, other than the female condom, that protects against STD’s.

Is it effective? Condoms are 98% effective when worn correctly every time, and only 82% effective if not used correctly each time.

How much does it cost? Condoms are usually about $5-$15 per pack. At many clinics and family planning centers, they are given away for free or for very little. (Hint: Get them for free at The Well!)

Are there any side-effects? Condoms have no side-effects unless you have a latex allergy.

2. Female Condom

What is it? The female condom is a pouch with flexible rings at each end that is inserted deep into the vagina to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of STD’s

How does it work? The female condom prevents pregnancy by covering the inside of the vagina and collecting semen so it doesn’t enter.

Is it effective? Female condoms are 95% effective when used correctly and every time. They are only 79% effective when used incorrectly and inconsistently.

How much does it cost? They cost about $2-$4 per female condom.

Are there any side-effects? There are usually no problems when using female condoms, but it may cause irritation to the vagina, penis or vulva.

3. Birth Control Pill

What is it? Birth control pills are hormonal pills that prevent pregnancy. The two types include the Combination Pill (both progestin and estrogen) and the Progestin-only Pill. They come in 21-day and 28-day packs.

How does it work? Birth control pills are taken daily at a specific time. The hormones in the pill prevent ovulation so that there is no egg to be fertilized. It also thickens the mucus, keeping sperm from getting to the egg.

Is it effective? When taken every day at around the same time, the pill is 99% effective. Effectiveness decreases when you miss a pill.

How much does it cost? Birth Control Pills cost between $15-$50 a month depending on the brand. You can get them for a much lower cost at clinics or family health centers. Also, many health insurance plans cover it. (Hint: You can buy birth control from Student Health Services after making an appointment for $15.)

Are there any side-effects? The most common side-effects include irregular menstrual bleeding, nausea, vomiting, headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes and increase in appetite. These side-effects usually disappear within 2-3 months.

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4. Intrauterine Device (IUD)

What is it? The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, plastic, t-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The two types include a copper version, which can be left in place for up to 12 years, and a hormonal version, which can stay effective for 3-5 years.

How does it work? The copper version immobilizes the sperm, preventing sperm from getting to the egg. The hormonal version prevents ovulation.

Is it effective? IUD’s are 99% effective.

How much does it cost? The actual IUD costs between $400-$800, not including the cost of having it professionally inserted and any follow-up visits.

Are there any side-effects? Possible side-effects include irregular bleeding, backaches, cramps and spotting. The copper IUD may cause heavier periods and worse cramps.

5. Vaginal Ring

What is it? The vaginal ring is a small plastic and flexible ring that is inserted in the vagina once a month and lasts for three weeks.

How does it work? The ring releases progestin and estrogen, which prevent ovulation and make cervical mucus thicker.

Is it effective? For those who always use it, the ring is 99% effective. If it is used inconsistently, it is only 91% effective.

How much does it cost? With a prescription, it costs about $15-$80 a month.

Are there any side-effects? Side effects include breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting.

6. The Diaphragm

What is it? The diaphragm is a shallow and dome-shaped silicone cup that covers the cervix when inserted into the vagina.

How does it work? The diaphragm blocks the entrance of the uterus. It must be used with spermicide to increase effectiveness.

Is it effective? It is 94% effective when used correctly and consistently and 88% effective if not.

How much does it cost? Diaphragms require a prescription and cost between $15 and $75. The spermicide costs between $8 to $17.

Are there any side-effects? Some women experience Urinary Tract Infections.

7. Spermicide

What is it? Spermicide is a type of birth control that contains chemicals that immobilize the sperm. It comes in different forms such as foams, creams, films, gels and suppositories.

How does it work? Spermicide is inserted into the vagina, close to the cervix, 15 minutes before intercourse. It is only effective for about an hour, so more spermicide must be inserted before having sex again. It is then left in for eight hours after the last act of intercourse.

Is it effective? Spermicide is only 85% effective when it is always used and it is 71% effective if used inconsistently. It is usually paired with another birth control method to increase effectiveness.

How much does it cost? They are available at most drugstores and supermarkets without a prescription. Foams, gels, suppositories and film each cost about $8.

Are there any side-effects? Spermicides may irritate the vagina and surrounding skin. Also, it can cause reoccurring Urinary Tract Infections as spermicide can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in a girl’s vagina.

8. Today Sponge

What is it? The sponge is a small, doughnut-shaped device made of foam and soaked in spermicide. It has a string attached at the end for removal.

How does it work? The sponge is inserted deep into the vagina before intercourse. It covers the cervix and blocks the sperm from entering. Spermicide, a contraceptive substance that kills sperm, is released from the sponge.

Is it effective? The sponge is more effective for women who have never given birth.

For women who have never given birth: 88%-91% effective

For women who have given birth: 20%-24% effective

How much does it cost? $9-$15 for a pack of three

Are there any side-effects? Most women don’t get side effects with the sponge, but it may cause vaginal irritation.

9. Female Sterilization

What is it? Sterilization is a permanent surgical procedure. It can be done either by blocking the fallopian tubes through cutting or tying called tubal ligation or having tiny spring-like inserts put in the tubes called Hysteroscopic sterilization.

How does it work? Sterilization blocks the fallopian tubes, preventing the eggs from leaving the ovaries.

Is it effective? Sterilization is nearly 100% effective. Less than 3 out of 1000 women will get pregnant with the inserts. Approximately 5 out of 1000 will get pregnant with the tubal ligation procedure.

How much does it cost? The cost of sterilization ranges between $1,500 to $6,000, as it is a surgery.

Are there any side-effects? Like all surgeries, there is a possibility of bleeding, infection, or a reaction to the anesthetic.

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10. Patch

What is it? The patch is a nude-colored thin adhesive that prevents pregnancy.

How does it work? The patch releases hormones (progestin and estrogen) into the body, similarly to the other birth control methods. The patch only needs to be changed once a week for three weeks. On the fourth week, no patch is worn which is the week you would start your period.

Is it effective? The patch is 99% effective if used correctly and on time every time. Effectiveness decreases to 91% if not used as directed. The patch may also be less effective for women weighing above 198 pounds.

How much does it cost? Patches require a prescription and cost between $15-$80 per monthly pack, depending on the brand. This does not include the cost of any examinations.

Are there any side-effects? Common side-effects include nausea, breast tenderness, vomiting and bleeding between periods. Also, skin irritation from the adhesive may occur.

11. Shot

What is it? The shot is an injection of the hormone progesterone, which is naturally made in the ovaries.

How does it work? The hormone progesterone prevents ovulation from occurring. The shot is given once every three months.

Is it effective? The shot is about 99% effective if it is always given every three months. It is 94% effective if it isn’t used as directed.

How much does it cost? Each shot costs around $60. Many health insurance plans cover it. (Hint: You can also get this at Student Health Services.)

Are there any side-effects? Irregular bleeding is the most common symptom. Others include change in sex drive, increased appetite, depression, hair loss or increased hair facial/body hair, headache, nausea and sore breasts.

12. Implant

What is it? An implant is a small, matchstick-sized rod that gets inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It lasts up to three years.

How does it work? The implant releases hormones that prevent pregnancy.

Is it effective? The implant is 99% effective.

How much does it cost? The cost ranges from $400-$800, which includes the exam, the implant, and the insertion. Removal costs between $100-$300.

Are there any side-effects? Side effects include irregular bleeding in the first 6-12 months, change in sex drive, discoloring of skin over the implant, nausea, pain/infection in arm, increased appetite and sore breasts.

While some women have fewer and lighter periods (1 in 3 women stop having periods all together after one year), others will have longer and heavier periods and spotting between.

13. Emergency Contraceptives

What is it? Emergency contraceptives are a type of birth control that can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex. This should not be used as a regular form of birth control.

How does it work? They keep the ovaries from releasing an egg for longer than usual.

Is it effective? They are 85%-89% effective when taken within 3 days after unprotected sex. After 5 days, they gradually become less effective.

How much does it cost? Emergency Contraceptives cost between $30-$60 and do not require a prescription for those 17 and above. (Hint: You can also buy this at Student Health Services for cheaper than most pharmacies.)

Are there any side-effects? Possible side effects include breast tenderness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting and earlier/later or lighter/heavier periods.

14. Abstinence

What is it? Abstinence is refraining from sex altogether.

How does it work? Abstinence prevents pregnancy and protects from STD’s by keeping sperm out of the vagina. No barriers are needed because the person is not having sex.

Is it effective? It is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective!

How much does it cost? It’s free! (It actually saves you money because you aren’t purchasing contraceptives!)

Are there any side-effects? Side effects may include strong temptations and sexual frustrations. (There are no real side-effects.)

Sources:

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control-4211.htm

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/thumbnails/0,,20354669,00.html

http://bedsider.org/methods

http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/FB-Unintended-Pregnancy-US.html#6

http://www.scarleteen.com/

Photo Sources:

http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Pros_and_Cons_of_Female_and_Male_Condoms_a1185.html

http://www.choosingraw.com/question-of-the-week-birth-control/