QUICK FACTS: Birth Control

QUICK FACTS: Birth Control //

• How can I be pregnant if I was on birth control? The first and most important thing you should know about birth control methods is that none of them are 100% effective to prevent pregnancy. The CDC, established medical community  and the companies that produce birth control all acknowledge this.
• STD’s – Most birth control methods do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms can reduce the risk but not eliminate it. The only way to be sure you won’t get an STD is to abstain from all sexual activity.
• 100 % Effective Method = Abstinence – According to the CDC and the established medical community, “abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and pregnancy” (cdc.gov). The only way to be sure you won’t become pregnant and to prevent STDs is to refrain from sexual activity.
• Basic Classes of Birth Control Methods (to prevent pregnancy) –
  • Permanent Methods – over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy
    • Male sterilization is called a vasectomy -two tubes that carry sperm are cut so sperm cannot get into the semen.
    • Female sterilization is called tubal ligation – in which the Fallopian tubes are “tied” to prevent an egg from reaching sperm, or hysteroscopic sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are blocked.
  • Long-acting reversible contraceptives – intrauterine devices/hormonal implants
  • Short-acting hormonal methods – pills, patch, shot, vagnial ring
  • Barrier Methods – condoms, diaphragms, sponge, cervical cup
  • Natural Rhythm Methods – simply avoiding sexual intercourse during the most fertile days of a woman’s cycle. Done through body temperature tracking, an ovulation hhome test kit or app to track your body’s natural cycles.
• There are health risks and side effects to all hormonal methods, spermicides and intrauterine devices. Be sure to educate yourself to ensure your long term health and safety.
• The more sexual partners you have (or your partner has) increases your exposure to sexually transmitted diseases.

A NOTE FROM OUR NURSE MANAGER: NO birth control method is 100% effective to prevent pregnancy. The CDC, established medical community and the companies that produce birth control products all acknowledge this. The only way to be certain you won’t become pregnant is to refrain from sexual activity.