Birth control pills are a hormonal method of preventing pregnancy. Hormonal methods work very well to prevent pregnancy, but do not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) . You should use condoms if you are worried about getting STIs.
Which birth control method is right for you?
- Birth Control Pill: one pill taken at the same time each day for 3 weeks to 3 months. It depends on the kind of pill you want to take. With some kinds of pills you get a period about every 4 weeks. With other pills you can get a period every 3 months. Click here for more information.
- Birth Control Shot: one shot, given every 12 weeks. You can get a period every 12 weeks and sometimes you will stop having periods completely. Click here for more information.
- Birth Control Patch: a patch worn on the skin, like a band-aid. Each patch works for only 1 week. You wear 1 patch each week for 3 weeks. During the fourth week, you wear no patch at all. This is when you will get your period. Click here for more information.
- Birth Control Ring: ring worn inside the vagina. One ring is used for three weeks and then it is removed. You nor your partner can feel the ring when it is inside the vagina. During the fourth week you will get your period. Click here for more information.
- Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPS): emergency contraception is taken after having unprotected sex. They don’t cause abortions. They mostly work by stopping the egg from coming out of the ovary on time so that the sperm and egg can’t meet. The sooner ECPs are taken the better they work. They can be taken up to 5 days of unprotected sex. They do not protect against STIs. Click here for more information.
Other methods of birth control
There are also barrier methods and long-term methods of birth control. Barrier methods include external condoms, internal condoms, diaphragms, kinds of cervical caps, spermicides. Some barrier methods can also be used to protect against STIs (male and female condoms). Click here for more information on barrier methods.
Long term methods include three types of pregnancy prevention methods that work for several years. These three types are sterilization, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. Click here for more information on long term methods.
Withdrawal is also a method of birth control that can work ONLY if a guy really knows how to use it correctly. The natural methods of family planning also work but only if someone learns to use them correctly and follows the instructions.