Research the benefits, disadvantages, side-effects, efficiency rates and facts of available birth control methods.

Facts about male, female and emergency contraception options. The Pill, IUD shot, hormonal injections and patches, natural, rhythm method and much more.

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Safe Sex: Birth Control

	Deciding on a method of contraception
	Effective rates of each method
	Further Advice
		Dedicated information pages
		Methods of Contraception:
		Behavioral
		Abstinence
		Fertility Awareness
		The Ovulation Testing Pack
		The Rhythm Method
		Coitus Interruptus (Withdrawal)
		Douching*
		Barrier
		Condoms
		The Female Condom
		Dental Dams
		Diaphragms & Cervical Caps
		Hormonal
		The Pill - Combined Pill- Mini-pill, the progestogen only Pill (POP)
		Norplant® (implant)
		Implanon® (implant)
		Injection - Depo-Provera ®- Noristerat®
		Other
		IUDs (Intrauterine Devices)
		Intrauterine System (IUS)
		Spermicidal
		Creams & Jellies
		Film
		Foam
		Sponge
		Suppositories/Peccaries
		Emergency Contraception
		The Morning After Pill*
		IUD (Intrauterine Device)
		Spermicide
		Permanent Methods (sterilization):
		Tubal Ligation in Women
		Vasectomy in Males
		Purchase the contraceptive pill online at a great price
		Browse for condoms, dams and family planning aids
		Back to the complete list of Safe Sex categories

Deciding on a method of contraception

Contraception is used for both birth control and/or protection from sexually transmitted disease (STD). All contraceptive and protective methods have advantages and disadvantages.

A full understanding of all aspects of contraception is important in making the right choices for individual needs. Heterosexual intercourse may combine both contraceptive (birth control) effectiveness and STD/HIV prevention, while for homosexual sex STD/HIV protection will be the primary concern.

It is important to remember that AIDS is much more dangerous to your health than pregnancy, and unlike pregnancy, there is no way that the disease can be terminated.

Choosing a method for contraception and/or STD prevention means choosing a method which is right for a person's personal preferences and needs at a given point, but may change with different situations, relationships, etc.

There are many well, written informative books that can be useful to read when searching for the right method of contraception.

Choosing a method of birth control is not always easy as in addition to thinking about the effectiveness, benefits, and possible side-effects, you also need to think about what you feel comfortable using.

Talking about birth control with a partner can be hard. It may help to try to sort out your own feelings before you bring up the subject with your partner. Try to find a time and a way to talk about it that feels comfortable to you.

Your main concern may be with preventing pregnancy when you choose a method of birth control, but if you or your partner has ever had sexual contact with anyone else, you may be at risk of contracting an STD.

Using condoms and spermicide provides the greatest protection against STD's. Different Condoms, spermicides and lubricants are readily available at most pharmicies, and if you feel uncomfortable ordering from your local chemist there are many online pharmicies that can deliver your sexual health products by mail-order.

The message is clear: anyone who engages in casual sex or is having sex with a new partner should use a condom even if contraceptive protection is provided by the Pill. Women as well as men are recommended to carry condoms with them.

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Effective Rates of each method (efficacy)

The effectiveness rate is important to consider when choosing a birth control method.

Current information on effectiveness rates:

Information on a new antiviral Herpes Treatment that works in one application.