Comparing Birth Control Options: Latex Condoms to Vaginal Rings

Latex Condom- It works by putting a rubber sheath over his erect penis stops sperm from entering the vagina. Success rate of preventing pregnancy is 97%. It does protect against sexually transmitted diseases. The benefits of using condoms are they are cheap and can be easily found. The bad part is that they can break which can lead to pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

Natural Condom- It works the same as a latex condom but slightly thicker. Its success rate of preventing pregnancy is 85-95%. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. The benefits are they are a good option if you are allergic to latex protects. The bad part like latex condoms they can break and lead to pregnancy.

Female Condom- It works by inserting a plastic pouch deep inside your vagina. The ring at the closes end keeps the condom anchored; the open end stays outside your vagina. The success rate is 95% against pregnancy and it does protect against most sexually transmitted diseases, but not viral infections. The benefit is that the woman is in charge. The down side, some say it feels uncomfortable and it can slip off and lead to pregnancy.

Spermicide- The spermicidal kills sperm, whether is in the form of a foam, cream, film, and suppositories, and comes with some condoms. The success is 85% and boosts condom effectiveness. It does not protect against sexually transmitted disease. The benefits of this is that it is cheap and easy to find. The downfall is it can irritate the penis or vagina as well as your urinary tract.

Diaphragm- This device is fitted by your doctor , it is a thing rubber done that you insert over your cervix before you engage in sex and you keep in for six hours after sex. This is 94% effective against pregnancy. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. The benefits is that it is small and portable so it can be discretely used. The downfall is preplanning can be a if you leave it in too long you can get toxic shock syndrome.

Sponge- This item is used by dipping this foam sponge into water, then insert over your cervix before sex. Pull attached loop to remove after sex. This is 84% effective against sexually transmitted diseases. The upside is that the sponge provides spermicidal for 24 hours. The downside can be difficult to get out.

The Pill- This is used by taking one pill a day. It uses both estrogen and progestin to keep your ovaries from releasing an egg. They also thicken cervical mucus making it hard for sperm to even find an egg. This is 92-97% effective against pregnancy if used daily and properly. The benefits are they keep your period regular. The downfall is some women can suffer headaches, fatigue, bloating, mood swings and a lowered sex drive.

Patch- This is like the pill, it releases a combo of estrogen and progestin through your skin. You keep it on for three weeks skipping one week a month. The success rate of this is 99% against pregnancy. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. The benefits is that its not like taking a daily pill so its an easier method. It also keeps your period regular and lighter. The bad part is that it can be itchy. Plus some studies are not finding that it can increase your chances of blood clots.

Vaginal Ring- This is used by inserting a flexible plastic NuvaRing as close to the cervix as possible, where it stay for three weeks, and slowly releasing estrogen and progestin. The success rate against pregnancy is 99% effective but does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. The benefits is that your hormone level is lower then on the pill or patch and decrease side effects you might get with those other protects. The downfall is some women and men stay you can feel it during sex, It can also increase vaginal discharge.

Shot- basically a doctor injects you with a synthetic progesterone which releases into your bloodstream only 12 weeks. The success rate is 99% effective against pregnancy, but does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Implant- Basically a doctor numbs your upper arm and inserts little rods under your skin, which delivers nonstop progestin into your bloodstream. This is 99% effective against pregnancy. The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. The benefit is the slow-release system means you do not get a rush of hormones. Plus you only have to replace them every few years. The downside is it can cause irregular periods.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)- This is used by a doctor inserting a t-shape device into your uterus. There are two versions one releases hormones there other prevents sperm from reaching the egg. This can prevent against pregnancy up to five years. This is more then 99% effective. This does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. The benefit is long lasting pregnancy prevention that is also reversible. The down fall you might have mild cramping during insertion. Plus it can only be removed by a doctor.