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Contraception or birth control is used to prevent pregnancy. There are many options which can make choosing the right one for you a little overwhelming, let’s break it down!

Condoms

Condoms are worn over the penis to prevent skin to skin and fluid contact during sex. Condoms can also be made to fit inside the vagina, again preventing skin to skin and fluid contact during sex. Most condoms are made of latex, but non-latex condoms are also available for those who may have an allergy or react to latex on the skin. Condoms designed to be worn over the penis are generally more effective, preventing pregnancy 95% of the time when used perfectly, and about 85% of the time with average use.

Advantages

• Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• You can find condoms at most pharmacies and grocery stores
• Condoms are available for free at certain weCHC locations

Disadvantages

• When not used or properly condoms are not as effective – be sure to check the directions on the box
• Condoms can slip off the penis, out of the vagina or break during sex
• Condoms must be available and used during sex

Oral Contraception

Oral contraception or the birth control pill uses a combination of estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. It is one mini pill taken every day that, when taken correctly, is 99.7% effective or 92% effective with average use.

Advantages

• The pill is highly effective when taken as directed.
• In some cases, the pill can help make periods more regular and decrease cramping.
• The pill can also help decrease acne and hair growth.

Disadvantages

• Some people may experience side-effects like headaches, nausea, and breast tenderness.
• May increase your risk for blood clots.
• Must be taken daily and as directed to be most effective.
• The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)

 An IUD is a small t-shaped device inserted into the uterus through the vagina by a doctor. The device contains the hormone progestin which prevents pregnancy 99.7% of the time.

Advantages

• The IUD is effective and lasts up to 5 years.
• Does not contain the hormone estrogen.
• The device will not interfere with sex.
• An IUD can decrease bleeding and pain during periods, stopping periods in 20-30% of users.

Disadvantages

• Some people may experience side effects like acne, breast tenderness, or spotting with an IUD.
• In very rare cases the the device may fall out or perforate the uterus.
• A doctor must insert and remove the device.
• Not all IUDs prevent pregnancy immediately, you may need to use a back-up method for the first month.
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Depo Provera Injection

Depo Provera Injection or “the shot” can be given 4 times per year to prevent pregnancy. The injection contains only progestin and is up to 99.7% effective.

Advantages

• Effective and long lasting.
• The injection is discreet and does not interfere with sex.
• The injection may reduce cramping and bleeding during periods or stop periods all together.

Disadvantages

• Some people experience side effects like weight gain, headaches, acne, depression, a decrease in bone mineral density or irregular bleeding.
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Contraceptive Patch

The patch prevents pregnancy through a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin. The user will reapply the patch weekly for three weeks then remove for one full week to have a period. When used properly, the patch is 99.7% effective and about 92% effective with average use.

Advantages

• When used correctly, the patch is very effective.
• The patch only has to be applied once per week.

Disadvantages

• Some people may experience headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding or spotting or skin irritation.
• It is very rare, but the patch may fall off making it ineffective.
• The patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Vaginal Ring

Like the patch, a vaginal ring uses estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy 99.7% of the time when used effectively and 92% of the time with average use. The ring is inserted into the vagina and left in for three weeks, then taken out for one week to have a period.

Advantages

• When used correctly, the ring is very effective.
• The patch only has to be applied once per week.

Disadvantages

• Some people may experience side effects like headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding or spotting or irritation in the vagina.
• Although uncommon, there is a chance the ring could fall out.
• The ring does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

The Morning After Pill

The morning after pill, aka emergency contraception, Plan B etc. can be taken up to 120 hours or 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. The sooner the pill is taken, the better. This type of contraception does contain the hormone progesterone which helps prevent pregnancy.

You might take this pill after:

• Having unprotected sex.
• Missed taking a pill, changing the patch or skipped an injection.
• The condom broke, slipped, or leaked.
• After sexual assault.

Emergency contraception is not meant to be used on a regular basis, it is important to plan ahead when possible and make sure you have contraception available to you before you need it. If you have questions about what type of birth control is right for you, be sure to make an appointment with your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner.

Struggling with the cost of birth control? The Government of Ontario has different programs to help with the cost of medication. Not eligible for government programs and don’t have private drug coverage? Check out the Essential Medicines Program from Green Shield Canada!

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