Contraceptives

Forms of Contraception

Effectiveness: 85%-98%
How it works: Blocks semen from entering the vagina or anus.
Advantages: Safe, effective and easy to get. Prevents both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Latex free options are available.
Disadvantages: Decrease spontaneity, and may feel uncomfortable putting on. You have to be sure to use it correctly every time.
How to Use

Effectiveness: 79%-98%
How it works: It is inserted into the vaginal canal prior to penetration.
Advantages: Latex free. Can be used in the vagina or anus. The external ring of the condom may provide extra clitoral stimulation, thus enhancing pleasure.
Disadvantages: Can be difficult to insert, uncomfortable to wear. More expensive and harder to find than male condoms. May feel uncomfortable interrupting foreplay to put in.
How to Use

Effectiveness: 92%- 99.7%
How it works: Take 1 pill per day orally for 3-3.5 weeks. Changes hormone levels in body.
Advantages: Does not interfere with spontaneity. Increases menstrual regularity. Can provide protection from ovarian cysts, uterine and breast fibroids, specific cancers, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Disadvantages: Requires a prescription, no protection from STIs, potential side effects, can be expensive. Must remember to take 1 pill per day, every day.
How to use

Effectiveness: 99.2%-99.9%
How it works: Small plastic device is inserted by a physician to bottom of cervix. Two types: Paraguard and Mirena.
Advantages: Least expensive method of contraception over time. Does not interfere with spontaneity. Long-lasting contraceptive effects. Mirena IUD reduces or eliminates menstrual flow. Can also be used as emergency contraception. Once removed, fertility is quickly restored.
Disadvantages: Require moderately painful insertion and removal procedures. May cause irregular bleeding and spotting. Heavier periods if using Paraguard IUD. No protection from STIs.
How to use

Effectiveness: 73% – 96%
How it works: Involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina or anus before ejaculation.
Advantages: It is an acceptable means for those who use another birth control method or for religious reasons. It is better than nothing.
Disadvantages: No protection from STIs. Can be difficult and stressful to use. This requires trust from the female partner and control by the male partner.
How to use

Effectiveness: 97%-99.7%
How it works: A shot that is injected once every 3 months.
Advantages: Does not interfere with spontaneity. Reduces menstrual flow. Does not contain estrogen. Moderately expensive.
Disadvantages: Must schedule office visits once per 3 months to be injected. Can experience a range of side effects. Bone density loss (but will return after use stops).
How to use

Effectiveness: 92%- 99.7%
How it works: Inserted in the vagina once per month; it releases a constant amount of estrogen and progestin.
Advantages: Does not interfere with spontaneity. Increases menstrual regularity. Easy to use. Has lower levels of hormones than other hormonal methods. May offer protection from pelvic inflammatory disease and specific cancers.
Disadvantages: Prescription is necessary. No protection from STIs. May cause side effects. There is risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. It may take 1-2 months for a woman’s period to return after discontinued use.
How to use

Effectiveness: 84% – 94%
How it works: Inserted in vagina before intercourse creating a barrier between female reproductive organs and sperm. Should be left in place at least 8 hours after intercourse.
Advantages: Allows partners to engage in intercourse multiple times using the same method. May reduce risk for cervical dysplasia and cancer. Protects against pregnancy. Does not affect hormone levels.
Disadvantages: Requires prescription. Does not protect against STIs. May be difficult to insert and may shift during intercourse. Cannot be used during menstruation.
How to use

Effectiveness: 84%-91%
How it works: Pushed in through vagina to cervix. Blocks entrance to uterus, absorbs sperm, and deactivates sperm.
Advantages: Immediately effective. Does not affect hormone levels or spontaneity. Partners can engage in intercourse multiple times during a 24-hour period. Does not require prescription.
Disadvantages: Does not protect against STIs. Can be found in many pharmacies. May be difficult to insert. Cannot be used during menstruation. May increase risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome.
How to use

For women using 21 or 28-day combination birth control pills:

Number of pills missed	When pills were missed	What to do	Should I use a back-up method?
First 1-2 Pills	Beginning of Pack	Take a pill as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at usual time.	Yes
1-2 Pills	Days 3-21	Take the pill as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at the usual time.	No
3 or more Pills	First 2 weeks	Take the pill as soon as you remember.Take the next pill at the usual time.	Yes
3 or more Pills	Third week	Do not finish pack. Start new pack.	Yes

Source: Planned Parenthood Federation of America

For prescription birth control and free external condoms

For free external condoms (latex, latex-free, vegan), dental dams (oral sex barriers), Lube, and internal condoms

You can request these safer sex supplies delivered to your campus box here.