...is best for everyone. Each woman needs to find what fits her needs, lifestyle, and health background.

Cedar River Clinics publishes the Birth Control Comparison Chart, a tool to compare and contrast options, and an informational website with information about each method. This article summarizes information from the Cedar River Clinic's Birth Control Comparison Chart, created for use in community education and with clients in its abortion, birth control and well-woman clinics. It describes methods that are currently available in the U.S. Information about ordering the chart is at the end of the article (see page 7).

BARRIER METHODS: DIAPHRAGM, CERVICAL CAP, FEMALE & MALE CONDOM, SPERMICIDES, SPONGE

Barrier methods create a physical, chemical, or combination barrier over the cervix or penis to prevent egg and sperm from meeting. Caps and diaphragms require a clinic visit and a prescription. The other methods are available over-the-counter. The most significant benefit of condoms is that they prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). Cervical barriers may offer some limited protection against some STIs. Using a condom in combination with another method (except another condom) significantly decreases the risk of pregnancy and offers protection against HIV/STIs. Caps, diaphragms and sponges are not recommended for women who have had Toxic Shock Syndrome.

MALE CONDOM: 85-98% EFFECTIVE A male condom is a sheath, usually made of latex, which fits over the erect penis. Male condoms provide a thin protective layer between partners so that bodily fluids (semen, blood, or saliva) are not This male-controlled method is only effective when the condom is put on just before sex. A new condom must be used each time. A wide variety of styles, colors, and types are available. Some people have an allergic reaction to the rubber and/or spermicide that can be used in latex condoms.

FEMALE CONDOM: 79-95% EFFECTIVE

A female condom is a thin, loose, flexible plastic tube worn inside ring at the tube's closed end covers the cervix, while the open end remains outside the vagina and partly covers the lip area. Female condoms can be inserted up to eight hours before intercourse. The female condom can be difficult to insert at first, is more expensive than male condoms, and may be more noticeable during sex. Only one style of female condom is available today, but new styles and brands are under development because the female condom is an important woman-controlled means to protect against HIV/STIs.

SPERMICIDES: 71-82% EFFECTIVE

A spermicide kills or disables sperm so that it cannot cause pregnancy Spermicides come in many different forms--jelly, cream, film, and suppositories--and most use the chemical non-oxynol-9. Spermicide is inserted by the woman into her vagina before intercourse and more added for subsequent intercourse. Spermicide should remain in the vagina for eight hours after sex because sperm can stay alive that long. If spermicides irritate the vagina they can' make it easier to contract HIV/STIs. Some people are allergic to certain spermicides, which can cause genital irritation, rash, or itching. Combining the use of condoms and spermicide is extremely effective--as effective as using birth control pills....

NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.



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