Birth Control...The prevention of the fertilization of the ovum (a female egg).¹
Relied upon for protection against STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases).
For single adults and teens, abstinence is best to prevent pregnancy and STD’s.
In the context of marriage consult a pastor, priest, doctor or relative regarding birth control.”

Birth Control	Description	Cautions
The Pill	Birth control pills are designed to prevent the release of eggs through hormonal control. Birth control pills work by maintaining an artificially high level of estrogen and progesterone. For this reason the pill must be taken at the same time every day to maintain this hormone.	Has an estimated 8% failure rate* Inconsistency provides little or no protection from pregnancy Provides no protection against STDs Can cause certain side effects such as:  bloating, headaches, irritability, exhaustion, depression, nausea, weight gain, decreased desire for sex, breast tenderness, and spotting or bleeding at times other than your menstrual period
Depo-Provera	Depo-Provera is the most common injectable contraceptive. It contains synthetic progesterone similar to that which is in birth control pills. Each injection lasts up to 3 months. Women usually return to their regular menstrual cycle within 6-18 months after stopping Depo-Provera.	Has an estimated 3% failure rate* Provides no protection against STDs Can cause certain side effects such as: spotting/bleeding, weight gain, nervousness, dizziness, stomach discomfort, headache, and fatigue Recent studies have shown that Depo-Provera decreases the amount of calcium stored in your bones which may lead to osteoporosis later in life 3
Norplant	Norplant is a contraceptive that consists of six matchstick-sized, nonbiodegradable, silicone rubber capsules containing a form of progesterone that is released gradually into the body over a five-year period. The capsules are surgically implanted inside the woman’s arm just above her elbow. The capsules must also be surgically removed at the end of 5 years (or sooner if desired). Fertility begins about three months after Norplant has been removed if no other contraceptives are taken.	Has an estimated 1% failure rate* Provides no protection against STDs Can cause certain side effects such as: irregular menstrual bleeding, weight gain, headaches, discharge from breasts, increased hair growth, scalp hair loss, tender breasts, vaginal discharge, nausea, dizziness, and ovarian cysts Must be surgically removed if you decide to get pregnant
Condoms	Condoms prevent pregnancy by blocking the passage of sperm into the vaginal cavity. There are male and female versions. To be effective condoms must be used correctly 100% of the time.	Has an estimated 15% failure rate* Condoms provide only limited STD protection. Even the perfect use of condoms has been shown ineffective in providing complete protection from Herpes, HPV, and HIV infection. Condoms can slip, tear, or break allowing sperm to leak out, causing a pregnancy
Spermicides	Spermicides contain Nonoxynol-9 or Octoxynol. These chemicals kill sperm by destroying the cell membrane. They come in foams, gels, creams, suppositories, films, or tablets.	Has an estimated 29% failure rate* Does not provide effective protection against STDs Can irritate the lining of the vagina Pregnancy rates, even with the use of spermicides, are unexpectedly high
Rhythm Method	This approach is also known as natural family planning. With this method, couples avoid intercourse during the time in the menstrual cycle when ovulation occurs. This requires careful observation of the changes in the female body that occur after ovulation. Irregular cycles make it difficult to use this approach.	Has an estimated 25% failure rate* The time of ovulation cannot always be accurately predicted Fertile sperm can survive in cervical mucus for up to 7 days This technique sometimes requires two weeks of abstinence each month
The Morning After Pill	The morning after pill (also known as Emergency Birth Control) is a type of birth control pill that needs to be taken within 72 hours of intercourse. It is uncertain how the pill specifically works, but it is most likely that it inhibits or disrupts ovulation, interfering with fertilization or transport of the fertilized egg, or inhibits the implantation of the embryo in the endometrium (lining of the uterus).4 Many consider this to be an abortion method because the pills may prevent the already fertilized embryo from implantation.	Has an estimated 25% failure rate* Must be taken within 72 hours after intercourse Will not work with a pre-established (confirmed) pregnancy Can cause certain side effects such as: nausea, vomiting, menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness, headache, abdominal cramps, and dizziness5 If vomiting occurs 2 hours after dose, it is recommended to repeat a dose
Abstinence	Abstinence is a commitment to delay any sexual activity until marriage. It is the healthiest lifestyle choice because it frees you from the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease or getting pregnant. It also protects you from experiencing the hurt, rejection, and shame that is often associated with sexual involvement between people who are not married.	Requires patience and discipline May experience negative response from others because of your choice

* All failure rates were taken from CDC (Center for Disease Control) statistics.

1 Webster’s New World Dictionary (1990)
3 Hatcher, RA. Et al. (1997). Fertility, Family Planning, and Woman’s Health: New Data From the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Statistics, 23 (19).
4 Glasier, A. Emergency Postcoital Birth Control, New England Journal of Medicine, Oct. 9, 1997, 1058.  
5 http://www.preven.com