Pregnancy Prevention
Choosing Contraception That's Right for You
M.A.R.S. is an abstinence-based sexual health model, meaning we teach young men and women that abstinence is the only pregnancy prevention method that is proven to be 100% effective every time. We also provide information about other pregnancy prevention methods for those individuals who choose to be sexually active.
The chart below provides some basic information on what contraceptive methods are currently available. You may want to discuss these with your healthcare professional to determine what contraceptive methods are best for you.
Keep in mind that the effectiveness of the contraceptive methods listed here is based on "perfect use", which means the contraceptive method is used as directed each and every time. That's why it is important to determine what contraceptive is most conducive with you. For example, the pill may not be the best option for someone who would forget to take it everyday at the same time.
Overview of Contraceptive Methods
Abstinence: When abstinence is defined as a birth control method, it means not having sexual intercourse or genital contact that could result in pregnancy.
Hormonal Birth Control: These methods primarily work by preventing the release of an egg from the woman's ovaries into the uterus (ovulation). They may also make the uterus an "unfriendly" environment for sperm. Examples of hormonal methods include: the patch, the pill, the shot (DepoProvera), and the vaginal ring.
Barrier Methods (Non-hormonal Birth Control): Barrier methods prevent pregnancy by providing a barrier against sperm or by interfering with sperm movement, or by creating an "unfriendly" environment for sperm. Thus, sperm are prevented from contacting an egg and fertilization cannot occur. Examples of barrier methods include: the male condom, female condom, intrauterine device, spermicides, diaphragm, and cervical cap.
Behavioral Methods: These methods involve choices a couple makes about what kind of sexual behaviors they engage in and when. Examples of behavior methods include: abstinence, outercourse, natural family planning and withdrawal.
Emergency Contraception: The use of oral contraceptives or IUDs to prevent pregnancy after failure of another birth control method or unprotected intercourse.
| Hormonal Methods | How to Use | Effectiveness (perfect use) | Prescription Needed | Protection Against STIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Pill (21-day and 28-day oral Contraceptive |
Take one pill every day as directed. A period occurs every 28 days. | 99% effective | Yes | No |
| The Pill (Extended cycle oral contraceptive) |
Take one pill every day for three months as directed. A period occurs just four times a year. | 99% effective | Yes | No |
| Contraceptive Patch | Apply patch to the skin and change weekly for three weeks. The fourth week is patch- free. | 99% effective | Yes | No |
| Contraceptive Injection ("The Shot") |
A hormone injection is received every three months. | 99% effective | Injections are given in a health care provider's office or clinic. | No |
| Vaginal Ring | A hormone releasing ring is inserted in to the vagina and remains there for three weeks. The fourth week is ring-free. | 99% effective | Yes | No |
| Hormone Releasing Intrauterine Device (IUD) |
The IUD is inserted in the uterus and can remain there for up to 5 years. | 99% effective | The procedure for insertion takes place in a health care provider's office or clinic. | No |
| Emergency Contraception ("Plan B") |
Plan B consists of two pills that are most effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex or failed birth control. | 83% effective within 72 hours | Available over the counter if over the age of 18. | No |
| Non-Hormonal Methods | How to Use | Effectiveness (perfect use) | Prescription Needed | Protection Against STIs |
| Male Condom | Worn over an erect penis prior to and during contact with the vagina. | 97-99% effective | No (available at most grocery and drug stores) | Yes |
| Female Condom | Inserted into the vagina prior to and during contact with the penis. | 95% effective | No | Yes |
| Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD) | The IUD is inserted in the uterus and can remain there for up to 10 years. | 99% effective | The procedure for insertion takes place in a health care provider's office or clinic. | No |
| Spermicides | Effectiveness is maximized when used with a condom or other barrier method (such as a diaphragm or cervical cap). | 74% effective if used alone; 94% effective if used with another barrier method | No (available at most grocery and drug stores) | No |
| Diaphragm | Small rubber cup filled with contraceptive jelly that fits over the cervix prior to intercourse. This blocks sperm from entering the uterus. | 94% effective | Female must be fitted for the correct size diaphragm by a health care provider. | No |
| Cervical Cap | A small cap filled with contraceptive jelly that is fit over the cervix prior to intercourse. This blocks sperm from entering the uterus. | 91% effective (if female has never had a child). | Female must be fitted for the correct size cervical cap by a health care provider. | No |
| Surgical Sterilization | A permanent method that blocks the fallopian tubes in females, thus preventing eggs from passing into the uterus. In males, the vas deferentia are blocked preventing sperm from being released. | 99% effective | This is a medical procedure performed by a physician. | No |
| Behavioral Methods | How to Use | Effectiveness (perfect use) | Prescription Needed | Protection Against STIs |
| Abstinence | No sexual intercourse or any genital contact that could result in pregnancy. | 100% | No | Yes, if no genital-genital, oral-genital or skin-to-skin contact occurs. |
| Outercourse | May include kissing, masturbation, erotic massage, etc. | 100% if no pre-ejaculate or semen is allowed to enter the vagina. | No | No protection if bodily fluids are exchanged or there is skin-to-skin contact. |
| Natural Family Planning | The female's menstrual cycle is tracked so she knows when she is ovulating and most likely to become pregnant. Sex is avoided or other protection is used during these times. | 80% effective | No | No |
| Withdrawal | The male removes his penis from the female's vagina before he ejaculates. | 73% effective | No | No |
Check out our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section to learn about other concerns with pregnancy and contraceptives that often come up.
For websites to go to for more information click here: Resources