1. Birth Control Slideshow Pictures
2. Slideshow: What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain?
3. Women's Health Slideshow: Embarrassing Beauty Q&A

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Introduction to birth control types and options
• Summary and conclusions
• Birth Control At A Glance
• Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
• Birth Control Index

Many methods of birth control and contraception are available today. There are many options. Unfortunately, most of these choices offer little or no protection against sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases, STDs), especially against HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

For some individuals, economic considerations dictate their choice of contraceptive method. Abstinence is 100% effective and costs nothing, but may not always be a popular choice. "Natural" methods cost essentially nothing (if one does not use test kits or electronic monitors) but they require considerable discipline to be effective. Barrier methods, such as spermicides and condoms, are affordable to most people and can be effective if they are used consistently and correctly. The hormonal methods, such as "the pill," are highly effective but their cost can add up if they must be purchased over a period of time.

The choice of a particular method of contraceptive also depends on a person's age, health, and personal situation. For example, behavioral methods (fertility awareness or withdrawal), IUDs, and tubal ligation are not contraceptive methods recommended for teenagers. Surgical sterilization (vasectomy or tubal ligation) is not appropriate for a man or woman who wishes to have children in the future because surgical reversal is not guaranteed. Certain medical conditions can be contraindications for a woman using a hormone-based method of birth control.