Contraception Options to Fit Your Lifestyle
More than 3 million unintended pregnancies occur in American women every year. Almost half of these women are not using contraception, and for those women who are, the majority of unintended pregnancies result from the incorrect or inconsistent use of their contraception method.
Women who will potentially use a form of contraception to prevent pregnancy need to know the types of birth control methods available. Most importantly, they need to know how willing they will be to use, or remember to use, the birth control option they select.
Avoiding an unintended pregnancy involves weighing the advantages and disadvantages of contraception methods and selecting one that fits into your (and your partner’s) lifestyle. Even a technologically perfect contraceptive will fail when not used in the correct manner.
Most contraception methods have a theoretical success rate, or “perfect use” rate, ranging between 91 and 99 percent. However, the actual success rates can drop dramatically, depending on the form of contraception being used and human error. For example, male condoms have a “perfect use” rate of 97 percent but an “actual use” rate of 88 percent.
When selecting a form of birth control, consider your lifestyle, STD risk, cost, comfort, effectiveness and health history. In addition, use a method that you will follow correctly and consistently.
Emergency Contraception Update
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In April 2009, the FDA announced that
it will allow the non-prescription sale of the
emergency contraceptive Plan B to
individuals ages 17 years and older. Plan B
consists of a two-pill regimen that, when
taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse,
is highly effective at preventing pregnancy.
Plan B can be obtained at pharmacies,
hospitals and clinics after showing proof of
age. This form of contraception is meant
for emergency situations and is not intended
to be the sole form of birth control. Talk to
your physician for more details.
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To see a
Penn Medicine physician, call 800-789-PENN.
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