Name:
Period:
Birth Control Methods
Background Info:
1. Speaking about HS students across the U.S. …
a. What percentage have sexual intercourse? _____________
b. What percentage had sexual intercourse during the previous 3 months? ____________
c. What percentage had sex with four or more people during their life? _____________
d. What is the average age in which individual first have sex? _____________
e. TRUE or FALSE
Teens are waiting longer to have sex than they did in the recent past.
2. What are the top 3 reasons that teens gave for not having had sex?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________
3. Summarize the Reality of Pregnancies in the U.S.
VOCAB:
1. Contraceptive Methods-
2. Hormonal Methods-
3. Barrier Methods-
4. Other Methods-
5. Theoretical Effectiveness (Perfect Use)-
6. Typical Effectiveness (Actual Use)-
Name:
Period:
Birth Control Methods
Barrier methods Review:
1. What are the only two methods that protect against STI transmission?
2. What do you think are the greatest two benefits barrier methods have to offer?
3. What is the ratio of male based methods to female based methods?
4. Joe is 17 years old and he and his girlfriend decided they are ready to be sexually active. They both
promised to be exclusive, not see anyone else. They have decided not to use a hormonal method or
other method. They will be using a barrier method to keep themselves safe. Which method(s) would
you recommend for them to use and why? Be Specific.
Hormonal methods Review:
1. What is the most commonly used hormonal method? Why do you think that this is?
2. What is the only hormonal birth control method that does not required a prescription for certain
brands? What are the benefits of “no prescription”?
Name:
Period:
3. Rank the following methods in order from being most likely to use/recommend to least like to
use/recommend. AND explain your reasoning for the method you would most likely with support.
Vaginal Ring
B.C. Shot
B.C. Implant
B.C. Patch
4. Identify and explain two situations in which an emergency contraceptive would be appropriate for
an individual of any age to use.
Other methods Review:
1. Compare and contrast Male and Female Sterilization.
2. Which method of the “other birth control methods” would be most appropriate for teens and why?
3. Which method of the “other birth control methods” would be least appropriate for teens and why?
Name:
Period:
Barrier Methods
(Male Condom, Female Condom, Diaphragm, Sponge, Spermicide, Cervical Cap)
Effectiveness
Cost/
Location
Male
Condom
Plastic or Latex
material molded into
the shape of penis.
82-98%
Free - $1.00
Drug Store,
Supermarkets
N
Female
Condom
Pouch inserted into
vagina prior to
intercourse, ring at
each end.
79-95%
$4.00
Pharmacy
Superstores
N
Diaphragm
Shallow, domeshaped cup with a
flexible rim. Made of
silicone. Inserted in
to the vagina, covers
the cervix.
88-94%
Exam $50$200
Diaphragm
$15-$75
Sponge
Sponge is made of
plastic foam
contains spermicide.
Soft, round, 2 inches
in diameter. Placed
into the vagina prior
to intercourse.
Method
Description
Spermicide
Cream, gel, foam, or
film that contains
chemicals that stop
sperm from moving.
Cervical
Cap
Silicon cup shaped
cap that is inserted
into the vagina and
over the cervix.
88-91% (never
given birth)
76-80%
(previously
given birth)
71-85%
71%-86%
$9-$15
(3pack)
Drugstore,
Online,
Supermarkets
Applicator Kit
and Gel $8,
Refills $4-$8
(20-40
applications)
Drugstore
Supermarkets
Exam $50$200
Diaphragm
$60-$75
Physician
Pharmacy
Prescription
(Y/N)
Y
N
N
Y
Advantages
Safe
Easy to get
Can pair with other
methods
Protects against STIs
Protects against STIs
Easy to get
Can be used by
individuals allergic to
latex
Small, convenient
Typically not felt
Can be inserted hours
prior
Safe, simple,
convenient
Does not need to be
fitted
Can be inserted prior
to intercourse and
remain in for up to 30
hours afterwards
Disadvantages
Allergies (6%)
May break
May dull sensation
May cause irritation
May slip out of place
May decrease sensation
Must be fitted/ refitted
May be difficult to insert
May be pushed out of
placed
May be difficult to
insert/remove
May cause vaginal
irritation
Can be paired with
other methods to
increase effectiveness
If used incorrectly- may
not form a good barrier
over the cervix
Messy
May irritate genitals
Small
Can be inserted prior
Needs to be sized
Cannot be used during
menstruation
May be difficult to insert
May be dislodged
Name:
Period:
Hormonal Methods
(Vaginal Ring, Birth Control Pills, Patch, Shot, Emergency Contraceptive, Implant, Intrauterine Device)
Method
Description
Vaginal Ring
A small, flexible ring
inserted into the
vagina once a
month, it is
removed after three
weeks allowing
menstruation to
occur.
Effectiveness
Cost/
Location
91-99%
$15-$80
Pharmacy
91-99%
$15-$50
no exam
needed
$35-$250
with exam
Pharmacy
$15-$80
$35-$250
with exam
Birth Control
Pill
A pill taken daily.
Mini (progestin
only) pills must be
taken at same time
every day.
Patch
Thin, skin colored,
plastic patch that
sticks to the skin.
The patch is placed
on the skin once a
week for three
weeks in a row.
91-99%
Shot
An injection of a
hormone. Each shot
prevents pregnancy
for three months.
94-99%
Effectiveness is
increased with
regular use
Emergency
Contraceptive
Birth control used
up to five days after
unprotected sex.
Intrauterine
Device (IUD)
IUD are small, “Tshaped,” plastic
devices.
ParaGard (copper)
12 years
Prescription
Advantages
Disadvantages
Y
Regulates, lightens, and
shortens periods.
Protects against: acne,
bad menstrual cramps,
heavy/irregular periods,
PID, infertility, and
headaches
Side effects usually clear up
after 2-3 months.
Bleeding between periods
Breast tenderness
Nausea and vomiting
Y
Reduced menstrual
cramps
Lightens period
Protects against PID which
may lead to infertility
The combo pill protects
against: acne and bad
menstrual cramps
Bleeding between periods
Breast tenderness
Nausea and vomiting
Y
Protects against: acne,
bad menstrual cramps,
heavy/irregular periods,
PID, infertility, and
headaches
Side effects usually clear up
after 2-3 months.
Bleeding between periods
Breast tenderness
Nausea and vomiting
Long lasting pregnancy
protection
Do not need to remember
to take daily
May help prevent uterine
cancer
Anyone can buy
Emergency Contraceptive
Some brands require a
prescription if under 16
Backup/emergency
method-can be used with
other methods if needed
Irregular bleeding, especially
during first 6-12 months
Fewer and lighter periods or
no more period
Longer, heavier period
Possible spot bleeding
(Y/N)
$55-$150
Y
Varies with
brand
85/89% within
72 hours
Effectiveness
decreases with
time
$30-$65
N/Y
(2 pill brands
Yes)
99%
Medical
exam,
IUD,
insertion,
follow up
Y
Reduced cramps
Lighten Period
Reduce menstrual flow
Earlier or later, heavier or
lighter period than usual
Dizziness, headache,
nausea, or vomiting
Mild to moderate pain when
IUD is inserted
Cramping/backache
Spot bleeding first 3-6
months
Name:
Period:
Mirena (hormonal)
5 years
Skyla (hormonal)
3 years
Implant
Thin, flexible, plastic
implant about the
size of a matchstick
that is inserted
under the skin of
the upper arm. Last
for three years.
visits
$500$1000
99%
Exam,
implant,
and
insertion
$400$800
Removal
$100$300
Irregular or heavier periods
RARE Cases: IUD slips out
and may puncture uterus
wall or infections develop
Y
Quick return to fertility
Long lasting method
No daily medicine to take
Fewer lighter period
1 in 3 will stop having a
period
Some will have longer,
heavier periods
Increase spot bleeding
Other Methods
(Abstinence, Fertility Awareness Methods, Female Sterilization, Male Sterilization, Withdrawal)
Name:
Method
Period:
Description
Abstinence
A behavior that
prevents pregnancy.
Fertility
Awareness
Methods
FAMs are ways to
track ovulation. Also
known as family
planning.
Calendar Method
Cervical Mucus
Method
Temperature Method
Standard Days
Method (combo of
all 3)
Female
Sterilization
Fallopian tubes are
closed or blocked
during surgery. This
is meant to be
permanent.
Male
Sterilization
Also known as a
Vasectomy. Vas
deferens (tube
carrying sperm) are
blocked or closed. Is
meant to be
permanent.
Withdrawal
Also known as the
pull out method.
Oldest method of
birth control. Used
by over 35 million
couples worldwide.
Effectiveness
100%
76%
(typical use)
Effectiveness
increases with
practice
99.5%-99.7%
depending on
method
99.9%
73%-96%
Cost/
Location
Prescription
(Y/N)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Maybe difficult to
abstain for long
periods of time
May end
abstinences without
being full prepared
Peer Pressure
May not work if...
Multiple partners
Lack of commitment
by one partner or
both
Forgetful
Struggle with
abstinence (10
days+/month)
Do not depend on
tracking if ...
Irregular period
N
No medical or
hormonal side effects
Free
Prevents STDs
N
Safe
Can be stopped easily
to plan a pregnancy
No medication
needed
$1500-$6000
Hospital
N
(arrangement
must be made
with health
care provider)
Most sterilization is
effective
immediately, some
methods may take up
to 3 months
No hormonal changes
Normal Periods
Not designed for
individual who…
May want children
later
Pressured by others
Using it as a solution
to problem(s)
$350-$1000
Hospital
Medical Office
N
(arrangements
must be made
with health
care provider)
Permanent
No side effects
Not designed for
individual who…
May want children
later
Pressured by others
Using it as a solution
to problem(s)
N
Can be used when no
other method is
available
No medical or
hormonal side effects
Can increase the
effectiveness of other
methods when paired
together
Requires selfcontrol, experience,
and trust
Not recommended
for teens and
sexually
inexperienced men
Free
Readily
Available
Free to Small
Cost (calendar,
thermometer)
Online courses
Health center
classes,
hospitals
Free
Readily
Available