Reversible Non-Prescription Methods

Male Condoms

Reversible barrier method

Effectiveness with typical use: 10 out of 100 women will become pregnant
Advantages:
  • Allows men to participate in birth control
  • Easy to get
  • Can be used with other methods
  • When used consistently and correctly every time, latex condoms can be highly effective in reducing the risk of transmitting HIV and some other STIs.
Disadvantages:
  • Breaks if not used properly
  • Doesn't reduce the risk of contracting/transmitting all STIs
Cost: $.50-$2.50, variety of brands, styles, colors, flavors; (Become a member of the Condom Club and buy up to 50 condoms for $5!)

Female Condom

Polyurethane pouch with flexible rings at each end

Effectiveness with typical use: 21 out of 100 women will become pregnant
Advantages:
  • No prescriptions or fittings needed
  • Reduces the risk against some STIs
  • Allows women to participate in reducing the risk of STIs
Disadvantages:
  • Vaginal irritation
  • Could slip into vagina during intercourse
  • Noisy
Cost: $2.50 each, available at drug stores and family planning clinics

Spermicide

Foam or cream inserted before intercourse to immobilize sperm

Effectiveness with typical use: 26 out of 100 women will become pregnant
Advantages: Easy to purchase & use
Disadvantages:
  • May not form a good barrier over cervix
  • Messiness, leakage, irritation>
  • No protection from STIs and may increase the risk of contracting/transmitting some STIs including HIV
Cost: $4-8, available at drug stores

Withdrawal or "Pulling Out"

Withdrawing penis out of the vagina before ejaculation

Effectiveness with typical use: 19 out of 100 women will become pregnant
Advantages: No cost
Disadvantages:
  • No protection from STIs
  • Pre-ejaculate carries sperm as well as infections and diseases, therefore it can lead to pregnancy and contracting STIs
  • Lack of self-control
Cost: None

Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)

Understanding fertility pattern to predict ovulation

Effectiveness with typical use: 25 out of 100 women will become pregnant
Advantages:
  • No hormones
  • No cost
  • Religious reasons
Disadvantages:
  • No protection from STIs
  • Need guidance to learn
  • Illness can cause changes
  • Not completely accurate for some women
Cost:
  • Temperature kit: $5-8