Student Wellness Center at OSU : Sexual Wellness : Contraceptives : Reversible Non-Prescription

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Sexual Wellness

Contraceptives

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