Birth Control Options Safe Sex?? If you're going to have sex, you need to use protection. Birth control methods are successful to different degrees in protecting users from unwanted pregnancy and STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). All the options listed below can protect against unwanted pregnancy, but only three, male condoms, female condoms, and of course, abstinence (no sexual intercourse), are effective against STDs. Here's information about:

Emergency Contraception — what to do right after you've had unprotected sex Abstinence — this is the best protection against pregnancy and STDs Birth Control Pills — the famous "Pill" Cervical Cap —blocks sperm from entering the uterus Depo-Provera® — twelve weeks of birth control in one injection Diaphragm — blocks sperm from entering the uterus Condoms: Female — barrier method that protects against STDs Condoms: Male — only birth control option that protects STDs Foam — when used with condoms, best protection against pregnancy and STDs IUD — intrauterine devices Natural Family Planning —fertility awareness method Norplant — five years of birth control in one step The Patch — Ortho Evra® — one week of protection Permanent Methods — male and female sterilization The Ring — NuvaRing® — one month of protection

S E X