Layout 1

Marriage and Family Life: The EarlyYears

Figure 6.2

Birth Control Methods and Their Effectivenesscontinued

Category Method % Effective Advantages Disadvantages

Vaginal Ring 98% Inserted by the

woman,it

remains in the

vagina for

3 weeks,then is

removed for

1 week.

Ifringisexpelled

andremainsout

formorethan

3hours,another

birthcontrol

methodmustbe

useduntilringhas

beenused

continuouslyfor7

days.

Possibleside

effects:vaginal

discharge,

vaginitis,irritation.

Similartooral

contraceptives—

combinedpill.

Post-coital

Contraception

(commonly

knownasthe

morning-after

pill)

80% May be taken

after unprotected

intercourse to

prevent

pregnancy.

Prescription only.

Must be taken

within 72 hours

of unprotected

intercourse.

Possible side

effects include:

nausea,vomiting,

abdominal pain,

fatigue,headache

IUD

(Intrauterine

device)

Levonorgestrel

(LNg 20) IUD

99% After insertion

intotheuterus

by physician,IUD

can remain in

placefrom

1to10years,

depending

on type.

Possible side

effects: cramps,

bleeding,pelvic

inflammatory

disease,infertility,

perforation of

uterus.

Progestin-only

Pills (mini-pills)

98% Convenient

Effective

Must be taken on

daily schedule,

regardless of

frequency of

intercourse.

Less protection

against ectopic

pregnancy.