Choosing a Family Planning Method 201
Family planning
method
Condom for
men
Condom for
women
Protection
from
pregnancy
★★
good
Protection
from STIs
Possible side
effects
Other important
information
Most effective when
used with spermicide
and lubricant.
★★
good
Less effective when the
woman is on top of the
man during sex.
Diaphragm
(with spermicide)
★★
good
Most effective
when used with
spermicide.
Spermicide
★
som e
Hormonal methods
Birth control pill, patch, injections
★★★
ve ry good
Implants
IUD
Sex without
intercourse
(penis not inside
vagina at all)
Breastfeeding
(during the first
6 months only)
★★★★
b e st
★★★★
b e st
★★★★
b e st
★★
good
Fertility
awareness
Sterilization
Pulling out
(withdrawal)
★★
good
★★★★
b e st
★
som e
skin
allergy
More effective when
used with another
barrier method like
diaphragm or condom.
nausea,
headaches,
changes in
monthly
bleeding
These methods may be
dangerous for women
with certain health
problems.
heavy and
painful
monthly
bleeding
This method may be
dangerous for women
with certain health
problems.
Some couples, especially
young people, may have
a hard time using this
method.
To use this method, a
woman must give her
baby only breast milk,
and her monthly bleeding
must not have returned
yet.
To use this method
correctly, a woman must
understand when she is
fertile.
Women or men will
never be able to
have babies after this
operation.
More effective when used
with another method like
spermicide or diaphragm.
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012