1. Female Sterilization Tubal Ligation, commonly called getting your tubes tied, is a surgical sterilization technique for women.

This procedure closes the fallopian tubes and stops the egg soon after ovulation as it travels through the fallopian tubes toward the uterus from the ovary. It prevents sperm from reaching the fallopian tube to fertilize an egg. In a tubal ligation, fallopian tubes are cut, burned, or blocked with rings, bands or clips. The surgery is effective immediately. Tubal ligation is 99.5% effective as birth control. Sterilization does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. Advantages Permanent birth control Immediately effective Allows sexual spontaneity Requires no daily attention Not messy Cost-effective in the long run

Disadvantages Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS Requires surgery Has risks associated with surgery More complicated than male sterilization May not be reversible Possible feelings of regret Possibility of Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome

% of Effectivity Perfect use: 99.5% Typical use: 99.5%

2. Male sterilization A vasectomy is a sterilization technique for men. It requires minor surgery to cut the vasa deferentia, the tubes that carry sperm. This operation keeps sperm from mixing into the semen when men ejaculate. Without sperm, fertilization of an egg cannot occur and pregnancy is prevented. Vasectomies are usually done in a clinic or doctors office and are much simpler procedures than female sterilization

Advantages Permanent birth control. Allows sexual spontaneity. Requires no daily attention. Does not affect pleasure. Not messy. Less complicated than female sterilization.

Disadvantages Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. Not immediately effective. Requires minor surgery in a clinic. Possible rejoining of the vas deferens. May not be reversible. Could be regretted.

% of Effectivity Perfect use: 99.9% Typical use: 99.8%

3. Pills The birth control pill (also called "the Pill") is a daily pill that contains hormones to change the way the body works and prevent pregnancy. Hormones are chemical substances that control the functioning of the body's organs. In this case, the hormones in the Pill control the ovaries and the uterus. Advantages Highly effective reversible contraception. Menstrual cycle regulation. Decrease risk of iron deficiency (anemia) Reduce the risk of ovarian cysts. Protection against pelvic inflammatory disease. Can improve acne. Reduce the risk of symptomatic endometriosis. Improve fibrocystic breasts Improved excess hair (hirsutism). Prevent ectopic pregnancy. Help prevent osteoporosis

Do not affect future fertility. Safe for many women.

Disadvantages Heart attack. Blood pressure. Migraines and stroke. Blood clots (Venous thromboembolism). Headaches. Depression. Nausea and vomiting. Breast tenderness. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting. Decreased enjoyment of sex. Weight gain. Chloasma. Not suitable for everyone. Must be taken every day Diarrhea or vomiting. Requires a prescription. Cost.

% of Effectivity Perfect use: 99.7% Typical use: 92.0%

4. Male condom The male condom is a sheath placed over the erect penis before penetration, preventing pregnancy by blocking the passage of sperm. It is a barrier method of contraception. Advantages Convenient and easy to obtain Inexpensive Do not require a prescription Can be used with other methods Are lightweight Are disposable Help in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections

Disadvantages Some men and women feel that the condom dulls sensation A few men are unable to maintain an erection after putting on condoms Some sexual excitement may be lost when sex play must be interrupted to put on a condom Friction caused by condoms may reduce female stimulation which can make sex less enjoyable or even uncomfortable. Using lubricated condoms may avoid this issue Some men are self-conscious about using condoms Intercourse may be less enjoyable since the man must withdraw his penis immediately after ejaculation A man may feel pressure to maintain an erection in order to keep the condom on The woman cannot feel the warm fluid entering her body - some women care about this, some do not Pre-planning is required (to have condoms ready in anticipation of having intercourse) 1-2% of women and men are allergic to latex condoms. If this is the case, the couple can use polyurethane condoms, non-latex condoms or lambskin (natural) condoms.

Effectiveness: Condoms are 85-98% effective. This means that with typical use, about 15 out of every 100 women whose partners use condoms will become pregnant during the first year. With perfect use, 2 will become pregnant. To be most effective, condoms should be put on before the penis comes into contact with or enters the vagina and should must be carefully removed immediately after ejaculation. Also, semen should not come into contact with the vagina as the condom is being removed. 5. Injectables When talking about fertility treatments, injectables refer to drugs taken via injection, for example, gonadotropins, GnRH agonists and progesterone in oil. There are two kinds of injectables: intramuscular and subcutaneous. Intramuscular injections must be injected in muscle tissue, usually your buttocks. Subcutaneous injections are shots that are injected in to the fatty tissue below the skin. For fertility treatments, these are usually given an inch below the belly button or in to the fatty tissue of the thighs.
Advantages They have a 99% rate of efficacy during the first year of use, and are thus very effective. Their effect is rapid. They start working within 24 hours after administration. A pelvic examination is not required prior to use. They do not interfere with intercourse. They do not affect breast-feeding. They can be given to lactating women without any effect on the baby or on the amount of breast milk.

They have minimal side effects. There is no nausea, rise in blood pressure or any clotting disorder associated with their use. In fact, these risks are associated with oral pills. However, cases of mild headaches or dizziness should be reported to the doctor. They provide you with protection for 2 to 3 months. There is no need to use any other form of contraception during this period.

Disadvantges Menstrual Irregularities - Spotting, breakthrough bleeding and sometimes skipping of your periods are the side effects of these contraceptives. However, skipping of your periods is natural when you are on the IC and it does not cause any harm and, of course, it helps in cases of anemia! Planning or postponement of the period is not possible when the woman is on ICs. One cannot accurately predict the timing of the period, which may create a slight problem, especially when planning a holiday or even religious function. There may be a delay in return to fertility after discontinuing ICs. Pregnancy may not occur immediately. On an average it takes 2-3 months after you stop taking the pill or removing a Copper T to resume fertility. If you are using injectable contraception, this period is longer, and can be 4 to 5 months. ICs do not provide protection against STDs or HIV. Neither do oral pills for that matter. Only condoms or any other barrier method of contraception can provide this protection.

% of Effectivity Perfect use: 99.7% Typical use: 97.0%