| Natural Methods |
Average Success Rate |
STD Protection |
Average Cost |
Prescription Or Doctor's Assistance |
Side Effects Or Restrictions |
| Abstinence |
100 percent, while you abstain |
Yes |
$0 |
No |
N/A |
| Natural Family Planning/Periodic Abstinence |
84-97 percent, while you abstain |
No |
$0-$10 |
No |
N/A |
| Barrier Methods |
Average Success Rate |
STD Protection |
Average Cost |
Prescription Or Doctor's Assistance |
Side Effects Or Restrictions |
| Condom (Male) |
85-97 percent, as long as condoms are used with each act of sexual intercourse |
Yes, but not completely |
$0.50-$3 |
No |
No |
| Condom (Female) |
80-90 percent, only during sexual contact |
Yes, but variable |
$3 |
No |
No |
| Diaphragm |
80-90 percent, with appropriate use |
Yes, but less than condoms |
$20-$30 |
Yes |
No |
| Sponge |
80-90 percent, with appropriate use |
Possible |
$3-$4 |
No |
No |
| Spermicides |
50-75 percent, if used with each act of intercouse; better with condom or diaphragm |
Yes, about a 25-percent lower risk of infection |
$0.50-$12, depending on quantity |
No |
May irritate the vagina |
| Hormonal Methods |
Average Success Rate |
STD Protection |
Average Cost |
Prescription Or Doctor's Assistance |
Side Effects Or Restrictions |
| Birth Control Pills |
98-99 percent continuous, if taken daily |
No |
$10-$30 monthly |
Yes |
Yes |
| Lunelle (Monthly Injections) |
Up to 99 percent continuous, if taken monthly |
No |
$30-$55 monthly |
Yes, injection also needed |
Yes |
| Depo-Provera (Quarterly Injection) |
Up to 99 percent continuous, if taken every 3 months |
No |
60-$75 every 3 months |
Yes, along with injection every 12 weeks |
Yes |
| Vaginal Ring |
98-99 percent continuous, if changed monthly |
No |
$30 monthly |
Yes |
Yes |
| Skin Patch |
98-99 percent continuous, if changed weekly |
No |
$30-$40 monthly |
Yes |
Yes |
| Implants |
Up to 99 percent for 5 years |
No |
$450-$750 per insertion |
Yes, provider performs insertion |
Yes |
| Intrauterine Devices |
Average Success Rate |
STD Protection |
Average Cost |
Prescription Or Doctor's Assistance |
Side Effects Or Restrictions |
| Intrauterine Device (Copper IUD) |
98-99 percent for 10 years |
No |
$200-$300 per device |
Yes, provider performs insertion |
Yes |
| Intrauterine System (Levonorgestrel) |
98-99 percent for 5 years |
No |
$395 |
Yes, provider performs insertion |
Yes |
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