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It's Your (Sex) Life Guide Main

Birth Control Basics

What Works

	Condom
	Birth Control Pills
	Depo-Provera
	Diaphragm
	Cervical Cap
	Female Condom
	IUD
	Norplant
	Lunelle
	Tubal Ligation (female sterilization)
	Vasectomy (male sterilization)

Condom Cues

What Doesn't Work Well

	Rhythm Method
	Spermicide-use
	Withdrawal

What Doesn't Work At All

Think You're Pregnant?

Contraception 911

STDs

Communicating With Partner

Resources and Help

About the Guide

This guide and Web site were developed in partnership with the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation as part of an ongoing public education initiative on sexual health issues.

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Method		A polyurethane or latex sheath (rubber) covers the penis and collects the semen, preventing sperm from entering a woman's vagina.

Success Rate		With typical use, 14 women in 100 become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, three women in 100 will become pregnant in one year.

Benefits		Polyurethane or latex condoms (not animal skin) provide good protection against most STDs, including HIV. Plus, they are cheap and easy to find at any drugstore without a prescription.

Drawbacks		It can break (especially if its not put on correctly) and it can leak if not withdrawn carefully. Condoms must not be used with any oil-based lubricants like Vaseline or massage oil.

How To Get It		At drugstores and supermarkets; costs 35� to $1 each. They are often available free at family planning clinics.

Go To Birth Control Basics Main Page

Photo: Scott Houston, Corbis Sygma

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	Thanks to all who participated in the FFYR: Protect Yourself "Online Talk Show" hosted by SuChin Pak with Real World's Trishelle, Steven, and Leslie Kantor, a sexual health expert. Check back to view the entire discussion. Read The Transcript Now SEX, ETC Colum: Trishelle and Steven's Pregnancy Scare (December '03)