Contraception and safe sex involve empowering yourself to make the most informed decisions around preventing pregnancy and reducing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Various contraceptive options are available, including barrier methods like male and female condoms, which reduce the risk of STIs and pregnancy, as well as hormonal contraception, intrauterine devices, and emergency contraception that aim to prevent pregnancy. Open communication with sexual partners, consistent condom use, and regular STI testing are crucial for safer sex practices and healthy sexual relationships.
Contraception Options 101: Everything You Need to Know About Birth ControlMedically Reviewed by John Paul McHugh, MD | August 28, 2023
FAQ
What are common contraceptive methods?
Common temporary contraceptive options include hormonal birth control, barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms, the withdrawal method, IUDs, natural family planning and fertility awareness, and implants. Vasectomy and tubal ligation are permanent contraceptive surgeries.
How do I protect myself from STIs?
Using condoms can reduce your risk of getting an STI. Vaccines are also available for some STIs, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV). The only 100-percent-effective STI prevention method is not having sex at all.
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception involves methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy after unprotected sex, including several pills and the copper IUD. Choosing emergency contraception depends on several factors, including how much time has passed since having unprotected sex and body weight.
How effective are condoms in preventing pregnancy?
Used correctly, external condoms are about 98-percent effective at preventing unplanned pregnancy, while internal condoms are around 95-percent effective. However, not everyone uses condoms correctly, so condom effectiveness is lower in reality.
Where can I get tested for STIs?
A primary care physician or ob-gyn can test for STIs, and many areas have clinics that focus solely on STI diagnosis and treatment. Check the CDC website for a list of clinics. At-home STI test kits are also available online.
Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
Kara Smythe, MD
Medical Reviewer
Kara Smythe, MD, has been working in sexual and reproductive health for over 10 years. Dr. Smythe is a board-certified fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolog...
Kacy Church, MD, practices as a clinical endocrinologist with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Burlingame, California. She balances both outpatient and inpatient responsibilitie...
John Paul McHugh, MD, is an obstetrician-gynecologist and lifestyle medicine specialist in southern California. He has always placed wellness at the center of his work, in both del...
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
