What contraception to use?

* IUD:

- Hormonal IUD (99%+ effective)

- Copper IUD (99%+ effective)

* Hormonal methods:

- Combination pill (91%-99.7% effective)

- Mini pill (90%-99+% effective)

- Ring (92%-99.7% effective)

- Implant (99+% effective)

- Patch (92%-99% effective)

- Shot (96%-99% effective)

* Barrier methods:

- Condoms (86%-98% effective)

- Femidoms (86%-98% effective)

- Diaphragms (86%-94% effective)

- Caps (86%-94% effective)

- Shields (86%-94% effective)

- Sponges (86%-91% effective)

* Spermicide:

- Gel (72%-83% effective)

- Foam (72%-83% effective)

- Film (72%-83% effective)

* Withdrawal (73%-96% effective)

* Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) (76%-98% effective)

Various methods and tools to use with FAM, symptothermal using apps is the most effective.

Remember too that you can combine a lot of these methods, for example you may not trust sponges alone but a sponge plus withdrawal and spermicide would be a highly effective method of birth control. It's also pretty important to point out that on hormonal birth control your cycles are always going to be messed with so cause irregular bleeding and side-effects such as changes to moods, as well as various risks and loss of cycle benefits.

I used the combination pill from 16-20 and side-effects I experienced included depression, anxiety, regular vaginal infections, loss of sex drive, cramping, breast tenderness, headaches, migraines, skin changes, mood changes, severe irritable bowel syndrome, and multiple minor strokes. I use FAM (symptothermal using old-school BBT thermometer and paper charts) from 20-23 and loved the method, absolutely totally in love with it as it was not only effective with no side-effects but also HUGELY beneficial in terms of body-literacy and better sex. I've used copper IUD from 23-32, no side-effects at all. I've tried condoms, diaphragms, and femidoms temporarily at various points too, but not for me and I can't use spermicides so not ideal there either. I've never been pregnant.

Planned Parenthood - http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth...

Birth Control Bingo - http://www.scarleteen.com/article/sexuality/birth_...

Method Explorer - http://www.bedsider.org/en/methods

the sponge. no hormones, no hormonal risks or side effects