I'm Sexually Active

Educate yourself by making smart sexual choices

Whether you have been in a sexual relationship for years, are questioning whether you should start having sex, or are simply curious and want to learn more, this section is for you. Before making a decision to have sex, there are many things to consider.

Here you will find information on sexually transmitted diseases, how they are contracted, what symptoms to look for, and what type of tests and treatment should be sought out.

You can learn more about preventing pregnancy and STD’s by reading the contraception section below which includes information on barrier methods, hormonal birth control, abstinence, and facts about the morning after pill.

You can also learn about abstinence and its related benefits on our abstinence information page.

Comparison of common birth control methods

Barrier Methods

Male Condom

A tube of thin material (latex rubber) that is rolled over the erect penis prior to contact with the vagina. There is an 11% chance of getting pregnant. When used consistently and correctly, every single time, condoms may reduce the contraction of STDs. It has been shown that they reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 85%. There is no evidence that condoms reduce the risk of HPV.

Female Condom

A seven-inch long pouch of polyurethane with two flexible rings that is inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse, the female condom covers the cervix, vaginal canal, and the immediate area around the vagina. There is a 21% of getting pregnant. It may give some STD protection, but it is not as effective as the male condom.

Diaphragm

A soft rubber dome stretched over a flexible ring; the dome is filled with a spermicidal cream or jelly and is inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix no more than 3 hours prior to intercourse. There is a 17% chance of getting pregnant. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Cervical Cap

A small cup made of latex rubber or plastic that is filled with a spermicidal cream or jelly and inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix. There is a 17% to 23% chance of getting pregnant. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Contraceptive Sponge

A soft saucer-shaped device made from polyurethane foam. There is a 14% to 28% of getting pregnant. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Hormonal Methods

Birth Control Pills/ Oral Contraceptives

Pills that are taken daily as prescribed by your healthcare provider. There is a 1% to 2% chance of getting pregnant. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Depo-Provera

An injection given by your health care provider that prevents pregnancy for three months. The probability for getting pregnant is less than 1%. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Lunelle

An injection given by your health care provider that prevents pregnancy for one month. The probability for getting pregnant is less than 1%. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

NuvaRing/Vaginal Ring

A flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina for three weeks, removed for one week, and then replaced with a new ring, releases estrogen and progesterone into your body. There is a 1% to 2% chance of getting pregnant. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Ortho Evra Patch/Birth Control Patch

Placed directly on the skin with the hormones built into the sticky side of the patch, each week for the first three weeks a patch is placed on the hip, buttocks or upper arm, the fourth week you are free from the patch allowing for a menstrual period. There is a 1% to 2% chance of getting pregnant. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

A small plastic device containing copper or hormones that is inserted into the uterus by a medical professional, does not stop the sperm from entering into the uterus, but rather it changes the physical environment of the reproductive tract and thereby prevents the egg from being fertilized and implanted in the uterus. The probability for getting pregnant is less than 1%. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Other Methods

Withdrawal

Involves the removal of the erect penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation. Not effective against pregnancy because a small amount of fluid leaks from the penis during sex before ejaculating. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Female Sterilization

Involves the surgical closing of the fallopian tubes which carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, procedure is referred to as a tubal ligation. The probability for getting pregnant is less than 1%. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Male Sterilization

Involves the surgical closing of tubes that carry sperm, procedure is referred to as a vasectomy. The probability for getting pregnant is less than 1%. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Spermicides

Chemicals that are designed to kill sperm, and are available as foam, jelly, foaming tablets and vaginal suppositories. The probability for getting pregnant is 20% to 50%. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Abstinence

The voluntary refraining from sexual activity, the only contraceptive method that is 100% effective in the prevention of both pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. The probability for getting pregnant is 0%. Abstinence is 100% effective against all STDs.

Fertility Awareness Method

Also known as Natural Family Planning and commonly called NFP, does not rely on devices or medications to prevent pregnancies, a contraceptive method that uses the natural functions of your body and your menstrual cycle to calculate ovulation, features of NFP involve recording of your body temperature and changes in your cervical mucus each day, requires periodic abstinence (approximately 7 to 10 days) during the ovulation period, some women choose to use a barrier method or withdrawal during this time frame. The probability for getting pregnant is 20% (Periodic Abstinence). It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Emergency Contraception

Morning After Pill (Plan B)

An emergency contraceptive that can prevent a pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected sex, should be taken within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex. The morning after pill is not RU-486 (the abortion pill); it will not work if you are already pregnant. The morning after pill can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89%; it is more effective if taken immediately. It is not effective in preventing STDs.

Compiled using information from the following sources:
American Academy of Family Physicians (2005) Birth Control: Choosing a Method That’s Right for You. Retrieved September 11, 2006.

American Pregnancy Association (2006). Overview: Types of Birth Control. Retrieved September 11, 2006.

Plan B Consumer Home Page (2006). Plan B. Retrieved September 17, 2006.

Medical Institute, The (2006). Condoms & STDs. Retrieved September 27, 2006.

US Food and Drug Administration (2003). Birth Control Guide. Retrieved September 11, 2006.