Advantages:

• One major advantage of the pill is that it is nearly 100% effective when used correctly.
• Menstruation is usually shorter, lighter and less painful.
• The pill also aids in the prevention of such health problems as anaemia and ovarian cysts.

Disadvantages:

• (Short-term effects) Occasional headaches.
• Breakthrough bleeding.
• Mood changes.
• (Long-term effects)
  Women have a higher risk of developing blood clots in the leg or pelvis, pulmonary embolism and heart attack or stroke.
• The use of hormones into the body will make certain tumours grow faster, thus anyone with a known or suspected cancer should not take the pill.
• Does not prevent sharing of sexually transmitted diseases.

Cervical Cap

The cervical cap is a rubber cap shaped like a thimble, which fits over the cervix stopping the sperm from entering the uterus.

Advantages:

• There are a few advantages of the cervical cap over the diaphragm. The first is that it interferes less than a diaphragm or condom in foreplay because it can be placed inside the vagina hours or even days before having sex.
• The cap also uses less spermicide than the diaphragm so there is less of a problem with oral sex.

Disadvantages:

• The cap is not a good means of protecting oneself from sexually transmitted diseases.
• The cap may also cause an embarrassing odour if it is left in for a few days with spermicide.
• Occasionally the cap can become dislodged during intercourse rendering it ineffective.

The female condom

A female condom is a thin, and flexible plastic tube worn inside the vagina. A soft ring at the closed end of the tube covers the cervix during intercourse and holds it inside the vagina. Another ring at the open end of the tube stays outside the vagina. A female condom prevents sharing bodily fluids like semen, blood, or saliva.

Advantages:

• Prevents the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and AIDS.
• Does not reduce a male partner's stimulation.
• No hormonal side effects.
• Can be used by people with latex sensitivities.
• It can be pre-lubricated and it can be used with oil and water-based lubricants.
• Can be inserted before sex play begins.

Disadvantages:

• Noticeable during sex.
• Sometimes difficult to insert or use.
• Does not contain spermicide.
• Can break or leak.
• More expensive than male condoms.

Male Condom

A condom is a thin cover that is rolled over and down an erect penis. It is usually made of latex, but can also be found made of lambskin or polyurethane.The condom works by blocking the sperm from entering the vagina. It catches the sperm in the condom, until you carefully remove it and throw it away.

Advantages:

• Highly effective when used correctly.
• Even more effective when used in combination with another type of birth control, such as the diaphragm, cervical cap, and especially spermicides.
• Does not use hormones.

Disadvantages:

• Some people are allergic to latex or spermicides. They can use lambskin or polyurethane condoms, which are not as effective.
• May break or slip off during intercourse if not used correctly, or with excessive lubricant.
• New condom must be used with each act of intercourse.
• May decrease sensation during sex.

Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a rubber cap that looks like a cervical cap. It is inserted in the vagina and placed over the cervix. The diaphragm prevents pregnancy by holding spermicidal jelly or cream against the cervix and preventing the sperm from reaching the uterus. The diaphragm is a popular and effective birth control method, but does not protect against many STDs.

Advantages:

• The diaphragm is an effective way of stopping pregnancy.
• The diaphragm can be 95% effective if used properly.

Disadvantages:

• Does not stop the spread of STDs.
• Slight risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome
• Woman may experience difficulty with urinating.

Dental Dam

A dental dam is basically a small sheet of latex that., acts as a barrier between the vagina or anus and the mouth. Due to the possible infectious secretions from both the vagina and anus, the dental dam is becoming a more popular safer sex tool and due to the introduction of different colours, shapes and sizes.

Advantages:

• Dental dams are an extremely effective means of preventing infection from vaginal or anal fluids.

Disadvantages:

• Due to a lack of knowledge many people misuse dental dams.

Emergency Contraception

The morning after pill is a prescription drug used to reduce the risk of pregnancy after an act of unprotected intercourse.

• Also known as emergency contraceptive pills, they offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections and cannot be used to end a pregnancy.
• These drugs are only used as a preventative measure against pregnancy.
• A form of emergency contraception, the morning after pill may be used to prevent pregnancy after:

1. Intercourse in which no contraception was used
2. Intercourse in which contraception failed (e.g., the condom broke)
3. Intercourse in which contraception was used incorrectly

• Multiple pills are taken in two doses. The first dose may be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after the act of unprotected intercourse, and the second dose should be taken 12 hours after the initial dose.

For further information and advice please follow the links below:

• www.yoursexualhealth.ie