When you want fun and freedom more than you want a baby, you need contraception. But it's not so simple. Nearly 75 percent of women who don't want a baby have had unprotected sex and 54 percent have had a pregnancy scare, reveals a survey of 1,000 women, ages 18 to 29, by Cosmo, The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, and Bedsider.org, conducted by the research firm TRU.
It's not that you're irresponsible. In our survey and a series of focus groups, you told us you want to get this right. But a lot of people are getting in your way — and we don't mean only the guys in Congress who've lately turned a personal issue political. Your partners can be pushy, your doctors dismissive, and your sex-ed teacher … what sex-ed teacher? "If no one talks about birth control," says Sarah Brown, CEO of The National Campaign, "how can we expect women to use it?" Let's start talking.
STERILIZATION
99% Effective (Typical Use)
Surgery is an option or you can get Essure, a micro insert to create scar tissue that blocks your fallopian tubes.
IUD
99% Effective
There are three types — Skyla, Mirena, and Para Gard — lasting 3, 5, and 12 years, respectively.
IMPLANT
99% Effective
The matchstick-size implant gives you three years of protection.
PLAN B
89% Effective
OTC emergency contraception is most effective for three days; Rx Ella, up to five.
RING
91% Effective
Unless you want to take it out during sex, the NuvaRing stays put for three weeks.
SHOT
94% Effective
Every three months, you go to your doc for a Depo-Provera injection.
FEMALE CONDOM
79% Effective
They're latex-free, so you don't risk an allergic reaction.
BIRTH-CONTROL PILLS
91% Effective
Missed a pill? You can take it up to 23 hours late (or 3 hours for progestin-only mini pills).
PATCH
91% Effective
Affix Ortho Evra to your butt, arm, or stomach; change it once a week.
SPONGE
88% Effective
You get protection for 24 hours after inserting it.
SPERMICIDE
72% Effective
It works by killing sperm, but it's more effective with another method.
MALE CONDOM
82% Effective
If it's latex, use only water-based lubes — no oils, no whipped cream.
CAP
86% Effective
This silicone device can be inserted a few hours before sex.
ABSTINENCE
100% Effective
ID a backup method just in case your lockdown fails.
WITHDRAWAL
78% Effective
Better than nothing (but harder done than said).
DIAPHRAGM
88% Effective
Use it with spermicide, and wait six hours after sex to remove it.
FERTILITY AWARENESS
88% Effective
You'll have to take your temp and check cervical mucus regularly.
