The consumer and medical markets are flooded with varying forms of contraception, and picking the best one to use can be confusing. But knowing and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each contraceptive can make the decision process easier.

Among the easiest contraceptives to find and use are condoms. A barrier method of contraception, condoms prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from coming into contact with the ovum (egg). Condoms are typically made out of latex, but for those who are allergic, lambskin condoms are available.

When used carefully, condoms are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, at a rate of up to 97 percent, according to statistics provided by the Sacramento State Student Health Center. If condoms are used with foam spermicides, the success rate jumps to 99 percent.

While both types of condoms help prevent pregnancy, only latex condoms are effective against HIV and some STDs, says a report by the Center for Disease Control.

Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, are also popular. Birth control pills contain synthetic female hormones that help to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation. Other internal changes induced by the hormones, like thickening of cervical mucous and altering of the uterine lining, also aid in preventing pregnancy.

The prescription-based drugs are, according to Health Center data, 99 percent effective against pregnancy when taken on schedule. Though effective against pregnancy, birth control pills do not protect against HIV or other STDs.

Another barrier method of contraception is the diaphragm. Like the condom, the diaphragm blocks ejaculated sperm from reaching the ovum. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped rubber cup surrounded by a circular spring, inserted into the woman?s body and positioned to block the cervix. Those interested in using a diaphragm should contact a health care provider, as the contraceptive is a custom fit device where one size does not fit all.Contraceptive creams or jellies, which kill sperm on contact, must be used with the diaphragm in order for the device to be effective. Health Center statistics indicate that diaphragms are 94 percent effective when used carefully. Diaphragms also help protect against some STDs, but not HIV.

One other contraceptive that is placed inside the woman?s body but acts differently than barrier birth control methods is the intra-uterine device. An IUD is a t-shaped contraceptive that is inserted into the uterine cavity by a clinician.

Two types of IUDs exist. One IUD, the Copper T, relies on the slow release of minute amounts of copper into the uterine cavity. The second type of IUD releases hormones that thicken cervical mucous.

IUDs do not protect against HIV or other STDs but are very successful at preventing pregnancy. According to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, only eight out of 1,000 women will become pregnant during their first year using copper IUDs, while three out of 100 women will become pregnant during the first year of hormonal IUD use.

Depo Provera and Norplant are contraceptives that work similarly to birth control pills but aren?t taken orally.

Depo Provera is an injection of artificial hormones that stops ovaries from releasing eggs. It also prevents sperm from entering the womb by thickening cervical mucous.

Norplant also takes advantage of artificial hormones, but isn?t administered to patients in the form of an injection. Instead, Norplant capsules are inserted under the skin by a clinician. The capsules slowly release hormones into the bloodstream, causing the cervical mucous to thicken and stopping the release of eggs from ovaries.

Depo Provera and Norplant are more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy but don?t protect against HIV and other STDs.

There are only two sure-fire ways to prevent pregnancy: abstinence and sterilization. While abstinence is reversible like the forms of contraception mentioned above, undoing the surgical procedure for sterilization is not.

The Student Health Center provides for all forms of contraception except diaphragms, IUDs, sterilization and Norplant, according to Health Educator Lorraine Martinez. For more information, visit the Student Health Center or call 278-6461.

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