Ask The Sexpert — Nov. 20, 2008

I’m interested in using birth control, but am not sure how the different types work, and I’m worried that I will use it wrong and end up getting pregnant. Help!

— Contraception is Cool

Dear Cool,

It’s great that you’re not just leaving contraception up to chance! Here are some things that people use and how you should use them. I can’t tell you what will work best for your body, but I can offer suggestions so that you can go to your appointment better prepared to ask about the birth control method you find most appealing. Talk to someone at University Health Services (UHS) or your doctor at home about what you’d like to use.

The birth control pill (commonly known as “the pill”) is either progestin or a mixture of estrogen and progestin. It is taken daily, with three weeks of hormones followed by a week of placebo pills to help you remember to take it every day. The pill is 99 percent effective when used properly. You need to take one pill at the same time every day, and if you miss one or two pills, you should take the pill you forgot as soon as you remember and use another form of birth control for seven days. If you forget more than two pills, you should call UHS and find out when to resume taking the pill.

The patch, like the pill, releases hormones into the body, but a patch is placed on the skin and releases hormones into the blood stream over a period of time. Hormones are released for three weeks, at which point the patch can be removed; a week later, a new patch should be applied.

The Nuva Ring is inserted into the vagina and releases hormones, as do the pill and the patch. After three weeks, it is removed, and there is a week off before the next Nuva Ring is inserted.

Male condoms are generally made of latex, though alternative materials like sheepskin and various vegan-friendly products are available if either of you is allergic or vegan. Condoms are inserted by holding the tip to create a reservoir, then rolling the condom down the shaft of the penis. Your partner should be careful to remove the condom before the penis goes flaccid, or sperm can spill out of the condom. For the same reason, make sure your partner removes the condom far away from your vagina.

The female condom is usually made of a latex tube with a ring on each end. One of the rings is inserted into the vagina, and the other stays outside the vagina. The penis is inserted into the tube, and the end of the condom keeps sperm contained. Spermicide, which kills sperm, is also applied to the inside of the female condom.

There are a few more options. If none of these appeals to you, feel free to contact UHS so they can help you find something you’re comfortable with. Hope that helps!

— The Sexpert

"Sexpert" is written by a team of peer sexual health educators and fact-checked by University health professionals. You can submit questions to sexpert@dailyprincetonian.com. Don't be shy!