By Melanie Johnson, 17, Staff Writer

Whether you've had sex or not, it can be tough to decide which birth control or safer sex method you should use. There are so many methods available! That’s where Sex, Etc.'s Guide to Birth Control and Safer Sex comes in handy! We haven’t included every form of birth control and safer sex, but we’ve included information on some of the most common ways you can avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and/or prevent pregnancy.

This guide explains not only what these different methods are and how they work, but also how effective they are—when used consistently and correctly—at preventing pregnancy or reducing the risk of getting an STD. When it comes to avoiding pregnancy, using a method consistently and correctly is what’s important. When birth control fails, it’s usually because it wasn’t used properly.

Male Condom
Effectiveness: 98%
These latex or polyurethane sheaths cover the penis and collect semen.

How It Works

The condom fits right over an erect penis before the start of shared sexual activity. This creates a barrier so no bodily fluids are exchanged between partners. This means partners are less likely to be at risk of getting an STD. It also means sperm can’t enter a vagina to cause a pregnancy, if the couple is male-female.

Keep in Mind

Condoms are really effective at protecting against pregnancy and most STDs when they’re used correctly. They are also cheap, easy to obtain and use, and come in a variety of textures and flavors for oral sex.

Female Condom
Effectiveness: 95%
The female condom, or vaginal pouch, is a polyurethane sheath with flexible rings at the ends.

How it Works

The female condom is inserted into the vagina and held in by a ring that covers the cervix. On the other end is another ring that stays outside of the vagina, partly covering the labia. Like the male condom, this prevents the exchange of bodily fluids that could cause STDs or pregnancy.

Keep in Mind

Female condoms can be a bit tricky to insert, but anyone can get the hang of it with some practice. It gets some major points for being able to be inserted up to 8 hours before sex.

Diaphragm
Effectiveness: 94%
The diaphragm is a thin rubber dome with a springy, flexible rim that is held in place by muscles in the vagina. It works best when used with spermicides.

How it Works

The diaphragm works as a barrier that covers the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, and keeps sperm from entering the uterus.

Keep in Mind

Women have to visit a clinic or see a health care provider to be fitted for a diaphragm.

Spermicides
Effectiveness: 82%
Spermicide, just like it sounds, kills sperm. It comes in many forms, including foam, jelly and cream, and can also provide lubrication. It is meant to be used as a backup to another method.

How it Works

Spermicide is inserted into the vagina and works by killing or disabling sperm before they can fertilize an egg. The specific method of insertion depends on the form of the spermicide.

Keep in Mind

Spermicide works best alongside a barrier method of birth control, such as a condom or diaphragm. It is easy to get and can increase pleasure by acting as a lubricant.

Abstinence
Effectiveness: 100%
The only completely safe sex is no sex! And that includes vaginal, oral and anal sex.

How it Works

No intercourse whatsoever.

Keep in Mind

Resisting natural sexual urges can make it difficult to remain abstinent. For abstinence to be 100-percent effective, it requires that you not have any type of intercourse, including oral and anal sex. When abstinence is used properly it prevents any risk of pregnancy or STDs.

Coitus Interruptus (The Withdrawal Method or Pulling Out)
Effectiveness: 96% (But only 73% typically!)
The withdrawal method. Pulling out. Call it what you like. It’s all about getting the penis out of the vagina before the climax.

How it Works

This method works by removing the penis from the vagina before the male ejaculates so that sperm cannot enter the female’s body.

Keep in Mind

It is a better form of birth control than none at all. It is always available when needed, but it is not very reliable. Many men may not be able to totally control their ejaculation and so run the risk of ejaculating too early or too close to the vulva. The withdrawal method offers zero protection against STDs.

Birth Control Pill (The Pill)
Effectiveness: 99.7%
Often referred to as simply “the Pill,” this hormonal birth control method is a pill taken at the same time each day.

How It Works

The Pill works by releasing synthetic hormones similar to estrogen and progesterone. The Pill stops ovulation so no eggs are released. It also thickens cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.

Keep in Mind

The Pill must be taken every day at the same time. When taken with some drugs, such as antibiotics, the effectiveness may be lowered. The Pill does not protect you from STDs.

Depo-Provera (The Shot)
Effectiveness: 99.7%
Depo-Provera is a shot that injects hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy for three months.

How It Works

The Depo-Provera shot injects high levels of progestin, a hormone similar to progesterone, into the body. This stops the ovaries from releasing eggs, thickens the cervical mucus and changes the lining of the uterus.

Keep in Mind

The shot is effective after 24 hours and requires no daily attention. The shot does not protect you from STDs.

NuvaRing(The Ring)
Effectiveness: 99.7%
This small, clear, flexible ring is inserted into the vagina once a month for three weeks.

How It Works

NuvaRing releases synthetic hormones similar to estrogen and progesterone, which prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus.

Keep in Mind

The Ring only requires attention monthly, but it may be difficult to insert the ring until a woman gets the hang of it. The Ring does not protect you from STDs.

Implanon
Effectiveness: 99.6%
This flexible rod is inserted into the body through a small incision in the upper arm. The rod is about 1.5 inches long.

How It Works

Implanon is another device that releases progestin in order to prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus.

Keep in Mind

Implanon requires no attention for up to three years. It has to be inserted by a health care professional and requires an incision in the arm. Implanon does not protect you from STDs.

Emergency Contraception (EC)
Effectiveness: Reduces risk by 75 to 89% if taken within 72 hours
EC or the "morning-after pill" is taken after unprotected vaginal intercourse.

How it Works

EC gives the body a large dose of synthetic hormones that resemble the birth control pill. EC only prevents pregnancy and does not cause an abortion if the woman is already pregnant.

Keep in Mind

While the nickname is the "morning-after pill" and it is most effective within 24 hours, EC can be used up to five days after intercourse. It is also very important to know that, as the name implies, this is for emergencies only and should not be used in place of other methods.