Listed Most Effective to Least Effective

YOU CAN . . .

• Decide if or when you want a child by using birth control.
• Protect yourself and your partner from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs/STIs), like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or hepatitis.
• Gain peace of mind and have better sex knowing you are protecting yourself and your partner from the risks of unprotected sex.
• No birth control method works 100 percent of the time. So unless you want to be a father, you should use your own method, don't just rely on your female partner's method.

 

Abstinence

• Abstinence from all sex protects you and your partner from pregnancy and STDs/STIs/HIV.
• People can choose abstinence at any time and at any age.
• Perfect Use: Abstinence is 100% effective.

 

Condoms (External Condoms)

• Condoms protect you from both pregnancy AND STDs/STIs, including HIV.
• Condoms give you the BEST protection when you use them in the right way EVERY time.
• Condoms are made of latex or thin plastic (polyurethane). Use plastic condoms if you have a latex allergy. Both are effective.
• Keep condoms safe from heat, direct sunlight and oil-based lubricants as these may cause the condom to break.
• You can get condoms at drugstores and some health clinics.
• Perfect Use: The male condom is 98% effective when used correctly every time you have sex.
• Typical Use: 82% effective when not used correctly every time.  This means that 18 women out of 100 get pregnant.

 

Withdrawal or "Pulling Out"

• You are in control...
• Withdrawal works when you pull your penis out and away from your partner's vagina BEFORE you ejaculate (cum).
• Withdrawal prevents sperm from entering a woman's body and reaching an egg.
• Withdrawal does not protect you from STDs or HIV.
• It may be hard to pull out. How well it works depends on being able to know when you will cum.
• Perfect Use: This method can be 96% effective when performed perfectly every time you have sex.
• Typical Use: Perfect use hardly ever happens.  So the withdrawal method is only 73% effective.  This means that 27 women out of 100 will become pregnant.
   

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If a condom breaks or sex "just happened," 
you can still prevent pregnancy.

To find a clinic near you, go to: 
Family Planning Clinic Locator or call 1-855-4-SCDHEC (1-855-472-3432).

 

Emergency Contraception (Plan B^®)

Emergency birth control pills or emergency contraception may be taken by your female partner AFTER unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

• Emergency contraception reduces the risk of pregnancy when taken as soon as possible or within 5 days of sex.
• Emergency contraception is NOT the same as the abortion pill and will NOT stop or harm the pregnancy or fetus if your partner is already pregnant.
• Keep emergency contraception on hand as a back-up in case a condom breaks or you don't pull out in time.
• You can get emergency contraception for your female partner from the drugstore without a prescription if you are 17 or older (with a prescription if you are under 17) or for low or no-cost at a family planning clinic.
• Emergency contraception lowers your risk of pregnancy by 75-88%, but could be as high as 95% if taken within 24 hours.
   

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Are you ready to think about permanent birth control?

Schedule an appointment today at your local Family Planning Clinic.
To find a clinic near you, go to: 
Family Planning Clinic Locator or call 1-855-4-SCDHEC (1-855-472-3432).

Vasectomy

• Vasectomies are simple procedures. Tubes that carry sperm to the penis are cut and sealed.
• Permanent (not reversible) birth control and should be chosen only if you are sure you do not want a child.
• Done in a clinic or doctor's office and takes about 30 minutes.
• One of the safest, most effective and popular birth control methods.

A vasectomy will not change your sex drive, your ability to have sex or your orgasms.

These services are available only to clients 21 years old or older, and by referral only. Talk with your family planning provider if you are interested in this procedure.

Plan Ahead
Talk To Your Partner
About Birth Control
And Select A Method Together.

Schedule an appointment today at your local Family Planning Clinic.