Here is a brief overview of methods that reduce your chances of getting pregnant or causing a pregnancy. Choose the method that's right for you and use it the correct way every time. All of these methods are available from Malheur County Health Department. For more information, call (541) 889-7279.

Abstinence: Abstinence means not having sexual intercourse. There are many ways to be close to your partner without the risk of getting pregnant or getting HIV or an STI (sexually transmitted infection). Remember, regardless of what you've said in the past, it's OK to say "not now" to sex.

Male Condoms: Male condoms must be put on the erect penis before touching the vagina to keep semen from entering the vagina. For the best protection against pregnancy, use a latex condom and a spermicide too. Spermicides kill sperm. Remember that you must use a new condom each time you have sex. You can get free condoms at Malheur County Health Department.

Female Condoms: These have a ring at each end and are larger than condoms for men. The ring in the closed end must be put in the vagina. The other ring, in the open end, stays outside the woman's body. They work best when used with a spermicide.

Spermicides: Spermicides come in foams, jellies, creams, sponges and contraceptive film. Spermicides must be put into the vagina before each time you have sex. Spermicides kill sperm and work best if used with a condom. Spermicides do not protect against STDs or HIV.

Birth Control Pills: The pill contains hormones that prevent pregnancy. Pills must be taken by the woman every day at the same time. Women must see a doctor or nurse to get a prescription. Birth control pills do not protect against STDs or HIV.

Depo-Provera: A doctor or nurse gives the woman a shot (injection) of a hormone to prevent pregnancy for 13 weeks. Depo-Provera does not protect against STDs or HIV.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills: If you have unprotected sex or if your birth control method has failed, you may be able to take these pills to prevent pregnancy. They are a type of birth control pill that you take in a different way. You have up to 120 hours (or 5 days) to take these pills after having unprotected sex or they won't work. Call Malheur County Health Department for more information.

NuvaRing®: NuvaRing® is a slender, flexible and clear ring that contains hormones and is used to prevent pregnancy. A woman puts the ring into the vagina and leaves it there for three weeks. NuvaRing® does not protect against STDs or HIV.

Ortho Evra® (The Patch): Ortho Evra® is similar to a large BandAid®, that a woman puts on her skin to prevent pregnancy. The patch contains hormones that are released through the skin and into the bloodstream. Three patches are used during one cycle. Change the patch every 7 days for three weeks. The 4th week is patch-free. It is available by prescription only. The Patch does not protect against STDs or HIV.

Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a round rubber cap that covers a woman's cervix. An exam is needed to prescribe the right size diaphragm. You must put it in the vagina with spermicide before having sex and leave it in for 6 hours. A diaphragm does not protect against STDs or HIV.

IUD: An IUD (intra-uterine device) is a small piece of plastic with a short string. A doctor or nurse must put the IUD into a woman's uterus. It may be left in place for several years. The IUD does not protect against STDs or HIV.

Natural Family Planning: This is a method that couples use to plan or prevent pregnancy. You must get special training from a healthcare provider to use this method. Natural family planning does not protect against STDs or HIV.

Whatever method you choose, use latex condoms for the best protection against pregnancy, STDs and HIV.

These methods don't work at all to prevent pregnancy, STDs or HIV:

• Having sex just once or not that often (it only takes one time to get pregnant or get an infection.)
• Douching
• Feminine hygiene sprays
• Having sex in different positions