You might only be in middle school or high school or college but if you happen to get a girl pregnant then you will be the dad. You might think that it’s only once or that you are being careful but if the girl gets pregnant are you ready to be the dad? Do you believe the hype that you can be the man and it won’t get you? Are you believing lies “it can’t or won’t happen to you”? Ready to take a moment to see the data so that you can make a data-driven decision? Abstinence aka not having sex is the only method that is 100% guaranteed to ensure you won’t get a girl pregnant.
Let’s check out the options and types of birth control that are out there:
source: FDA: Birth Control Chart
| Birth Control Method | How it works | Risks | Number of Pregnancies expected per 100 Women) |
| Sterilization Surgery for Women | Onetime procedure. Permanent. | Pain Bleeding Infection or other complications after surgery | Less than 1 |
| Sterilization Surgery for Men | Onetime procedure. Permanent. | Pain Bleeding Infection | Less than 1 |
| IUD Copper | Inserted by a healthcare provider. Lasts up to 3-5 years, depending on the type. | Irregular bleeding No periods (amenorrhea) Abdominal/pelvic pain | Less than 1 |
| Implantable Rod | Inserted by a healthcare provider. Lasts up to 3 years. | Menstrual Changes Mood swings or depressed mood Weight gain Headache Acne | Less than 1 |
| Shot/Injection | Need a shot every 3 months. | Loss of bone density Irregular bleeding/ Bleeding between periods Headaches Weight gain Nervousness Dizziness Abdominal discomfort | 6 |
| Oral Contraceptives “The Pill” (Combined Pill) | Must swallow a pill every day. | Spotting/ bleeding between periods Nausea Breast tenderness Headache | 9 |
| Oral Contraceptives “The Mini Pill” (Progestin Only) | Must swallow a pill at the same time every day. | Spotting/ bleeding between periods Nausea Breast tenderness Headache | 9 |
| Patch | Put on a new patch each week for 3 weeks (21 total days). Don’t put on a patch during the fourth week. | Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods Nausea Stomach pain Breast tenderness Headache Skin irritation | 9 |
| Vaginal Contraceptive Ring | Put the ring into the vagina yourself. Keep the ring in your vagina for 3 weeks and then take it out for one week. | Vaginal discharge, discomfort in the vagina, and mild irritation. Headache Mood changes Nausea Breast tenderness | 9 |
| Diaphragm with Spermicide | Must use it every time you have sex. | Irritation Allergic reactions Urinary tract infection | 12 |
| Sponge with Spermicide | Must use it every time you have sex. | Irritation | 12-24 |
| Cervical Cap with Spermicide | Must use it every time you have sex. | Irritation Allergic reactions Abnormal Pap test | 17-23 |
| Male Condom | Must use it every time you have sex. Provides protection against some STDs. | Irritation Allergic reactions | 18 |
| Female Condom | Must use it every time you have sex. Provides protection against some STDs. | Discomfort or pain during insertion or sex. Burning sensation, rash, or itching | 21 |
| Spermicide Alone | Must use it every time you have sex. | Irritation Allergic reactions Urinary tract infection | 28 |
There are Emergency Contraceptives (EC)
Their effectiveness only prevents about 55-85% of predicted pregnancies and shouldn’t be used as a regular form of birth control.
| Birth Control Method | How it works | Risks | Number of Pregnancies expected per 100 Women) / Success Rate |
| Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg (1 pill) Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg (2 pills) | Swallow the pills as soon as possible within 3 days after having unprotected sex. | Menstrual changes Headache Nausea Dizziness Vomiting Breast pain Tiredness Lower stomach (abdominal) pain | 7 out of every 8 women who would have gotten pregnant will not become pregnant after taking this EC. |
| Ulipristal Acetate | Swallow the pills within 5 days after having unprotected sex. | Headache Nausea Abdominal pain Menstrual pain Tiredness Dizziness | 6 or 7 out of every 10 women who would have gotten pregnant will not become pregnant after taking this EC. |
Birth Control Categories
The methods of trying to prevent pregnancies can be broken up into 5 categories and some of the methods end up in multiple categories. Outside of abstinence none of them are 100% successful!
| Method Category | Reference Materials | Effectiveness |
| Natural | Natural Birth Control Methods | 77%-95% |
| OTC Methods | Over-the-Counter Birth Control | 72%-88% |
| Prescription Methods | Which types of birth control do I have to see my doctor to get? | 86%-99.9% |
| Hormonal Methods | Hormonal methods of birth control | 92%-99.9% |
| Permanent Methods | PERMANENT METHODS | 99.5%-99.9% |
So, unless you are ready to be the dad for a little baby boy or girl your best bet is to wait till you find that lady who will become your wife, and together you can have the most incredible experiences together and then raise your kids the right way and be the dad that your wife needs, your kids need, and this world needs you to be!
With earlier reference having disappeared, attaching the PDF for future review.