Click on the following for more information:

• Abstinence
• Condoms
• Withdrawal Method
• Vasectomy

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Abstinence

Abstinence means choosing not to do something. A person can choose to abstain at any point in their life, even if they haven't abstained in the past. Choosing sexual abstinence can mean choosing to abstain from different kinds of sexual activity, for example:

Advantages

• No risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection, if no exchange of bodily fluids happens.
• No physical side effects.
• No need to visit a health care provider.
• No cost.

Disadvantages

• There are none if the couple is able to maintain a fulfilling relationship without the need for penetrative sex. Couples can decide to resume penetrative sex at anytime.

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Condoms

It is a latex sheath that is rolled over a male's penis to prevent secretions from entering the vagina.

Advantages

• 97% effective when used properly and consistently. Not only do they protect you from unwanted pregnancy, they also protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
• Condoms are inexpensive, easy to use, and there are many types, colours, flavours of condoms available. They are available for free at your local sexual health clinics or family doctor's office.

Disadvantages

• Some complain about allergic reactions to latex. Condoms made out of non-latex materials, like polyurethane, are also available for those who are allergic/sensitive to latex. Do not use natural or animal skin condoms (like sheep-skin condoms) as they have tiny holes that sexually transmitted infections can pass through them.
• The condom may slip off or break during sex. If this happens, make sure you stop, remove the broken condom carefully, and replace with a new one.

Click here to learn how to use a condom properly

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Withdrawal Method

It is when a man withdraws his penis from a woman's vagina before ejaculation.

Advantages

• Withdrawal is better than nothing, however if it is used as the primary method of birth control, there is a 1 out of 5 chance of having an unplanned pregnancy.

Disadvantages

• It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections.
• There may be sperm in the pre-ejaculate, the clear fluid that appears in the tip on the urethra when a man gets an erection, which can lead to pregnancy.
• It requires a lot of self-control and practice. The most common problem with this method is that the man pulls out too late.

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Vasectomy

It is a surgical procedure that blocks a male's sperm duct and prevents sperm from entering the ejaculate. The male can still ejaculate during sex, but the fluid does not contain any sperm.

Advantages

• It is the most effective method of contraception for men. The procedure is easy and usually performed at the physician's office.

Disadvantages

• It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections.
• The procedure is considered permanent as reversal is difficult and costly.
• Swelling and infections may follow after the surgery.