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Contraception methods and devices help keep sexy times safe - they prevent unwanted pregnancies, and some methods also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV.
What are these magic methods that actually work? Keep reading to find out!
1. Safe & Sound, Barrier Bound
Let's talk about barrier methods of contraception that prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. Good old condoms are the classic barrier method to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STIs during partnered or group play.
Male condoms go over the penis. They are affordable, accessible, and easy to use—a great on-the-go birth control option with a variety of options. Perfect if Netflix and chill moves to the bedroom or you end up hooking up with your dating app match.
Condoms over toys are perfect for spicing things up—just switch them between partners or toys to keep things safe.
How effective are male condoms?
Male condoms are 98% effective with perfect use (used exactly as directed every time). Realistically? About 85% effective with typical use, which includes real-life slip-ups like improper fit, expired condoms, etc., so please exercise caution!
Did you know there is a female alternative as well? Female condoms, while less common and often only available online, are another excellent barrier method. They’re inserted into the vagina and allow the female partner to take control of protection.
How effective are female condoms?
Female condoms are 95% effective with perfect use and 79% with typical use, which means you really have to watch out while using them.
For oral sex, flavored condoms and dental dams can make oral sex a mouthful of pleasure while keeping things safe!
Flavored condoms go over the penis—a fun twist to pleasing your partner! PSA: Do not use them for penetrative sex to avoid infections.
Dental dams are small latex, or non-latex, sheets that cover the vulva or anus.
Both of these options for oral sex create a barrier that blocks bacteria and viruses and significantly reduces STI risks like herpes, gonorrhea, and HPV.
What’s fabulous is that these barrier methods are great for partnered plays but they fit right into group settings too! With multiple partners involved, using condoms or dental dams is essential for safe and enjoyable play. Whether it’s condoms, dental dams, or condoms over sex toys, there's a perfect option for everyone!
Bonus: condoms and dental dams are the birth control method that doesn’t just protect against unwanted pregnancies but also STIs (sexually transmitted infections), making them a win-win!
2. Swiping Left on Sperm: Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control methods release the hormones estrogen and progestin (or only progestin) to prevent pregnancy.
These hormones thin the uterine wall and thicken cervical mucus (discharge). Why? We don't want a fertilized egg to cling on to the uterine lining all ready to make a baby!
There is a wide variety of hormonal birth control options:
Daily Birth Control Pills – Taking these might sound a little tedious, but once you start the daily habit of taking them at the same time every day, you'll be fully protected from unwanted pregnancies.
The Hormonal Injection – A progestin shot that needs to be taken every 3 months.
Hormonal Implants – These are plastic rods inserted into the arm for birth control. The effects of these last up to 3 years.
IUDs (Intrauterine Devices) – These are implanted within the uterus. An example is the Mirena—it costs a bomb but lasts between 4–5 years.
Let’s talk about the side effects of hormonal birth control - because your body will have opinions:
Your period might ghost you, show up randomly, or become lighter.
Mood swings from hormonal birth control? Yep, some people get emotional whiplash.
Headaches, nausea, and sore boobs can make an appearance too - just when you thought you had your body figured out.
And the weight gain myth? It’s mostly water retention, but the hormonal shot has been linked to actual weight changes.
And then there’s the irony - Hormonal birth control can also reduce your sex drive.
The biggest problem? Hormonal contraception does nothing to stop STIs, so unless you and your partner are fully monogamous, and getting tested for STIs, condoms, and dental dams are still your besties.
3. Sorry, We’re Closed: Vasectomy and Tubectomy
The most permanent types of birth control are either a Vasectomy or Tubectomy.
The "snip" or a vasectomy is when the vas deferens (sperm-carrying tubes) are cut, which stops sperm from mixing with semen. So there is ejaculation, but no baby juice!
The benefits of vasectomies:
This is a pretty non-invasive 15–20 minute procedure using local anesthesia.
There is temporary pain and swelling, and it's a quick recovery process.
Sex drive, erections, and ejaculation - AKA the fun stuff - stick around!
It doesn’t cost a lot since it is a simple procedure.
If you want a reversal, it is difficult but not impossible in most cases!
Tube tying or a tubectomy is when a woman's fallopian tubes are tied together to prevent eggs from being released.
Both a vasectomy and tubectomy are 99% effective. However, compared to a vasectomy, this is a more complicated procedure, and it makes the snip look like a walk in the park.
Let's compare vasectomies and tubectomies
Tubectomies require general anesthesia, and it's either a laparoscopic or invasive open surgery. Women often choose this when they go through a C-section, but that is not always the case.
Since it is major surgery, bleeding, infections, etc., are side effects. Recovery time is longer as well.
Compared to a vasectomy, this is an expensive procedure.
Thankfully, hormones and period cycles stay the same, so once recovery is over, a good sex life is still on the cards!
These methods might seem like the safest to prevent pregnancy since they are permanent. But just like hormonal birth control, STIs are still a risk. So unless you are in a mutually monogamous relationship, you still need barrier control.
The moral of the story?
Barrier protection methods are the contraceptive methods that work the best. They help prevent both pregnancy and STIs. No other birth control method - other than condoms and dental dams - provides full protection against STIs like HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or herpes while also avoiding pregnancy. So no matter what other form of birth control you use, keep 'em handy!
