Test Your Knowledge About Birth Control

  • Which of the following are birth control options for women?

     

    A. Hormonal methods

     

    B. IUDs

     

    C. Condoms and diaphragms

     

    D. Natural family planning

     

    E. Sterilization

     

    F. All of the above

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Your choice of birth control should depend on several factors, including your health, number of sexual partners, and desire to have children. Talk to your health care provider to select the best form of birth control for you.

  • How does birth control prevent pregnancy?

     

    A. Prevents sperm from getting to an egg

     

    B. Prevents the woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs

     

    C. Kills sperm

     

    D. Changes the lining of the uterus so the egg can’t attach

     

    E. All of the above

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. The goal of all types of birth control is to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching in the uterus. Talk to your doctor and your partner about which type of birth control is best for you.

  • Which form of birth control offers the most protection against pregnancy?

     

    A. Birth control pills

     

    B. The patch

     

    C. IUDs

     

    D. Vaginal ring

     

    E. Condoms

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is IUDs. IUDs are 20 times more effective at preventing pregnancy than birth control pills, patches, or rings. Talk to your doctor to find out if this form of contraception is right for you.

  • Who should NOT use birth control pills?

     

    A. Women who are over age 35 and smoke

     

    B. Women who have heavy periods or endometriosis

     

    C. Women who have PMS

     

    D. Women who have acne

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is women who are over age 35 and smoke. Smoking greatly increases your risk of heart disease. Birth control pills can increase this risk even more. If you have endometriosis, PMS, or acne, you may notice fewer symptoms while you’re taking birth control pills. Ask your doctor which pill is right for you.

  • Certain types of birth control pills can get rid of your period almost entirely.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. Extended cycle (or continuous use) medicines reduce, or even eliminate, monthly periods. Talk to your doctor about whether this option is right for you.

  • Which of the following is true about injected contraceptives (Depo-Provera).

     

    A. You get a shot every 3 months.

     

    B. You should not use it for longer than 2 years in a row.

     

    C. You may gain 5 to 8 pounds.

     

    D. You should not use it if you want to become pregnant within 2 years.

     

    E. You may stop menstruating altogether after a year.

     

    F. All of the above.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Depo-Provera does a good job of preventing pregnancy. It also has side effects, including weight gain, menstrual cycle changes, headaches, and bone loss. It could cause infertility for up to 2 years after the last injection. Talk to your doctor about whether Depo-Provera is right for you.

  • Copper-releasing IUDs can stay in the uterus for up to 10 years.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. Both copper-releasing (ParaGard) and progestin-releasing (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla) IUDs do a good job of preventing pregnancy. ParaGard can remain in the uterus for up to 12 years compared to 3 to 8 years for progestin-releasing IUDs. Talk to your doctor about whether using an IUD is right for you.

  • Which natural family planning method works best?

     

    A. Calendar (or rhythm)

     

    B. Cervical mucus

     

    C. Temperature

     

    D. Symptothermal Method

     

    E. Withdrawal (the man removes his penis from the vagina before ejaculation)

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is Symptothermal Method. This method combines the calendar, cervical mucus, and temperature methods. Because of the high risk of pregnancy, only couples who can't use or choose not to use other types of birth control should use this method. Talk with your doctor before using this approach to birth control.

  • You can use a diaphragm safely for 5 years.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is false. Some women need to get a different-sized diaphragm after pregnancy, abdominal or pelvic surgery, or weight loss or gain of 15 pounds (6.8 kg) or more. You should replace your diaphragm about every 2 years.

  • It's best to use emergency contraception within__ day(s) after having unprotected sex:

     

    A. 1

     

    B. 3

     

    C. 5

     

    D. None of the above

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is 1 day. Emergency contraception works best when you use it within 24 hours of having sex. However, it can prevent pregnancy for up to 3 days after you first had sex. One type may work up to 5 days later, but it's best to take it sooner. Emergency contraception should not be used as a routine form of birth control.

  • Which sterilization method works the best?

     

    A. Male (vasectomy)

     

    B. Female

     

    C. They both work equally well

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is both work equally well. However, vasectomy carries fewer risks and is less expensive than female sterilization. Only you and your partner can decide which method is right for you. Consider your options carefully since it can be difficult to reverse sterilization.