Condoms vs. The Pill

One form of the pill. (Photo courtesy of Planned Parenthood)

While it may seem like a great idea to rely on condoms as the perfect way to stop pregnancy from occurring, they are only 70 percent effective. This percentage is, of course, reliant upon the users doing everything correctly. Condoms can be iffy. They can break, expire, and become even less effective if not stored properly (Planned Parenthood).

Relying solely on condoms to prevent pregnancy is risky. The best use for condoms is to protect from STDs. Unbeknownst to a surprisingly large amount of people, men "leak fluids from their penises before and after ejaculation. This fluid can carry enough germs to pass sexually transmitted infections and possibly cause pregnancy" (Planned Parenthood). It is important to put the condom on before the penis touches the vulva.

Apart from the risk of pregnancy, using condoms will reduce risk of STIs such as herpes,gonorrhea, syphilis, and many more. While birth control pills are more effective at preventing pregnancy, they will have no effect on the prevention of STIs.

Using the birth control pill, or another form of birth control such as the birth control shots, vaginal rings, or the birth control patch, are,  compared to the 70 percent effectiveness of condoms, 90 percent effective (Reuters).

There are both positives and negatives to the birth control pill, other forms of birth control, and condoms. Deciding which to use, if any, should be an informed, researched decision.

For more information, visit www.plannedparenthood.org