condom breaks or slips off and also when the condom is used as extra protection (Balis 35).
             Contraceptive foam is used by the woman and is available with applicators. A foam acts as both a physical and chemical barrier and contains spermicide. For additional protection, it can be combined with any form of birth control. Used alone, it has a failure rate of less than 4%; the rates are further lowered when used with other birth control (Balis 41).
             Vaginal suppositories are 96% to 97% effective when used properly. Placed in the vagina before sex, they contain spermicide and work great with diaphragms without worry of using a cream or jelly. If used alone, a recommended dosage of two should be used instead of one (Balis 45).
             The first form of birth control available through a doctor is a diaphragm. A flexible metal ring that is covered with rubber forms the cup-like shape of a diaphragm, which averages about two inches in diameter. It is inserted into the vagina and fits over the cervix which acts like a physical barrier over the uterus. The success rate ranges from 95% to 98%. Diaphragms have a greater advantage over other types of birth control since they can be put in hours before intercourse. They must be fitted by a doctor to work properly, but once it is inserted, neither partner should feel it (Balis 49).
             The second form available through a doctor is also considered the most effective form of birth control. An oral contraceptive, better known as the Pill, is simple to use and is almost 100% effective. A prescription is needed to obtain the Pill, since a doctor must first find out what sort of oral contraceptive should be prescribed. Two types of pills exist today: combination, which include both estrogen and progesterone, and the mini-pill, which only has progesterone. Both types change the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting itself in the uterine wall. Recent studies have shown that the Pi...