[Cerek]

Originally Posted by Ladyzekke Well condoms aren't anywhere near as reliable. Plus with my "human nature" comment I am mostly thinking about teens, who just don't use mature judgement in these kind of things (so will not use protection and you have to be of a certain age to even get birth control without parent's permission). They do have more options with sterilization now than they did in the past, with women particularly (temporary and permanent), but not sure how much the procedures cost.

Birth Control Methods: How well do they work?

This site has a chart (on the 2nd page) listing various birth control methods and how effective they are. According to the chart, condoms have a failure rate of about 15%, so they are considered moderately effective. Condoms also have the added advantage of protecting against STDs.

Birth control pills and patch are more effective, with a failure rate of 8%, but don't protect against STDs.

According to the chart, the most effective method is an IUD, with a failure rate of less than 1%. However, IUDs (like the pill and patch) do not protect against STDs. IUD's are expensive up front ($200-$400 according to the site), but many health insurance plans cover the cost (or at least up to 80%). It requires follow-up visits to the doctor, but the device is effective for several years. So, if you average the up-front cost over the effective life, it is one of the cheaper methods available.

As for human nature, I agree teens don't practice the restraint or control adults do. Then again, I've known several adults that didn't practice much restraint either, especially when it came to sleeping with someone other than their spouse.

Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective, but you're right that most people (adults or teens) are not going to practice that. So, if you want to have sex, but don't want to have kids (at that time) the responsible approach IS to invest in some form of birth control. If the cost is too much, then abstinence is always an alternative.