Contraceptive Methods Freshmen Health Page 600

Contraceptive Methods Avoiding Pregnancy: People can completely protect themselves from pregnancy by: Practicing sexual abstinence

Contraceptive Methods People can reduce their chances of becoming pregnant by: Oral contraceptives Hormone implants / injections Intrauterine devices (IUD) Vaginal Spermicides Diaphragms Cervical Caps Male Condoms Female Condoms Fertility Awareness Center (The Rhythm method) Withdrawal Sterilization

Contraceptive Methods Abstinence is the only contraceptive method that is 100% effective against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Contraceptive Methods Oral Contraceptives (the pill) Most birth control pills are contain hormones to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). A woman cannot get pregnant if she doesn't ovulate because there is no egg to be fertilized. “The Pill” also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs. “The Pill” can also affect the uterine lining, making it difficult for an egg to attach to the wall of the uterus.

Contraceptive Methods The most popular nonsurgical method of contraception is the birth control pill.

Contraceptive Methods Hormone Implants (Norplant / Depo Provera) Implanted tubes slowly release low levels of hormones. Hormones can also be injected quarterly. Both methods work by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). If a girl doesn't ovulate, she cannot become pregnant because there is no egg to be fertilized.

Contraceptive Methods Implantable contraception is a small, flexible plastic tube containing hormones that doctors insert just under the skin of the upper arm. The hormones delivered in this way can help protect against pregnancy for several years.

Contraceptive Methods 3. Intrauterine devices (IUD) A device inserted into the uterus to prevent conception or implantation. The way an IUD prevents pregnancy is not fully known: one theory is the IUD makes the uterus hostile to sperm another theory is it prevents implantation.

Contraceptive Methods The intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped piece of plastic about the size of a quarter that is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

Contraceptive Methods 4. Vaginal Spermicides Sperm-killing or sperm-immobilizing products that can be inserted into the vagina just before intercourse.

Contraceptive Methods Spermicides come in several different forms: cream, gel, foam, film, and suppositories.

Contraceptive Methods 5. Diaphragm A barrier method, is circular medal spring or ring fitted with a shallow cup of thin rubber. Must be inserted up to six hours prior to intercourse and removed within 24 hours after use.

Contraceptive Methods Each time the diaphragm is removed, it must be washed, rinsed, and dried, then stored in its case.

Contraceptive Methods 6. Cervical Cap The cervical cap keeps sperm from entering the uterus by covering the cervix. The cap is inserted before having sex and can be left in place for up to 48 hours. Once in place, spermicide should be added every time a couple has sex. After sex, the cap must be left in place for at least 6 hours.

Contraceptive Methods A cervical cap is a small, thimble-shaped cup made of silicone, latex, or rubber that fits over the cervix (the part of the uterus that opens into the upper part of the vagina).

Contraceptive Methods 6. Male Condom A male condom is a thin latex (a type of rubber) sheath that is worn on the penis. The condom works by keeping semen (the fluid that contains sperm) from entering the vagina.

Contraceptive Methods The male condom is sometimes called a "rubber" or "prophylactic."

Contraceptive Methods 7. Female Condom A female condom is a polyurethane sheath with a flexible ring at either end. The female condom is inserted into the vagina using the closed-end ring. The other ring creates the open end of the condom. The sheath then lines the walls of the vagina creating a barrier between the sperm and the cervix.

Contraceptive Methods The female condom can be inserted up to 8 hours prior to intercourse. It should be removed immediately after sex.

Contraceptive Methods 9. The Rhythm method A method of charting ovulation. It involves tracking menstrual periods, body temperature, and types of cervical mucas.

Contraceptive Methods If a couple doesn't have sex around the time of ovulation, the girl can't get pregnant.

Contraceptive Methods 10. Withdrawal Withdrawal is when a guy removes his penis from the vagina just before he ejaculates (also called coitus interruptus or pulling out). Over the course of 1 year, about 27 out of 100 typical couples who rely on withdrawal to prevent pregnancy will have an accidental pregnancy.