Birth Control Methods

TYPES OF CONTRACEPTION There are four different types of contraceptives, or birth control, available. They are: Hormonal Barrier Surgical Other

Hormonal Contraceptives Types Available: The Birth Control Pill Depo-provera (needle) The Patch Vaginal Ring ECP- Morning After Pill (not a method of birth control) but works by taking a large dose of hormones. What they do: Prevent the egg from being released Increase cervical secretions Does not allow the endometrium (uterine lining) to become as thick (to prevent implantation)

3 Ways Hormonal Birth Control Methods Work

The Birth Control Pill How it works: It is taken orally at the same time daily prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). thickens the mucus at the cervix making it harder for sperm to reach an egg thins the lining of the uterus, so there is less chance of fertilization

The Pill continued… The Pill will be most effective if taken at the exact time everyday. (There is an approx. 3 hour window for the time to take the pill). If one pill is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If 2 pills are missed, take both as soon as you remember. If you miss 3 pills, stop, let period begin, and then start a new package when your period has stopped. You must use a back-up method for the next month.

Advantages Disadvantages Easy to take Regulates menstruation 99.9% effective if taken correctly. Must remember to take it at the same time everyday Not recommended for people who smoke Does not prevent against STIs.

Depo-Provera (the Needle) How it works: An injection of hormones given to a woman 4 times a year (every 3 months). Provides a continuous release of progestogen which: stops a woman releasing an egg every month (ovulation) thickens the mucus from the cervix making it difficult for sperm to reach an unfertilised egg makes the lining of the womb thinner, so that it is unable to support a fertilised egg It is very effective, and has a 99% success rate.

Advantages Disadvantages Very effective Don’t have to remember to take it daily Effective immediately Monthly period will decrease (or have none at all) High injection of hormones at once Does not protect against STI’s possible weight gain

How it works: It is a sticker, or patch, that is placed directly on body. It is worn one week at a time, and replaced on the same day for 3 weeks. The fourth week, a woman is patch free, and on her period. Worn on the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso, and upper, outer arm. The Patch

Advantages Disadvantages Not recommended for women over 190 lbs. can cause weight gain can cause nausea Does not protect against STI’s. Do not need to take it daily 99% effective when taken correctly

Vaginal Ring How it works: It is a thin, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina. The ring is left in the vagina for 3 weeks.  After 3 weeks, you remove the ring, and your period will start. After 7 days, you insert a new ring. Women who use the vaginal ring should not smoke.   98% Effective It does not protect against STI’s. Vaginal Ring

Advantages It doesn’t interrupt sex it’s easy to put in and remove you don’t have to think about it every day or each time you have sex it may help with premenstrual symptoms period-type bleeding usually becomes lighter, more regular and less painful Disadvantages spotting and bleeding while the ring is in your vagina can occur in the first few months it may cause temporary side effects, such as increased vaginal discharge, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood changes the ring does not protect against STIs

Emergency Contraception (The Morning After Pill) How it works: This is a large dose of hormones taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex. A woman will take a small pill (similar to BCP’s), and 12 hours later take another. It is 75-95% effective if taken within 24 hours.

Advantages Disadvantages You can get ECP at your family doctor, walk-in clinic, or Family Planning Clinic. Disadvantages You might feel nausea Sometimes there is spotting

Things to consider with ECP ECP will not affect a pregnancy that has already started. You should consider your beliefs about potentially ending a pregnancy

Barrier Methods of Birth Control Types available: Condoms (male) Condoms (female) Diaphragm The Sponge Spermicides What they do: prevent the sperm from entering the woman's body (either directly through the vagina, or past the cervix).

Male Condom How it works: It is a thin latex covering that fits over an erect penis. It catches semen (cum) and stops sperm from entering a woman's body. Condoms are 86-97% effective in preventing pregnancy. A note about condoms: Some novelty items sold may look like condoms, but make sure to read the packaging and that they are labeled condoms.

Condom Facts: Use a new condom every time you have sex Keep condoms at room temperature, out of direct sunlight Use a water base lubricant (not oil based- it will make the condom weak, and cause it to break) They are low cost and easy to find. Condom use is 97%- 84% effective. THEY PROTECT AGAINST STI’S.

Advantages Disadvantages You only need to use them when you have sex – they do not need advance preparation and are suitable for unplanned sex. In most cases, there are no medical side effects from using condoms. Male condoms are easy to get hold of and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavours. interrupts sex Condoms are very strong, but may split or tear if not used properly. Some people may be allergic to latex, plastic or spermicides When using a male condom, the man has to pull out after he has ejaculated and before the penis goes soft, holding the condom firmly in place.

The Female Condom How it works: Made of polyurethane sheath 6.5 inches in length. It is worn by a woman during sex. It entirely lines the vagina and it helps to prevent sperm from entering the cervix. At each end of the condom there is a flexible ring. At the closed end of the sheath, the flexible ring is inserted into the vagina to hold the female condom in place. The outside ring covers the external genitals.

Advantages Disadvantages help to protect against many STIs, including HIV. they do not need advance preparation and are suitable for unplanned sex. In most cases, there are no medical side effects from using condoms. can be inserted up to eight hours before sex You do not need a prescription 40% stronger than latex condoms Good to use if partner is allergic to latex. It is 95% effective in preventing pregnancy condom in can interrupt sex may split or tear if not used properly. not as widely available as male condoms and are more expensive to buy.

Diaphragm Diaphragms must be initially fitted by clinicians and then purchased by prescription from a drugstore or clinic. Diaphragms are more expensive than pills initially, but this is a one-time cost. Cost of purchase is usually covered by medical insurance. How it works: A diaphragm is a thin rubber dome with a springy and flexible rim. It is inserted into the vagina, fits over the cervix and is held in place by vaginal muscles. A diaphragm holds spermicide in place over the cervix (opening to the uterus). Spermicide kills sperm preventing fertilization. After intercourse, it should be left in place for 6-8 hours. Diaphragms are 86-94% effective as birth control

Advantages: The diaphragm is often not felt by either partner during sex. One-time cost Can be put in place for up to 24 hours Disadvantages: Must be fitted by doctor Require prescription mild allergic reactions are possible to spermicide or latex of diaphragm must add spermicide every two hours or between sexual intercourse is repeated Does not protect against STI’s

Spermicide How it works: contains chemicals that kill sperm. Inserted with an applicator into the vagina near the cervix Some condoms now come with spermicide

Advantages Disadvantages Spermicide is easy to obtain and can be purchased in drugstores and supermarkets. No prescription or fitting is required. Insertion of spermicide is easy once the correct technique is learned. Spermicide must be used correctly to be effective at pregnancy prevention. Some spermicides may leak or be messy. A particular spermicide may irritate the vagina or penis;

Surgical Procedures Vasectomy (males) The process of tying off or blocking the vas deferens (the tube the sperm travels in).

Vasectomy Once the vas tubes have been brought out through the opening in the scrotum, some procedures involve just cutting and tying the ends of the tube. Others cauterize (burn) the ends. Still others affix metal clips to the ends. Combinations of any of these are possible. (99 % effective)

Tubal Ligation (Tubes Tied) Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and sealing each of your fallopian tubes. (The fallopian tubes carry one of the eggs from your ovary to your uterus each month.) .5% of women who have this procedure will get pregnant.

Sterilization Advantages Disadvantages Permanent protection against pregnancy No lasting side effects Does not affect sexual pleasure Sterilization is a permanent, surgical procedure and often cannot be reversed. Sterilization requires that you take time off to have this done, as well as for recovery. As with any surgery, bleeding (usually minimal), infection, scarring Reaction to the anesthetic that is used Mild to moderate pain Swelling of testicles (male) Tenderness near the testicles (male)

IUD (Intrauterine Device) Other Options: IUD (Intrauterine Device) How it works: An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small object that is inserted through the cervix and placed in the uterus. A small string hangs down from the IUD into the upper part of the vagina. They affect the movements of eggs and sperm to prevent fertilization and change the lining of the uterus preventing implantation. IUDs are 99.2-99.9% effective as birth control.

IUD’s cont. IUDs are as birth control. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

IUS: Interuterine System How it works: Just like the IUD, but without the copper and they release the hormone progestrone which would make IUS’s a hormonal form of contraception. 99.2-99.9% effective

Withdrawal Method Men will secrete pre-ejaculate (small amounts of fluid) as their bodies prepare to have sex. This fluid could contains sperm, therefore, it will get into a woman’s body.

IUDs & IUSs Advantages Disadvantages For copper IUDs: Menstrual cramps may increase. Bleeding may occur between periods. Periods may be heavier and last longer. This may cause anemia. Increases risk of serious infection – such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – and sterility. IUD may fall out. Pregnancy while using the IUD, although rare, may be dangerous and lead to infections or ectopic pregnancies. Does not protect against STIs With an IUD in place, the female does not have to think about using contraception Can stay in place for 1-10 years The IUD does not change the hormone levels throughout the body as do other contraception methods such as the pill. The cost of the copper IUD can be low in the long run compared to birth control methods that must be purchased more frequently. For a progesterone IUS, period flow and cramps decrease.

The BEST method of Birth Control Other than abstinence, (which is the ONLY 100% chance of not getting pregnant) the best method of birth control is a combination of hormonal + condom.

In Summary: There are 4 types of Birth Control: Hormonal, barrier, IUD (other) and Surgical. The best way not to get pregnant is to abstain, other than that, use a hormonal method + a condom.