Contraception Methods

What is Contraception Contraception is the deliberate prevention of conception or impregnation by any of various drugs, techniques, or devices; birth control. There are many methods of contraception or birth control.

Abstinence Continuous abstinence is not having sex play with a partner at all. Continuous abstinence is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy and the contraction of an STI. It also prevents sexually transmitted infection. Abstinence would be consider as a natural method of contraception.

Hormonal Methods (Doctor prescribed) The birth control pill: The Pill contains hormones similar to the natural hormones in a woman’s body. The hormones in the pill stop the release of an egg from the ovaries. No egg = no pregnancy. Does not protect against STI but will prevent pregnancy. Injections (Depo Provera): Depo Provera is a hormone that is injected into a female’s arm or buttock every 12 weeks. The hormone stops the release of an egg and makes the cervical mucous thicker so that sperm cannot enter the uterus. Does not protect against STI but will prevent pregnancy.

Birth control patch: The Patch contains the same hormones as the pill and works the same way. The women must where it on her body usually on the arm, buttock, or shoulder blade. Does not protect against STI but will prevent pregnancy. Implants: Implanon ® is a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a cardboard matchstick. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. Does not protect against STI but will prevent pregnancy.

Barrier Methods (over the counter) Condom (male): A protective covering made of latex or animal membrane that fits over the erect penis. Protects against STI and pregnancy. Condom (female): A loose-fitting plastic pouch that lines the vagina. It has soft rings at each end. Protects against STI and pregnancy Diaphragm: A flexible rubber and latex cap that covers the cervix. This is the only barrier methods that you must have prescribed by a doctor. Does not protect against STI but will prevent pregnancy. Sponge (Protectaid): (also a spermicidal method) A disposable, round piece of foam containing spermicides which is placed at the cervix. Does not protect against STI but will prevent pregnancy.

Spermicidal Methods (over the counter) Contraceptive Foam: A product that comes in a can and has an applicator to put the foam into the vagina. Does not protect against STI but will prevent pregnancy. Contraceptive Jelly: A product that comes in a tube and is usually used with a diaphragm or cervical cap. Does not protect against STI but will prevent pregnancy. Vaginal Contraceptive Film: A very thin transparent square of film that dissolves quickly and releases nonoxynol-9. Does not protect against STI but will prevent pregnancy. Sponge (Protectaid): (also a barrier method) A piece of soft foam that covers the cervix filled with three kinds of spermicides. Does not protect against STI but will prevent pregnancy. Condom lubricated with spermicides. Protects against STI and pregnancy

Natural Methods (no prescription from doctor) Natural methods prevent pregnancy by avoiding sexual intercourse near the time of ovulation. Common natural methods include calendar or thermal-sympto methods that require keeping track of one’s menstrual cycle, taking body temperature and vaginal mucus readings, and avoiding sex during fertile days (before, during and after ovulation). Will not protect against STI but it will help prevent pregnancy. Withdrawal methods is where the man withdrawals the penis from the vagina just before he is about to ejaculate. This method should not be used and is the least effective of all the methods of contraception. Will not protect against STI or pregnancy

Surgical Methods (preformed by a doctor) A surgical method that prevents fertilization by ensuring that sperm will not reach the ovum. Both of these methods will not protect against an STI but will prevent pregnancy In men, a vasectomy ensures that sperm is not released. In women, a tubal ligation ensures that the egg and sperm cannot meet.

Other Methods Emergency Contraception (the “morning after pill”) Also in the hormonal category: A special kind of hormone pill that can prevent pregnancy after you have had unprotected sex. Depending on where a female is in her menstrual cycle, EC can stop or delay the release of the ovum, change the lining of the uterus, or change the movement of the ovum and sperm. Is now found over the counter no prescription is needed. Does not protect against STI, but will prevent pregnancy. The IUD: A small soft piece of plastic with a nylon string attached. There are two types of IUDs: one has a thin copper wire wrapped around it, and the other type releases a small amount of hormone. An IUD affects how the sperm moves inside a female’s body or it may stop a fertilized egg from growing inside the uterus. A prescription is needed for use of this method. Does not protect against STI, but will prevent pregnancy.