Birth Control Methods

Types of Birth Control Hormone management Barrier method Spermicide/IUD Surgery

Hormonal Methods of Birth Control Prevent the egg from being released Increases cervical secretions Does not allow the endometrium (uterine lining) to become as thick - This is why many women will be on “The Pill” to lighten their periods.

Examples of Hormonal Methods of Birth Control 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.

1) The Birth Control Pill Works on a 28 day cycle. The first 21 pills have hormones, the last 7 are placebos. For 21 days, a woman will introduce the hormones oestrogen and/or progesterone into her body. This increased level of hormones regulates the natural hormones in a woman's body, keeping them at a constant level.

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 STI’s.

2) Depo-Provera (the Needle) This is an injection of hormones given to a woman 4 times a year (every 3 months). It is very effective, and has a less.3% failure rate. (extremely effective)

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 Changes in weight

3) The Patch Hormonal birth control method that is placed directly on body. To be worn one week at a time, replaced on the same day for 3 weeks. The forth week, a woman is patch free, and on her period. Worn on you buttocks, abdomen, upper torso, and upper, outer arm.

Advantages Disadvantages Do not need to take it daily 99% effective when taken correctly Not recommended for women over 190 lbs. Weight changes Nausea Does not protect against STI’s.

4) Emergency Contraception (The Morning After Pill) This is a large does 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.

Things to consider with ECP You might feel nausea Sometimes there is spotting You can get ECP at your family doctor, walk-in clinic, or Family Planning Clinic. This should not be taken as your regular method of birth control ECP will not affect a pregnancy that has already started. What are your beliefs about potentially ending a pregnancy?

5) Vaginal Ring The Vaginal Ring 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.

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

1) Condoms- Male 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. Some novelty items sold may look like condoms, but make sure to read the packaging and that they are labeled condoms. Condoms are 86-97% effective in preventing pregnancy. Also, they are the best form of protection against STI’s.

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.

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.

2) The Female Condom 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 pregnancy and STI’s. 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.

Female Condom It is 95% effective in preventing pregnancy You do not need a prescription It will protect you against STI’s. 40% stronger than latex condoms Good to use if partner is allergic to latex.

3) Diaphragm 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 spermicide

4) The Sponge This is a piece of soft foam filled with three kinds of spermicide. It covers the cervix, and helps to prevent the sperm from entering. In a year, 9-20 women out of 100 will get pregnant. If you have already had a baby, your chances get higher.

The Sponge The sponge is easy,disposable, and you can put it in hours before sex. An option if a woman can not use birth control with hormones. Does not prevent against STI’s Least effective type of birth control.

Spermicides Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm. Condoms now come with spermicide You can buy contraceptive foam or jelly (inserted with an applicator). In a year, 6-26 of women will become pregnant using only spermicides.

IUD (Intrauterine Device) 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. IUDs can last 1-10 years. They affect the movements of eggs and sperm to prevent fertilization and change the lining of the uterus preventing implantation. IUDs are % effective as birth control.

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

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.

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.

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