Contraception
Contraception allows for prevention and protection. Learn how to choose the right form of contraception and the safety benefits included.
*Choosing the right method of contraception for you is very important. There are various forms available, all of which have their own pros and cons but it really comes down to preference when making a decision.
Why use contraception at all?
Why use contraception at all?
![Picture](/uploads/5/0/7/1/50719805/1082565.jpg?344)
The two main reasons to use a contraceptive are Prevention of unwanted pregnancy and protection against STDs including:
HIV/AIDS
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Herpes
Hepatitis
Syphilis
(For more information about STDs, please click on the STDs tab)
What are the various types of contraceptives?
There are four different methods which include:
1. Barrier methods-methods that block sperm from reaching the egg.
Barrier methods include: male and female condoms, diaphragm, sponge and cervical cap.
The male condom is the most commonly used and the most effective of the barrier methods.
2. Hormonal methods-these methods alter the biochemistry of a female's body and prevent ovulation which in turn prevents pregnancy.
Hormonal methods include: the pill, the patch, vaginal rings, implants and injections.
3. Natural methods- clocking a woman's method to ensure the egg & sperm never come in contact.
4. Surgical methods- female and male sterilization, these are permanent surgeries that make the individual unable to reproduce.
How do I choose the right contraceptive for me and my partner?
The biggest factors to consider when choosing a method of contraception is deciding what will be most convenient, choosing a method that you are actually likely to use and one that will be safest. Below is more information to help you decide which method is best for you.
Male condoms: Available at most stores, condoms are readily available and considerably reliable although they are subject to tears which can lead to sperm entering the female and causing pregnancy. Condoms are typically made of latex, but there are condoms made of polyurethane and polyisoprene are also available for those with a latex allergy.
Female condoms: This is less commonly used than the male condom and takes a little practice getting used to. Following the instructions carefully, the failure rate is only about 5%. While considerably effective, they are still less widely used than male condoms.
Diaphragm: A latex or silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina and covers the surface. With perfect use the failure rate is only about 6%, but the diaphragm MUST be used every time you have sex. To use, a small amount of spermicide is placed into the diaphragm. After intercourse, the diaphragm must be left inside for six hours to ensure effectiveness. The cervical cap is similar to the diaphragm but smaller.
The Pill: This is the most widely used method and is highly effective, about 99.9%. It works by mimicking a woman's hormones that naturally prevent ovulation, in turn preventing pregnancy. These pills must be taken at the same time daily to be effective, which means the woman must get into the habit of remembering to take her pill. The pill does NOT protect against STDs, so the use of a condom can be necessary in addition to the pill.
The Patch: Thin 2-inch patch that releases the same hormones as the pill. The patch is just as effective as the pill but only requires attention weekly as opposed to daily. A disadvantage to the patch is that it does not protect against STDs, so a barrier method is required.
Vaginal rings: The ring has hormones and once in place slowly releases them. The ring is inserted anytime during the first 5 days of a woman's period and is left in for three weeks working the same way as the pill and as effective. The benefit of this method is that it requires only monthly attention but a disadvantage is that it offers no protection against STDs.
Implants: A contraceptive that is inserted into the upper arm which then releases hormones into the body. The implant can be effective for three years before needing to be replaced. They are highly effective but do not provide protection against STDs.
Injectable Contraceptives: A hormonal shot that is injected into the arm or buttocks, this method is effective for 12 weeks. It is highly effective, but also does not prevent against STDs.
HIV/AIDS
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Herpes
Hepatitis
Syphilis
(For more information about STDs, please click on the STDs tab)
What are the various types of contraceptives?
There are four different methods which include:
1. Barrier methods-methods that block sperm from reaching the egg.
Barrier methods include: male and female condoms, diaphragm, sponge and cervical cap.
The male condom is the most commonly used and the most effective of the barrier methods.
2. Hormonal methods-these methods alter the biochemistry of a female's body and prevent ovulation which in turn prevents pregnancy.
Hormonal methods include: the pill, the patch, vaginal rings, implants and injections.
3. Natural methods- clocking a woman's method to ensure the egg & sperm never come in contact.
4. Surgical methods- female and male sterilization, these are permanent surgeries that make the individual unable to reproduce.
How do I choose the right contraceptive for me and my partner?
The biggest factors to consider when choosing a method of contraception is deciding what will be most convenient, choosing a method that you are actually likely to use and one that will be safest. Below is more information to help you decide which method is best for you.
Male condoms: Available at most stores, condoms are readily available and considerably reliable although they are subject to tears which can lead to sperm entering the female and causing pregnancy. Condoms are typically made of latex, but there are condoms made of polyurethane and polyisoprene are also available for those with a latex allergy.
Female condoms: This is less commonly used than the male condom and takes a little practice getting used to. Following the instructions carefully, the failure rate is only about 5%. While considerably effective, they are still less widely used than male condoms.
Diaphragm: A latex or silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina and covers the surface. With perfect use the failure rate is only about 6%, but the diaphragm MUST be used every time you have sex. To use, a small amount of spermicide is placed into the diaphragm. After intercourse, the diaphragm must be left inside for six hours to ensure effectiveness. The cervical cap is similar to the diaphragm but smaller.
The Pill: This is the most widely used method and is highly effective, about 99.9%. It works by mimicking a woman's hormones that naturally prevent ovulation, in turn preventing pregnancy. These pills must be taken at the same time daily to be effective, which means the woman must get into the habit of remembering to take her pill. The pill does NOT protect against STDs, so the use of a condom can be necessary in addition to the pill.
The Patch: Thin 2-inch patch that releases the same hormones as the pill. The patch is just as effective as the pill but only requires attention weekly as opposed to daily. A disadvantage to the patch is that it does not protect against STDs, so a barrier method is required.
Vaginal rings: The ring has hormones and once in place slowly releases them. The ring is inserted anytime during the first 5 days of a woman's period and is left in for three weeks working the same way as the pill and as effective. The benefit of this method is that it requires only monthly attention but a disadvantage is that it offers no protection against STDs.
Implants: A contraceptive that is inserted into the upper arm which then releases hormones into the body. The implant can be effective for three years before needing to be replaced. They are highly effective but do not provide protection against STDs.
Injectable Contraceptives: A hormonal shot that is injected into the arm or buttocks, this method is effective for 12 weeks. It is highly effective, but also does not prevent against STDs.
For more information about contraceptives, please refer to the following video:
Citation: Core Concepts in Health, Brief 13e chapter 6.
Citation: Core Concepts in Health, Brief 13e chapter 6.