Birth Control

ABSTINENCE NOT PARTICIPATING IN SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

ADVANTAGES• No Cost• No Health Risks• Freedom from worry about pregnancy and

Sexually Transmitted Disease’s

1. Barrier Methods

BARRIER METHODSPHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL

• MALE CONDOM• FEMALE CONDOM• DIAPHRAGM• CERVICAL CAP• SPERMICIDES (FOAM & JELLIES)• VAGINAL SPONGE

MALE CONDOM (98%)

• PROTECTS AGAINST STI’S• Physically stops sperm from

entering the uterus.

FEMALE CONDOM (95%)

• BIRTH CONTROL & PROTECTS AGAINST STI’S

• AVALABLE IN PHARMACIES & STORES

• PREVENTS DIRECT GENITAL CONTACT & EXCHANGE OF FLUIDS

DIAHRAGM (94%)•DIAHRAGM SHOULD BE USED WITH A SPERMICIDE

• MUST BE LEFT IN FOR 6 TO 8 HOURS AFTER INTERCOURSE

CERVICAL CAP (91%)

•USED WITH SPERMICIDE•MUST BE LEFT IN 6-8 HOURS AFTER INTERCOURSE

SPONGE (91%)PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL

SPERMICIDE (82%)

• CREAMS, JELLIES, TABLETS, SUPPOSITORIES & FOAMS

• MORE EFFECTIVE WHEN USED WITH BARRIER METHODS

2. Hormonal Methods

HORMONAL METHODSHORMONES ARE TAKEN ORALLY, INJECTED OR ABSORBED THROUGH

SKIN

The Hormonal Methods• ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES• TRANSDERMAL PATCH• VAGINAL RING• INJECTABLES

How does it work• Prevent egg from being

released.• Change uterine lining &

make it difficult for egg to implant.

• Change the cervical mucus so sperm can not easily pass through it.

Oral Contraceptives- “The Pill” (99.7%)

• Contains estrogen & progestin

• Prevents ovaries from releasing an egg

• Come in packs of 21 or 28 pills

• Must be taken everyday• Requires a prescription• May have side effects

INJECTION (97%)INJECTABLE HORMONES• Injected every 1-3

months• The most common is

called Depo-Provera• Does not protect

against STI’s• May have side effects

IMPLANTS(99%)

IMPLANT DETAILSNORPLANT AFTER PLACEMENT UNDER THE SKIN

• Lasts for 3 years• Contains progesterone only• Releases a steady low dose

of hormone• Does not protect against

STI’s• May have side effects

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

• Delays or prevents ovulation with the use of hormones

• ECP will NOT terminate a pregnancy nor harm the fetus if you are pregnant.

• Taken within 72 hours of intercourse (3 days)

TRANSDERMAL PATCH (99.7%)

• Apply a small patch once a week for three weeks

• Releases hormones (estrogen & progesterone)

• Prevents ovaries from releasing an egg

• May cause side effects• Does not protect against

STI’s

VAGINAL RING (92%)•releases hormones into the body•Kept in for 3 weeks•May have side effects

INTRAUTERINE METHODS (99%)

Intrauterine methods - IUD IUD Information• Small plastic devices that

are inserted into the uterus by a physician.

• Remain in the uterus up to five years.

Intrauterine Methods

Intrauterine System IUS Information• Has a copper wire coiled

around the stem of its “t shaped” as well as hormones

• Both methods rely on chemical reactions to inhibit pregnancy

STERLILIZATION METHODS (99.9%)

MALE STERILIZATION - VASECTOMY

• SURGERY PREVENTS SPERM FROM TRAVELING THROUGH THE VAS DEFERENCE.

• REVERSIBILITY IS DIFFICULT FOR THE MOST PART IT IS PERMANENT

FEMALE STERILIZATION (99.9%)

TUBAL LIGATION• SURGERY PREVENTS THE

EGG FROM MOVING DOWN THE FALLOPIAN TUBE

• PERMANENT FOR THE MOST PART

• VERY RELIABLE

3. NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING(88% to 75%)

Also known as:1. The rhythm method2. Safe Period3. Fertility Awareness

• Avoid having sex near the time of ovulation, when a pregnancy is most likely to occur

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

• CALANDAR• OVULATION• SYMPTO-THERMAL• POST-OVLATION

Withdrawal Method (73%)• 27 % chance of getting

pregnant• This method attempts to

prevent sperm from entering the vagina

PROBLEMS• Sperm is present in pre-

ejaculatory fluid• The male may fail to withdraw

completely before ejaculation• Does not protect against STI’s

Where Can You Get The Help Your Looking For?

Services offered by the Windsor Essex County Health Unit Sexual Health Clinic• :Pregnancy testing (urine) and counseling• .Birth control pills are provided at cost (to people without a drug plan), fees

range from $3.50 to $13.00• .Emergency contraception pill offered free of charge.• HIV testing (Anonymous or Confidential).• Testing and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections• .Depo-Provera injections can be given ($22 per injection)• .Pap tests• .Free Hepatitis B Immunization for eligible adults• .Free Condoms• .All services are provided in a confidential, relaxed, and non-judgmental

atmosphere.

• Leamington• Nurses clinics are available every other Wednesday.• Appointments are needed.• To make an appointment in Leamington, please call 519-326-5716 ext 2100.

• Pregnancy Crisis Center (Leamington)