Contraceptive Methods

Preventing Pregnancy

Natural MethodsUse of body awareness to prevent pregnancy

• ABSTINENCE- refraining from sexual activity and/or intercourse.

• FERTILITY AWARENESS- abstinence during ovulation.

• These do NOT work- Coitus Interuptus (withdrawal), Douching, Breastfeeding.

Mechanical (Barrier) Methods:Use of a physical barrier to prevent the union of the sperm and ovum.

CONDOM:thin latex sheath placed over penis to

collect semenPROS:•Protection against STI’s•Over the counter•Cheap & affordableCONS:•Irritation & allergic reactions•Doesn’t protect against all types of STI’s

FEMALE CONDOM:thin latex sheath placed at the opening of

the vagina to collect semen.PROS:•Protection against STI’s•Over the counter•Cheap & affordable•Female can protect herself, not rely on maleCONS:•Irritation & allergic reactions•Doesn’t protect against all types of STI’s•Messy, compared to male condom•More expensive than male condom

CERVICAL CAP:Rubber cap to cover cervix, inserted before intercourse. Blocks sperm from entering.

PROS:•Reusable•Affordable•Female can protect herself, not rely on maleCONS:•Irritation & allergic reactions•Difficult to insert•Can cause abnormal Pap Smear•Doesn’t protect against STI’s•Messy

DIAPHRAGM:Rubber cap inserted into vagina before

intercourse. Blocks sperm from entering.PROS:•Reusable•Affordable•More effective and less irritation than cervical cap•Female can protect herself, not rely on maleCONS:•Irritation & allergic reactions•Can cause UTI•Doesn’t protect against STI’s•Messy

I.U.D:Plastic or copper device placed in uterus by

doctor to disrupt uterine environment.PROS:•Very effective (99%)•Long term use (can leave in for years)•Female can protect herself, not rely on maleCONS:•Can cause infertility, PID, ectopic pregnancy•Doesn’t protect against STI’s•Must be removed by doctor

Chemical Methods:Use of a chemical (hormone) to alter bodily functions to prevent

pregnancy.

Spermicide:Chemical that kills sperm, available in foams, jellies, film, or suppositories.

PROS:•Over the counter•Use with other methods to increase effectiveness•Female can protect herself, not rely on maleCONS:•Irritation •Doesn’t protect against STI’s•Can be messy

Oral contraceptive:Estrogen & progesterone pills, prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.

PROS:•Taken daily•Affordable•Use with other methods to increase effectiveness•Female can protect herself, not rely on maleCONS:•Side effects•Must take daily at the same time•Antibiotics decrease effectiveness•Doesn’t protect against STI’s

Oral contraceptive (“mini-pill”):Pill with no estrogen, prevents ovulation

and thickens cervical mucus.PROS:•Taken daily•Less side effects than regular pill•Affordable•Use with other methods to increase effectiveness•Female can protect herself, not rely on maleCONS:•Less effective than regular pill•Must take daily at the same time•Antibiotics decrease effectiveness•Doesn’t protect against STI’s

Injection:Progestin shot, prevents ovulation.

PROS:•Once every 3 months•Less side effects than regular pill•Affordable•Use with other methods to increase effectiveness•Female can protect herself, not rely on maleCONS:•Side effects- irregular menstruation, headaches, weight gain•Doesn’t protect against STI’s

Vaginal ring:Progestin filled ring, inserted in vagina and

left in for 3 weeks. No ring for 1 wk.PROS:•No pill to remember•Less side effects than regular pill•Can remove if there are side effects•Use with other methods to increase effectiveness•Female can protect herself, not rely on maleCONS:•Must insert into vagina•Doesn’t protect against STI’s•Side effects are possible

Patch:Estrogen and progestin hormone patch- put a new patch on each week for 3 wks, no patch for a week

(menstruation).PROS:•No pill to remember•Nothing to insert into vagina•Use with other methods to increase effectiveness•Female can protect herself, not rely on maleCONS:•Side effects•Patch may become loose•Irritation at patch site•Doesn’t protect against STI’s

Emergency Contraception:High dose hormone pills to prevent ovulation

PROS:•Can be used up to 72 hours after sexual intercourseCONS:•Can be expensive, need prescription•Doesn’t protect against STI’s•Major side effects- headaches, vomiting

Vasectomy:permanent sterilization for males

Tubal ligation:permanent sterilization for females