-
1 of 10
-
2 of 10
-
3 of 10
-
4 of 10
-
5 of 10
-
6 of 10
-
7 of 10
-
8 of 10
-
9 of 10
-
10 of 10
Contraception Connection
Archive
Comments
Story
Birth control, also known as contraception, are designed to prevent pregnancy. Barrier methods like condoms, diaphragms and intrauterine devices (IUDs) prevent sperm from inseminating eggs. Hormonal methods keep the woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs that could be fertilized such as birth control pills. Given the U.S. Health and Human Services Department’s recent proposals aimed at redefining certain forms of birth control and campus controversy over condoms, it seemed pertinent to disseminate accurate information. Women should consult their doctor to find which birth control is right for them based on beliefs, frequency of sexual activity and physical differences (weight, previous pregnancies, and other medications).
Some statistics on unintended pregnancies
-49 percent of all pregnancies are unintended.
-3.1 million unintended pregnancies occurred in 2001.
-44 percent of unintended pregnancies resulted in births, 42 percent ended in abortion, and 14 percent were miscarriages.
Information courtesy Finer 2006, Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health
Hormonal Methods
Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or implantation of the fertilized egg.They do not protect against (STIs).
Oral Contraceptives (Combined Pill) “The Pill”
-It is a pill that uses hormones (estrogen and progestin) to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs in most women.
-It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining with the egg.
-92 to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.*
Oral Contraceptives (Progestin-only) “The Pill”
-It is a pill that has only the hormone progestin.
-It thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from joining with an egg.
-Less often, it stops the ovaries from releasing eggs.
-92 to 99.9 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.*
Oral-Contraceptives (Extended/Continuous Use) “The Pill”
-It is a pill that uses hormones (estrogen and progestin) to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs in most women.
-It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining with the egg.
-These pills are designed so women have fewer or no periods.
Patch
-This is a skin patch you can wear on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body.
-It uses hormones (estrogen and progestin) to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs in most women.
-It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining with the egg.
-92 to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.*
Vaginal Contraceptive Ring
-It is a flexible ring that is about 2 inches around.
-You put it into the vagina and it releases hormones (progestin and estrogen) to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs in most women.
-It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining with the egg.
-92 to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.*
Shot/Injection
-It is a shot of the hormone progestin that stops the ovaries from releasing eggs in most women.
-It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining with the egg.
-97 to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.*
Implanted Devices
Are inserted into the body and can be kept in place for a few years. Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or implantation of the fertilized egg.They do not protect against (STIs).
IUD
-It is a T-shaped device that is put into the uterus by a healthcare provider.
-Progestin in the Mirena IUD works by keeping a woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs.
-It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining with the egg.
-99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.*
Implantable Rod
-It is a thin, matchstick-sized rod that contains the hormone progestin.
-It thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from joining with the egg.
-Less often, it stops the ovaries from releasing eggs.
Emergency Contraception
May be used if you do not use birth control or if your regular birth control fails.
It should not be used as a regular form of birth control.
“The Morning After Pill”
-These are pills with hormones (either progestin alone or progestin plus estrogen) that are similar to other oral contraceptives.
-They stop the ovaries from releasing an egg or stops sperm from joining with the egg.
-75 to 89 percent effective at inhibiting ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine wall, or all three.*
Information courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You can find more info at http://www.fda.gov/womens/healthinformation/birthcontrol.html.
*Statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Barrier Methods
Put up a block, or barrier, which keeps the sperm from reaching the egg and becoming fertilized.
Male Condom (Latex or Polyurethane)
-It is a thin film sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the egg.
-Condoms are the only contraceptive product that may protect against most sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
-85 to 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.*
Female Condom
-It is a lubricated, thin polyurethane pouch that is put into the vagina.
-It may give some protection against STIs.
-70 to 95 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.*
Diaphragm with Spermicide
-It is a dome-shaped latex rubber or silicon flexible disk with a flexible rim.
-It covers the cervix so that sperm cannot reach the egg.
Sponge with Spermicide
-It is a disk-shaped polyurethane device with the spermicide nonoxynol-9.
Cervical Cap with Spermicide
-It is a soft latex or silicone cup with a round rim, which fits snugly around the cervix. It covers the cervix so that sperm cannot reach the egg.
Spermicide Alone
-It is a foam, cream, jelly, film, or tablet that kills sperm.
-Does not protect against (STIs).
-71 to 82 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.*
Jacqueline Wayment
