CONTRACEPTION
WHAT ARE CONTRACEPTIVES? Methods used to prevent fertilization *Also referred to as birth control methods
With contraceptives, it is important to look at what works for you and your body.
*99.5% Effective for females *99.85% Effective for males STERILIZATION Male or Female The interruption in the path of travel for the sperm or egg 2 Types Tubal Ligation (female) tubes tied Vasectomy (male)
TUBAL LIGATION Surgical procedure performed on a woman Fallopian tubes are cut, tied, cauterized, prevents eggs from reaching sperm Permanent method, but may be surgically reversed
VASECTOMY Male sterilization procedure Ligation of Vas Deferens tube Sperm are absorbed by the body Faster and easier recovery than a tubal ligation More effective than female sterilization
Also known as birth control pill 91% Effective ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES Pill taken orally on a daily basis. Pills contain estrogen and progesterone, or just progesterone May be less effective if used with certain medicines (ex: Antibiotics) Side Effects: Irregular bleeding or spotting, Nausea, Breast tenderness, Weight gain and/or water retention, Mood changes, Stroke and blood clot risk increased * MUST BE TAKEN AT THE SAME TIME EVERY DAY*
HOW THE PILL WORKS Stops ovulation Thins uterine lining Thickens cervical mucus *The Pill provides NO STD protection!*
MALE CONDOMS 82% Effective Condoms act as a barrier method, which helps prevent pregnancy and STDs Made of a thin sheath (usually made of latex) that is worn on the penis. *Condoms are the ONLY contraceptive that prevent STDs*
Do not use oil based lubricants Check expiration dates Never use two at once Never reuse a condom Do not keep in wallet/car CONDOM INFO Side Effects: Allergy to latex or skin irritation
FEMALE CONDOMS 79% Effective Female condoms are an alternative to regular condoms Work as a barrier method, preventing STDs and pregnancy Instead of going on the penis, they are inserted into the vagina and cover external anatomy
IMPLANT (NEXPLANON) 99.95% Effective Long acting reversible birth control Small rod surgically inserted into the inner arm and releases hormones Lasts 3 years Works by thickening cervical mucus and preventing ovulation Side Effects: Irregular menstrual periods, depression, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, headache, weight gain
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD) 99.2-99.8% Effective Long acting reversible contraceptive T-shaped device inserted into the uterus Hormonal-Skyla (3years) and Mirena (5 years)-releases hormones to thicken cervical mucus and prevent ovulation Copper-Paragard (12 years)-changes the way sperm move Side Effects: Spotting, pain during insertion, cramping, irregular periods, headache, back pain, nausea, weight gain
NUVARING 91% Effective A small ring inserted into the vagina once a month for three weeks and releases hormones After 3 weeks, the ring is removed for one week Side Effects: bleeding between periods, breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting, increased vaginal discharge
DEPO-PROVERA (SHOT) 94% Effective Every 3 months, the female will get a shot in their arm Works by thickening cervical mucus and preventing ovulation Side Effects: Weight gain, irregular periods, loss of periods, headaches, mood changes, breast tenderness
PATCH (ORTHO-EVRA) 91% Effective Thin, beige, plastic patch that sticks to the skin and releases hormones New patch is placed on the skin once a week for three weeks in a row, followed by a patch-free week Prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus Side Effects: Similar to the pill
SPERMICIDE 72% Effective Recommended to use with other method, and inserted into the vagina before intercourse Works by stopping the sperm from moving Available in cream, foam, gels, film Side Effects: Skin irritation or allergic reaction
DIAPHRAGM 88% Effective Silicone cup inserted into the vagina, fits over the cervix and acts as a barrier Holds spermicide in place Must be left in place for 6 hours after intercourse Side Effects: Allergic reaction, urinary tract infection
CERVICAL CAP 72% Effective Silicone cup shaped like a sailor's hat Inserted into the vagina and over your cervix and works as a barrier and used with spermicide Must stay in place for 6 hours Side Effects: Allergic reaction or discomfort
88% effective SPONGE Plastic foam which contains spermicide. It is soft, round, and about two inches in diameter and must be inserted before intercourse Can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse Must be left in place for at least 6 hours Side Effects: Irritation, difficult removal *May slightly increase risk of TSS*
FERTILITY AWARENESS (NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING) 76% Effective Monitor body temperature or menstrual cycle Avoid intercourse during high fertile days Side Effects: No physical side effects, but may not be the best if periods are irregular. Must monitor temperature daily and count days of cycle
WITHDRAWAL ( PULL OUT ) 73% Effective (about 1 in 4) Pulling out before ejaculation Works best when you use another birth control method with it, like a condom No STD protection Pre-ejaculatory fluid can contain sperm
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION Accidents happen-used to prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. 75-89% Effective Pill and Paragard (IUD) Most Pills must be taken within 3 days of unprotected sex (72 hours) On average, sperm live in the body for 3 days Pill works by stopping the release of egg Side Effects: Bleeding in between periods, nausea * Should not be used as a regular birth control method*
100% effective ABSTINENCE Both males and females can choose to abstain from sexual activity Not engaging in any sexual activity Make a commitment to yourself and your body Reducing the risk of both STDs and pregnancy Side Effects: positive self-esteem, confidence, and pride in your own body
WHAT TO CONSIDER Effectiveness Ability to use correctly and consistently Safety