Methods of Contraception

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Methods of Contraception

Please note that the following information is, in no way, exhaustive. You should always research and speak with your doctor about which method of contraception is best for you. The following methods of contraception are explained:

• Abstinence
• Birth Control Pill
• Cervical Cap
• Condom (Male)
• Condom (Female)
• Contraceptive Implant
• Emergency Contraception
• Injectable Contraception (Depo-Prevera)
• Intrauterine Contraception (IUD)
• The Patch

Other forms of contraception that exist, but are not included in this Sticky, are: Contraceptive Film; Contraceptive Foam; the Contraceptive Sponge; Contraceptive Suppositories; Diaphragms; the Fertility Awareness Method; The Ring (NuvaRing); the Shield; and Withdrawal.


Abstinence

Many people define abstinence as avoiding vaginal, anal, and oral-genital intercourse altogether. For others it may include kissing, hugging, and other types of intimacy.

Advantages: Abstinence is free and the only 100% effective method of preventing pregnancy and the transmission of infections. Abstinence may encourage non-physical intimacy.

Disadvantages: If you and your partner change your minds, you may not have a form of birth control available.

Birth Control Pill (Combined oral contraceptives)

Combined birth control pills contain two hormones, a progestin and an estrogen. This form of “the Pill” stops ovulation (the release of an egg) and inhibits the movement of sperm.

Advantages: Users may see a reduction of PMS symptoms, menstrual blood loss and anemia, menstrual cramps and pains. Pills may also lower the chances of breast masses and the risk for cancer. Some doctors will provide pills without a pelvic exam.

Disadvantages: Pills do not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or HIV/AIDS. The pill must be taken at the same time, every day. All medications have possible side-effects. Pills can be expensive and require a prescription, which means a doctor’s visit.

Birth Control Pill (Progestin-only pills: minipills)

Progestin-only pills, or minipills, contain only a progestin, no estrogen. Minipills work by thickening mucus, making it so sperm cannot reach the egg. They may stop ovulation.

Advantages: There are no estrogen related side effects with minipills. Nursing mothers can use progestin-only pills. They cause light menstrual flow, reduce cramps, pain, headaches, mood swings and tenderness of the breasts.

Disadvantages: Pills do not protect against STIs or HIV/AIDS. Minipills may cause irregular periods. The pill must be taken daily. Some women may experience an increase in depression symptoms while on minipills.

Cervical Cap

A cervical cap is a small, soft "fitted" latex cap. Spermicide is put in the cap, which is then placed in the vagina, on the cervix. Suction keeps the cap in place.

Advantages: It is small and easy to carry. Cervical caps can be put in up to one hour before sex and work for up to 48 hours. You do not have to tell your partner you are using a cervical cap.

Disadvantages: A cervical cap must be fitted by a doctor at least once yearly. Is not the best protection against STIs and HIV, and may interrupt sex. Cervical caps left in too long may increase a woman’s risk for toxic shock syndrome, a very serious bacterial infection.

Condom (Male)

Effective condoms are made of either latex or polyurethane. Condoms are a physical barrier which prevent body fluids from mixing during sex.

Advantages: Condoms are safe and effective and both the prevention of pregnancy and transmission of some infections. No prescription is needed.

Disadvantages: Condoms do not prevent against some STIs such as syphilis, herpes or HPV. Condoms can tear, and you cannot use oil based lubricants as they can cause a hole.

Condom (Female)

Female condoms are made of polyurethane, not latex. For use, a female condom is placed into a woman’s vagina, closed-end first. Both ends have a flexible ring which holds the condom in place.

Advantages: Female condoms give women control over contraception. They do not require a visit to the doctor. Like male condoms, they are safe and fairly effective at preventing STIs and pregnancy.

Disadvantages: The condom is large and takes practice to use correctly. It is also more difficult to find and is more expensive than the male condom.

Contraceptive Implant (Implanon)

Implanon is an implant inserted into the upper arm. Usually it does not hurt, and is implanted under local anesthetic.

Advantages: Implanon is effective for three years, after only one implant. Women lose less blood during menstruating and have less cramping.

Disadvantages: Implants do not protect from STIS or HIV/AIDS and may cause irregular periods or negative side effects.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception, also known as Plan B or “the Morning After Pill,” is a contraceptive used after unprotected sex. This method may be used within five days of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

Advantages: Emergency contraception protects against unwanted or unintended pregnancy when other methods of birth control failed or were not used.

Disadvantages: The high levels of hormones in this method of contraception may stop a period or cause irregular bleeding and other negative side effects. It is not effective after five days and becomes less effective each day. EC may be difficult to obtain.

Injectable Contraception (Depo-Prevera)

Shots are given every three months. The shot is a hormone similar to progesterone that stops the woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg.

Advantages: There are no pills, and injectables are very effective. Women lose less blood when using injectables. This method can be kept private from everyone and used while nursing.

Disadvantages: This method of contraception does not protect against STIs or HIV and must be re-administered every three months. Depression symptoms may worsen.

Intrauterine Contraception (Copper T IUD)

An IUD is a small device which is placed in the uterine cavity. It is safe, cheaper, and more effective long-term than some contraceptive methods. There are two types of IUDs in the US: the Copper T IUD and the LNG-IUS.

Advantages: The Copper T IUD is the second most effective reversible method of contraception. It is effective for at least ten years and is reversible. It is safe and private.

Disadvantages: IUDs do not protect against STIs. There is a high initial cost and it must be inserted by a doctor. Cramping, pain and spotting after insertion may occur. Periods may last longer.

Intrauterine Contraception (LNG-IUS)

Advantages: The LNG-IUS is the most effective reversible method of birth control. It may be left in place for up to five years.

Disadvantages: IUDs do not protect against STIs. LNG-IUS may change the menstrual cycle, causing periods to be longer or shorter. There is a high initial cost.

The Patch

Contraceptive patches are thin, lightweight patches that are applied directly to the skin. They last seven days.

Advantages: When used properly, the patch is very effective in preventing pregnancy. It is easy to use and easy to reverse.

Disadvantages: The patch does not protect against STIs or HIV. The patch must be changed weekly and is difficult to hide. It is expensive and may cause skin irritation.