Types of Birth Control

Birth Control

Now we will talk about preventing one of the consequences of sex – unwanted pregnancy. Because sex is a highly private matter, choosing a method of birth control should be based on your individual preferences, medical history, lifestyle, and other factors such as your partner.

Remember, no method of birth control is perfect, with the exception of abstinence. Each method of birth control has a failure rate and some possible side effects.

<u>Spermicides</u>

Spermicides come in the form of foams, jellies, gels, and suppositories. Its function is to form a physical - chemical barrier to sperm. They should be inserted into the vagina within an hour before intercourse. Spermicides have a failure rate of 20 to 30 percent and are available without prescription.

<u>Hormonal Contraception</u>

Hormonal contraception, unlike barrier methods, interacts with the body and has the potential for serious side effects. When properly used, hormonal methods are also extremely effective but they are available only by prescription.

<u>Birth Control Pills</u>

There are two types of birth control pills: combination pills, which contain both estrogen and a progestin and the "mini-pills" which contain only progestin.

The combination pill prevents ovulation and has a failure rate of 1-2 percent. The mini-pill reduces cervical mucus and causes it to thicken which in turn, prevents the sperm from reaching the egg. It has a failure rate of 1 to 3 percent. However, always remember that the oral contraceptive should be made only after consultation with a health professional.

<u>Barrier Methods</u>

There are five barrier methods of contraception: male condoms, female condoms, diaphragm, sponge, and cervical cap. The function of barriers is to keep the sperm and egg apart. The main possible side effect is an allergic reaction either to the material of the barrier or the spermicide that should be used with them.

<u>Male Condom</u>

The male condom is made of either latex rubber or natural skin. It is used as a sheath that covers the penis during sex. Of the two types, only latex condom is highly effective in helping to prevent STDs since it provides a good barrier to even small viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B. It has a birth control failure rate of about 15 percent of which most can be traced to improper use.

<u>Female Condom</u>

The female condom consists of a lubricated polyurethane sheath with a flexible polyurethane ring on each end. To use it, one ring is inserted into the vagina while the other remains outside, covering the labia. The female condom may offer some protection against STDs but not as much as the male latex condoms.

<u>Sponge</u>

The contraceptive sponge is made of white polyurethane foam. It is shaped like a doughnut and has the spermicide nonoxynol-9. To use it, it is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix during and after intercourse. Its failure rate is between 18 and 28 percent and is available without prescription. However, be reminded that it is disposable and can be used only once.

<u>Diaphragm</u>

The diaphragm is a flexible rubber disk with a rigid rim, and can be in size 2 to 4 inches in diameter. They are designed to cover the cervix during and after intercourse. However, the diaphragm is not that convenient as it must be fitted by a health professional. It should be left in place for at least six hours after intercourse. If used with spermicide, it has a failure rate of 6 to 18 percent.

<u>Cervical Cap</u>

The cervical cap is a dome shaped rubber cap that is available in various sizes. Fitting snugly over the cervix, like the diaphragm, it is used with a spermicide and must be fitted also by a health professional. It is more difficult to insert than the diaphragm. However, as an added advantage, it may be left in place for up to 48 hours. The cap has a failure rate of about 18 percent.

<u>Intrauterine Devices</u>

These are small, plastic, flexible devices that are inserted into the uterus through the cervix by a trained clinician. It has a 4 to 5 percent failure rate. The IUD is recommended primarily for women in mutually monogamous relationships because it can have complications for those with multiple sex partners. These complications include perforation of the uterus, septic abortion and ectopic pregnancy.

<u>Periodic Abstinence</u>

Periodic abstinence is when you’re not having sexual intercourse during the woman's fertile period. Sometimes this method is called natural family planning (NFP) or "rhythm" and this is what is espoused by some religious traditions. Periodic abstinence has a failure rate of 14 to 47 percent and has none of the side effects of artificial methods of contraception. However, it does not protect one from sexually transmitted diseases.

<u>Surgical Sterilization</u>

Surgical sterilization is a permanent contraceptive. Tubal ligation seals a woman's fallopian tubes so that an egg cannot travel to the uterus. Vasectomy, on the other hand, involves closing off a man's vas deferens so that sperm will not be carried to the penis.