About 50% of all pregnancies are unplanned (ACOG, 2002).
Women have many choices today when it comes to contraception.
The 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy is continuous abstinence.
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods
Basal Body Temperature method – based on the fact that most women experience a decrease in BBT, followed by a slight, but detectable increase in BBT just after ovulation.
Calendar Method (“Rhythm Method”) - In order for this method to work, a woman must keep a record of the length of each cycle (the start of one period to the start of another period) for at least 8 consecutive months.
This method is based on the fact that the interval from ovulation until the beginning of the next period is always 14 days, regardless of cycle lengths.
This method is based on the fact that the interval from ovulation until the beginning of the next period is always 14 days, regardless of cycle lengths.
Cervical Mucus method - prediction of ovulation is based on daily changes in the amount, consistency, and color of the cervical mucus.
As ovulation approaches, the mucus changes from cloudy and thick to clear and thin (raw egg whites), and suddenly increases in amount for 1 or 2 days (peak).
As ovulation approaches, the mucus changes from cloudy and thick to clear and thin (raw egg whites), and suddenly increases in amount for 1 or 2 days (peak).
Barrier Methods
Diaphragm - soft rubber cup-like device (with a flexible, spring rim) that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix.
Cervical Cap - small, thimble-shaped rubber cap covers the cervix like a mini-diaphragm.
Sponge – soft absorptive sponge inserted into vagina to cover cervix
Male Condom - sheath that fits over a man’s erect penis, acts by preventing the sperm from entering the uterus (best protection against STDs)
Female Condom - 2 flexible diaphragm-like rings at either end of a soft, loose-fitting polyurethane sheath.
Sponge – soft absorptive sponge inserted into vagina to cover cervix
Male Condom - sheath that fits over a man’s erect penis, acts by preventing the sperm from entering the uterus (best protection against STDs)
Female Condom - 2 flexible diaphragm-like rings at either end of a soft, loose-fitting polyurethane sheath.
Foam, Cream, Jelly, Suppositories, & Film - these products contain spermicides.
Intrauterine Device/Intrauterine System
IUD/IUS must be inserted into the uterus the last 2 days of a menstrual cycle to ensure lack of pregnancy; must be inserted by a clinician.
Hormonal Contraception
Seasonale – birth control pill taken for 84 days straight, then 7 days off = only 4 periods a year!
The shot (Lunelle) contains both estrogen and progesterone similar to what the body makes.
The ring (NuvaRing) is a small, flexible ring which is inserted deep into the vagina.
The patch (Ortho Evra) is a thin plastic patch that is placed on the skin of the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or upper torso once a week for 3 weeks.
The shot (Lunelle) contains both estrogen and progesterone similar to what the body makes.
The ring (NuvaRing) is a small, flexible ring which is inserted deep into the vagina.
The patch (Ortho Evra) is a thin plastic patch that is placed on the skin of the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or upper torso once a week for 3 weeks.
Progestin-only Methods
The “mini” pill contains progesterone only thus making it safe to use during breast-feeding.
The shot (Depo-Provera) is a long-acting form of progesterone that is injected every 12 weeks.
Contraceptive implants (Norplant) has received much attention due to their controversial nature.
The shot (Depo-Provera) is a long-acting form of progesterone that is injected every 12 weeks.
Contraceptive implants (Norplant) has received much attention due to their controversial nature.
Other Methods
Post-coital Contraception - "morning after" pill or emergency IUD insertion
Sterilization - woman (tubal litigation) or male (vasectomy)
Essure System - small metallic implant placed in fallopian tubes, causes scar tissue to form, blocking fallopian tube, thus preventing pregnancy
Continuous Breastfeeding of LAM (Lactational Amenorrhea Method) - woman cannot have had a period, breastfeeds at least 6 times a day on both breasts, and wakes for night feedings.
2 comments:
Wow . . . I didn't realize there were so many different options! I know that some have higher success rates than others, but do some of them have bad side effects or a chance of causing infertility later on?
Wow . . . I didn't realize there were so many different options! I know that some have higher success rates than others, but do some of them have bad side effects or a chance of causing infertility later on?
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