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Contraceptive Methods!. Abstinence. Def: A conscious decision to refrain from sex of any kind. Pros: Prevents pregnancy, eliminates risk of STIs. Cons: None. Condom. Def: Thin latex or polyurethane sheath fitting over the penis.
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Abstinence • Def: A conscious decision to refrain from sex of any kind. • Pros: Prevents pregnancy, eliminates risk of STIs. • Cons: None
Condom • Def: Thin latex or polyurethane sheath fitting over the penis. • Pros: Can provide protection against STI’s if used properly, is easily accessible. • Cons: Some people are allergic to latex so it may cause irritation.
Birth Control Pill • Def: Pill containing female hormones estrogen and progestin, which prevent ovaries from releasing an egg each month. • Pros: May decrease cramping and menstrual bleeding. May reduce certain types of cancer. Improves menstrual cycle control. • Cons: Requires a prescription from a doctor. Must be taken at the same time everyday. Can have many side effects.
Spermicide • Def: Vaginal spermicidal product (gel, foam, cream, film or tablet) consisting of a chemical agent able to kill sperm. Is applied just before intercourse. • Pros: is available without a prescription, is inexpensive, provides lubrication. • Cons: should never be used alone (use with a condom), requires use of an applicator, may cause irritation if allergic.
Depo-Provera • Def: Long-acting, synthetic progesterone injection given every 84 days to stop ovaries from releasing an egg each month. • Pros: may decrease cramping and menstrual bleeding, reduces the risks for certain types of cancer (ex: ovarian) • Cons: does not affect fertility but may take up to 2 years for normal ovulation to return. May cause weight gain and other side effects.
Diaphragm • Def: thin flexible latex disk attached to a circular rim that fits over the cervix to block the opening of the uterus to sperm. • Pros: is effective immediately after insertion. • Cons: requires prescription and instruction for proper fit. May cause bladder infections. May cause toxic shock syndrome if left in too long (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash). • Also, it must be left in for 6 hours after sex to be effective.
Intrauterine device (IUD) • Def: small T-shaped object with a fine copper wire and a thread attached to the base, inserted into the uterus by a physician. • What does it do? It changes the lining of the uterus, making it hard for a fertilized egg to attach to its wall. • Pros: is effective and you don’t need to worry about it daily.
Cons: must be inserted by a physician and changed every 3-5 years. Increases the risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. May cause heavy menstrual bleeding and/or cramping.
Emergency Contraceptive Pill • AKA “The Morning After Pill” or “plan B” • It is used in emergency/crisis situations within 5 days of unprotected sex. • It is most effective within 72 hours. • Must be prescribed by a physician or obtained by a clinic. • Will not affect a prior conception. So if you are already pregnant, it will not abort the fetus.
Unreliable Methods • 1. Withdrawal. Removal of penis from vagina before ejaculation doesn’t always work as there is sperm in the pre-ejaculate. • 2. Rhythm method: abstaining from intercourse for a certain number of days before/during/after ovulation. Woman can ovulate more than once a month and timing of ovulation may vary from cycle to cycle (especially for women who play sports or just started menstruating)
