w w w . s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a

Choosing a contraception that’s right for u w w w . s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a

s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a Unintended Pregnancies Unintended pregnancies with various contraceptive methods Numbers given are pregnancies for every 1000 women during first year of use Adapted from Trussell et al, 2004.

s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a Female reproductive system Fallopian tube Ovaries Uterus Cervix Vagina

s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a Female reproductive system Fallopian tube Ovary Uterus Bladder Clitoris Cervix Urethra Vagina Rectum

s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a Female menstrual cycle

Intrauterine device (IUD) s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What is it? • A T-shaped device with a copper wire around it • It is inserted into the uterus by a physician in the doctor’s office • Two threads may be felt in the vagina, so a woman can check for herself to ensure that the IUD is still in place How does it work? • Causes changes in the lining of the uterus • Prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg • Decreases the ability of the sperm to penetrate the cervical mucus Failure rate: 8 per 1000 women per year

Intrauterine device (IUD) s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the advantages? 1. Long-acting contraceptive; can be left in place for up to five years 2. No daily contraceptive routine required; device provides five years of contraception 3. Does not contain estrogen 4. Does not interfere with intercourse 5. May reduce the risk of endometrial cancer 6. May be suitable for women who are breastfeeding

Intrauterine device (IUD) s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the disadvantages? 1. Possible side effects include irregular bleeding or spotting in the first months after insertion 2. Perforation of the uterus may occur at the time of insertion but this is rare 3. May increase menstrual bleeding or menstrual cramping 4. May be expelled from the uterus. This happens in 2–10% of IUD users 5. Does not protect against STIs

Female sterilization s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a Sites ofSterilization Ligation Tubal occlusion “Having your tubes tied” What is it? • A surgical procedure to close or block the fallopian tubes • Techniques include: • Laparoscopy – special instruments are inserted through two tiny incisions (less than 1 cm long) in the abdomen • Mini-laparotomy – also requires a small cut in the abdomen • Hysteroscopy – use of a thin telescope inserted into the uterus • Fallopian tubes may be blocked by using one of the following: • A clip or a ring • Cautery (an electric current) • Removing a small piece of each tube • Hysteroscopy for the insertion of tubal plugs (Essure) How does it work? • The fallopian tube is blocked and therefore the sperm and egg cannot meet Failure rate: 5 per 1000 women per year Clips Essure Cauterization

Female sterilization s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the advantages? 1. No daily contraceptive routine required; nothing to remember 2. Private 3. Does not interfere with intercourse 4. No significant long term side effects

Female sterilization s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the disadvantages? 1. Usually permanent and difficult to have reversed 2. Possible post-sterilization regret 3. Possible short-term surgery-related complications: abdominal discomfort; bruising, bleeding, or infection at the incision site; reaction to anesthesia 4. If pregnancy occurs, there is a higher chance that it will be an ectopic pregnancy 5. Does not protect against STIs

Female condom s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What is it? • Soft, disposable, polyurethane sheath • Available in drugstores without a prescription How does it work? • Placed in the vagina before intercourse • Lines the vagina completely, preventing direct contact between the penis and the vagina and preventing the exchange of body fluids • Sperm is trapped in the condom, which is thrown away after intercourse • A new condom should be used for each repeated act of intercourse Failure rate: 210 per 1000 women per year

Female condom s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the advantages? 1. Available widely without a prescription 2. No daily contraceptive routine or continued use required 3. Woman remains in charge of placement and use 4. Protects against some STIs

Female condom s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the disadvantages? 1. Must be available at time of intercourse 2. Requires proper insertion technique 3. Flexible inner ring may cause discomfort for some 4. More expensive than the male condom and not available in all stores 5. Makes a noise during intercourse 6. May slip or break during intercourse 7. May be considered messy by some

Female barrier methods s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a Diaphragm and Cervical Cap What are they? • Intravaginal barrier methods that are used together with a spermicide • The diaphragm is a latex dome with a flexible steel ring around its edge (a non-latex diaphragm is also available) • The cervical cap is thimble-shaped silicone cap • Positioned into the vagina (diaphragm) or over the cervix (cervical cap) before intercourse • Must be left in the vagina for 6–8 hours after intercourse Cervical Cap Diaphragm How do they work? • A pelvic examination by a qualified health care professional is required for fitting diaphragms and cervical caps • Inserted into the vagina and fit over the cervix • When positioned properly, they block the entry to the uterus so sperm cannot enter and fertilize the egg • Spermicide should be reapplied for each repeated act of intercourse Failure rate: 160-320 per 1000 women per year

Female barrier methods s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the advantages? 1. Does not contain hormones 2. Can be used by women who are breastfeeding 3. Some protection against certain STIs

F e m a l e b a r r i e r m e t h o d s s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the disadvantages? 1. Must be available at time of intercourse 2. Requires proper insertion technique 3. Does not protect against certain STIs 4. Cannot be used by people who are allergic to spermicides 5. Diaphragm may increase the risk of persistent urinary tract infection 6. Cervical cap should not be used during menstruation 7. May become dislodged during intercourse 8. Cervical cap may cause vaginal odour and discharge

Female barrier methods s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a Sponge and Spermicides What are they? • The sponge is a soft, disposable, polyurethane foam device impregnated with a spermicide • Spermicides disable sperm and come in several forms, including creams, jellies, tablets, suppositories, foams, and film How do they work? Sponge • Fits over the cervix • Traps and absorbs sperm to augment effect of spermicide • Spermicide in the sponge disables the sperm • Effective for up to 12 hours Spermicides • Contain an ingredient that disables sperm • Should be used together with another form of contraception Failure rate: 160-320 per 1000 women per year

Female barrier methods s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the advantages? 1. Does not contain hormones 2. Can be used by women who are breastfeeding 3. Can be used by women who smoke 4. Spermicide may provide added lubrication

Female barrier methods s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the disadvantages? 1. Must be available at time of intercourse 2. Does not protect against certain STIs 3. Cannot be used by people who are allergic to spermicides 4. Requires proper insertion technique 5. Sponge users may experience vaginal irritation or infection 6. Spermicide must be inserted into the vagina in advance (time depends on product) 7. If left in the vagina in excess of the recommended time, symptoms of toxic shock syndrome may appear

s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a Male reproductive system Seminal vesicles Vas deferens Prostate gland Penis Epididymis Testicle

Male barrier methods s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a Male Condom What is it? • A soft disposable sheath • Available in various shapes, sizes, thicknesses, colours and flavours • Most are latex, but non-latex condoms are also available in polyurethane, silicone, and lambskin How does it work? • Fits over the erect penis • Acts as a physical barrier preventing direct genitalcontact and the exchange of genital fluids, so the sperm does not enter the uterus and fertilize the egg • A new condom is used for each repeated act of intercourse Failure rate: 150 per 1000 women per year

Male barrier methods s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the advantages? 1. Available widely without a prescription 2. Inexpensive 3. Latex condoms protect against STIs 4. Allows the male partner to assume some responsibility for birth control 5. Both partners can participate in their use 6. May help the wearer avoid premature ejaculation

Male barrier methods s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the disadvantages? 1. Must be available at time of intercourse 2. May slip or break during intercourse 3. Must be stored and handled properly 4. People with latex allergies cannot use latex condoms, but may be able to use non-latex condoms 5. May reduce sensitivity for either partner 6. May interfere with the maintenance of an erection 7. May reduce spontaneity 8. Lambskin condoms do not protect against STIs

Male sterilization s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a Vasectomy What is it? • A surgical procedure to close or block the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm to the penis) How does it work? • The vas deferens are closed so that no sperm is released to fertilize the egg • Common techniques include: • Conventional vasectomy – one or two incision are made in the scrotum to reach the vas deferens • No-scalpel vasectomy – a puncture opening is made in the scrotum • Vas deferens are closed by: • Electric current (cauterization) • A mechanical method, such as a clip • Removal of a small segment of each tube • Another form of contraception is required until a semen analysis shows no sperm Failure rate: 1.5 per 1000 women per year Vas deferens Urethra Site of Vasectomy

Male sterilization s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the advantages? 1. No contraceptive routine required; nothing to remember 2. Private 3. Does not interfere with intercourse 4. No significant long-term side effects 5. Simple procedure 6. Less invasive and more cost-effective than tubal ligation for women 7. Allows the male partner to assume some responsibility for birth control

Male sterilization s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What are the disadvantages? 1. Difficult to have reversed 2. Possible post-sterilization regret 3. Possible short-term surgery-related complications: pain and swelling; vasovagal reaction; infection at the incision site 4. Does not protect against STIs 5. Not effective immediately. Must do a follow-up sperm analysis that shows no sperm are present in the semen

s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What To Ask Your Healthcare Provider • Following are some questions you might want to ask regarding your sexual health. A good idea is to make a list before you visit. • Birth control related: • How do I know what birth control method is best for me? • How to take your method • How to deal with missed pills, patches, rings, or injections • What are the side-effects? Which are normal and how can I cope with them. • General women’s health • Should I get a mammogram? How do I know if I'm doing my breast self-exam correctly? • How often do I need a Pap smear or gynecological check-up? • How do I know if my period is normal? • Should I be tested for AIDS or other STIs?

s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a What Your Healthcare Provider May Ask You • Be prepared to answer questions about: • Medical history (surgeries, vaccines, menstrual cycle, etc) • Medications you are taking • Allergies • Family history (medical conditions like diabetes, heart problems) • Lifestyle • Sexual practices • Don't be embarrassed to tell the truth or ask a question. They are professionals and the information is required to give you the best care possible.

w w w . s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a