Types Of Contraceptives
Contraception is the general term used for the prevention of pregnancy, otherwise known as ‘birth control’. While there are various methods of contraception available, not all methods are right for everyone and can have undesirable side effects.
It’s important to remember that although most birth control methods help to prevent pregnancy, none are one hundred percent effective and will not stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Below you will find a list of common methods of birth control and how each works.
Abstinence
Abstinence is the safest form of birth control and is the only contraceptive that is 100 percent effective in the prevention of pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Abstinence is the voluntary restraint from sexual intercourse.
Barrier Methods
Hormonal Methods
Withdrawal/Sterilization
It’s important to remember that although most birth control methods help to prevent pregnancy, none are one hundred percent effective and will not stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Below you will find a list of common methods of birth control and how each works.
Abstinence
Abstinence is the safest form of birth control and is the only contraceptive that is 100 percent effective in the prevention of pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Abstinence is the voluntary restraint from sexual intercourse.
Barrier Methods
- Male Condom: The rubber, or male condom, is a latex tube that is rolled over the penis prior to sexual intercourse. The male condom is one of the most popular forms of birth control.
- Female Condom: The female condom is a seven inch polyurethane pouch that contains flexible rings. It’s inserted into the vagina prior to sexual intercourse and covers the vaginal canal, cervix and surrounding area.
- Spermicides: Spermicides are a type of chemical used during sexual intercourse that works by killing off sperm. Spermicides include vaginal suppositories, creams, foams and jellies.
- Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a rubber dome filled with jelly or cream spermicides. This type of birth control is stretched over a soft ring to prevent pregnancy.
- Cervical Cap: The cervical cap is filled with spermicidal jelly or cream and placed over the cervix. This small plastic or silicone cap is safe and convenient.
- Contraceptive Sponge: The contraceptive sponge is one of the least safe types of contraceptives and has an effectiveness rate between 77 and 91 percent. The sponge is inserted into the vagina prior to sexual intercourse and placed over the cervix.
Hormonal Methods
- Birth Control Pills: Birth control pills are a type of medication taken once daily to prevent pregnancy. The hormones in the pill, estrogen and progestin, prevent pregnancy by thickening the women’s cervical mucus which blocks the sperm from joining the egg.
- Depo-Provera: Depo-Provera is a type of injection that prevents pregnancy for up to three months. This injection is typically given by your health care provider. Aubra Birth control Reviews.
- Lunelle: Lunelle is another type of injection given by a health provider to prevent pregnancy. Lunelle is effective for up to one month.
- NuvaRing: NuvaRing is a type of flexible vaginal ring inserted into the vagina for three week intervals before being taken out during the week of your period. The NuvaRing releases hormones such as progesterone and estrogen.
- Birth Control Patch: The Ortho Evra Patch or similar birth control patches are placed directly onto the skin. The patch is placed on the upper arm, hip or buttocks for a period of three weeks before being removed for your period.
- Intrauterine Device: The intrauterine device or IUD is a small plastic piece containing hormones that is inserted into the uterus. Instead of blocking sperm, the IUD changes the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation.
Withdrawal/Sterilization
- Withdrawal: The removal of the penis prior to ejaculation is known as the ‘withdrawal method’. Without the use of another form of birth control, the withdrawal method is not safe and has a high risk of pregnancy.
- Sterilization: Sterilization involves the blocking of the fallopian tubes (tubal ligation) in women and sperm carrying tubes (vasectomy) in men. Sterilization is not for those interested in having children in the future.
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