Contraceptive Types
If you are sexually active, proper knowledge of contraceptives is
necessary to minimize the chance of having children. This
website´s mission is to outline the contraceptive types that
are available today.
Abstinence
The only 100% gauranteed-to-work method of contraception that
exists. There is absolutely no other method that offers 100%
certainty.
Coitus Interruptus
Probably the oldest method of birth control, it is also probably the
least reliable. The method is very simple: the penis is
removed from the vagina before ejaculation. Also, if the
couple plans to have sex more than once, the man should urinate and
wash himself to clear away any sperm. The woman should also
wash off any sperm that may land on her.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods employ physical barriers that block the
sperm. There are barriers for both men and women.
The only barrier available for men is the condom. Usually
made of latex, it is fitted over the penis during
intercourse. Wearing the condom properly is essential for it
to be effective.
Various barriers are available for women. These include
female condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms and contraceptive sponges.
The female condom is similar in design to the male condom.
However, it has a rubber ring at each end. The ring at the
closed end is designed to hold the condom in place inside the vagina,
while the ring at the open end is designed to be a guide and to prevent
bunching up of the condom. The female condom should not be
used with the male condom, as the latex on latex contact can cause the
condoms to break.
The cervical cap is a small thimble sized cap that is placed directly
on the cervix. It is held in place by suction. It
prevents the entry of sperm into the uterus, and a spermicide kills any
sperm that should come near it.
The diaphragm is a small rubber disc that is placed over the cervix,
and is held in place by vaginal muscles. It works in the same
way as a cervical cap, by blocking sperm from entering the
uterus. It should be used with a spermicide.
The contraceptive sponge is a small donut shaped sponge with spermicide
that is placed over the cervix. Some brands of sponge contain
elastic bands to facilitate their removal.
Hormonal Methods
The most common hormonal method is a cocktail of synthetic estrogen and
progesterone compounds. These compounds can be taken as a
pill, through a patch, through an insertal vaginal ring, or as an
injection.
Alternative combinations containing only progesterone and progestins
are also available, although they are generally less convenient than
pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone.
IntraUterine Methods
Intrauterine means in the uterus. A plastic T shaped device,
or the intrauterine device, is placed in the uterus. This
procedure must be done by a medical practicioner.
Contraception is achieved through the copper wiring which is wrapped
around the device. The copper acts as a spermicide, changing
the chemistry of its surrounding environment, therefore killing the
sperm. Some intrauterine devices also release progestins,
which inhibit pregnancy.
Periodic Abstinence
As opposed to complete abstinence, periodic abstinence is only
practiced when fertility is highest. A number of methods have
been developed to determine periods of high fertility.
One method of measuring fertility is taking the basal body temperature
everyday. Basal temperature is your baseline temperature, the
temperature you have when you are completely inactive.
Typically, the basal temperature increases two days before ovulation.
Another method is to determine fertility from an examination of
cervical mucus. Two of these methods are the Billings
Ovulation Method and the Creighton Model.
The rhythm method is based on using a calendar, and would be the least
reliable method of periodic abstinence.
Lactational
After giving birth, and while breastfeeding, a woman will be
infertile. To determine how long this period of infertility
lasts, it is necessary to consult with a doctor.
Sterilization
This method could be seen as rather extreme compared to other methods,
but it is also more effective. It is available for men and
women.
For men, a vasectomy is available. This operation severs the
tube that delivers sperm into the semen. Effectively, no
sperm will leave the body through the penis.
For women, tubal ligation is available. This operation severs
or seals the fallopian tubes. Effectively, no eggs will enter
the uterus, and pregnancy should not occur.
Emergency Contraception
In the event of completely unprotected sex, there are couple of forms
of contraception that can be used after the fact. The
"morning after" pill is a common method. This pill is usually
similar to a normal oral contraceptive, but the dosage is much
higher. As well, and intrauterine device can be inserted
after the fact to prevent a pregnancy from occurring.
Induced Abortion
After pregnancy occurs, some people may still want to have the choice
of continuing the pregnancy or not. A number of methods exist
to induce the abortion of the fetus. This option should be
discussed with a medical doctor.
