Contraception

Haga clic en el enlace anterior para ver esta página en español

What is contraception?

Birth control is a regimen of one or more actions, devices, sexual practices, or medications followed in order to deliberately prevent or reduce the likelihood of pregnancy or childbirth. There are many ways to prevent pregnancy when you are having sexual intercourse. They include the use of hormonal medication, contraceptive devices (barriers and IUDs), periods of avoiding sex, spermicides, and surgery for sterilization. Some birth control methods work better than others. What follows is basic information on these different methods. This can help you make an informed decision regarding which method may be right for you and your lifestyle.

Sometimes you may need to use more than one method to prevent pregnancy.

What are the different methods of contraception?

Hormonal Medication

Birth control pills (also called oral contraceptives), injections, vaginal rings, skin patches, and implants contain manufactured forms of the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone. The hormones stop a woman's ovaries from releasing an egg each month. They also have some effects on the uterus and cervix that make it harder for sperm to enter the uterus and prevent fertilization.

Here are a few methods of contraception:

A woman takes birth control pills according to a daily schedule prescribed by her healthcare provider.
The Depo-Provera shot, which contains progesterone, is given every 3 months to prevent pregnancy during that time.
Vaginal rings are flexible rings that are inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks. They are then removed for 1 week, and then replaced with a new ring for another 3 weeks. The ring releases hormones into your body.
Patches containing hormones are put on the skin. Each patch is worn for 1 week then thrown away. This is repeated 2 more times with 2 more patches. Then no patch is worn for 1 week.
The Nexplanon implant is a small rod containing progesterone that is placed under the skin of a woman's arm. Nexplanon prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years, the length of time recommended for leaving the implant in place.

You will need to schedule an appointment to see your healthcare provider to discuss and obtain a prescription for the birth control. Most contraceptive devices form physical or chemical barriers that prevent fertilization.

Condoms, Spermicides & Sponges

The male condom is a tube of thin material (latex rubber or polyurethane is best). It is rolled over the erect penis just before any contact of the penis with a woman's genitals. The male condom provides the best protection against STDs, including HIV and hepatitis B.

The female condom is a 7-inch long pouch of polyurethane with two flexible rings. It is inserted into the vagina before sex. It covers the cervix, vagina, and the area around the vagina. The female condom also provides protection against some STDs, including HIV and hepatitis B.

Spermicides are sperm-killing chemicals. They are available as foam, jelly, foaming tablets, vaginal suppositories, or cream. They are inserted into the vagina no longer than 30 minutes before sex. Spermicides should NOT be used alone. They should be used with another form of birth control, such as a condom, for increased effectiveness. Spermicides do not protect against STDs.

The sponge is a round, soft sponge of polyurethane foam. It is soaked with a spermicide. No more than 24 hours before intercourse, the sponge is dampened and then inserted into the vagina against the cervix.

You can buy condoms, spermicides, and sponges at drug and grocery stores without a prescription.

Diaphragm & Cervical Cap

The diaphragm is a soft rubber dome stretched over a flexible ring. No more than 6 hours before sex, you fill the diaphragm with a spermicidal jelly or cream and insert into the vagina.

The cervical cap is made of latex rubber or plastic and is shaped like a cup. It is smaller and more rigid than a diaphragm. No more than 24 hours before sex, the cap is filled with a spermicidal jelly or cream and inserted into the vagina and over the cervix.

The diaphragm and cervical cap require a fitting by your healthcare provider.

IUDs (Intrauterine Devices)

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic device containing copper or hormones. Instead of stopping sperm from entering the uterus, the IUD changes the physical environment of the reproductive tract. This change prevents the egg from being fertilized. An IUD is inserted into the uterus by your healthcare provider.

The ParaGard IUD is a copper releasing device that is placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. ParaGard is made of white plastic in the shape of a "T." Copper is wrapped around the stem and the arms of the "T." Two white threads are attached to the stem of the "T." These threads are the only part of the IUD that you can feel when ParaGard is in your uterus.

The Mirena IUD, a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device, is an intrauterine contraceptive that delivers small amounts of hormone directly to the uterus. The Mirena IUD is made of soft, flexible plastic, and is also put in place by your healthcare provider during an office visit. The Mirena lasts up to 5 years, and is also approved to treat heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine contraception.

If you choose to use an IUD, you will need to see your healthcare provider for insertion and removal of the IUD.