Contraceptive Choices

Contraceptive choices today include:

1. Barrier methods (condoms)
2. Hormonal methods (birth control pills, shots, etc.)
3. Intrauterine devices (IUD's)
4. Fertility awareness (The "Rhythm Method")
5. Sterilization (Vasectomy or tubal ligation)

1.  Barrier method

Condoms :
Condoms are made of latex (rubber), polyurethane, or sheep intestine. The condom is used to contain the sperm upon male ejaculation.  Latex condoms help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) such as HIV, sheep intestine condoms do not.

2.  Hormonal methods

Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) patch, or vaginal ring):
Birth control pills "The Pill" contain hormones and are taken daily to prevent pregnancy.  They must be taken daily for maximum effectiveness.  It is recommended that they are taken at the same time each day to ensure consistent hormone levels.

Birth control patch:
The "Patch" is a small adhesive patch that you wear on your body.  The patch releases hormones for 7 days, and is then replaced with a new patch.

Contraceptive Vaginal Ring:
The "Ring" is prescribed by your physician, but is inserted at home.  Once inserted in the vagina, it provides a low dose of hormones to prevent pregnancy for 3 weeks.  The ring is removed in the fourth week to allow menstruation to occur.

Birth control pills, patches, and CVR's do NOT protect against STD's.

Emergency Contraception ("Morning After Pill")
The morning after pill is designed to help women in situations where they could become pregnant unintentionally.  This includes forgotten birth control pills, broken condom during sex, or after unprotected sex.  This form of contraception is NOT a primary source of birth control.  The morning after pill does not protect against STD's.

3.  IUD (Intra Uterine Device)

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, plastic, T-shaped device that is inserted inside a woman's uterus. This device must be inserted by a health care professional.   There are several types of IUD's including progesterone and copper.  You can read more about the various types of IUD's at WebMD.

The IUD does NOT protect against STD's.

4.  Rhythm method, calendar method, or fertility awareness method:
Fertility awareness involves monitoring and charting the changes your body goes through during your menstrual cycle.  This information can make you aware of when you are ovulating, and can help you decide to abstain from sexual intercourse during this fertile period.  If you are interested in using the ryhthm method as your method of birth control, we strongly recommend that you discuss this with one of our doctors.

The rhythm method, calendar method, or fertility awareness method does NOT protect against STD's.

5.  Sterilization for female (tubal ligation) or male (vasectomy) birth control:

Tubal ligation (female sterilization):
Tubal ligation is considered a permanent method of birth control.  Female sterilization involves tying, cutting, or blocking the fallopian tubes so eggs cannot travel through them and become fertilized. Although no method of birth control is 100% effective, sterilization is considered the most effective with a very low instance of pregnancy (1 in 1000) within one year of the operation.  This method is considered a permanent form of birth control.

Vasectomy (male sterilization):
A vasectomy prevents the release of sperm when a male ejaculates by sealing the vas deferens which does not allow mature sperm to be released.  This method is considered a permanent form of birth control.

Tubal ligation and vasectomy do NOT protect against STD's.

Suggest a topic

More topics at the WebMd site