Contraceptive Options

Non-Hormonal Contraception
Non-Hormonal Contraceptive Options
When you are sexually active but don't want to become pregnant, you should use some form of contraception, or birth control. Choosing the appropriate birth control method involves weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each method and choosing the method that best fits into your lifestyle.

It is important to remember that in order for a birth control method to be fully effective, you must use it consistently and correctly. It is also important to remember that the only birth control method that protects you against HIV and other (sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)) is the male condom.

Fertility Awareness Method
Fertility awareness refers to a set of practices to determine the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. These methods rely on observations of changes in one or more of the primary fertility signs (basal body temperature, cervical mucous and cervical position) tracking menstrual cycle length and identifying the fertile window based on this information.

Barrier and Chemical Methods
Barrier methods of birth control physically block sperm from entering the uterus. Spermicides use chemicals to kill the sperm before they reach the female egg.

Male Condom
The male condom is a thin sheaf that fits over the erect penis and catches the semen before it enters the vagina. When condoms are used properly, they not only prevent pregnancy but also offer protection against the HIV virus and other sexually transmitted diseases.

When choosing a birth control method, think about:

• Your overall health

• How often you have sex

• The number of sexual partners you have

• How effective each method is

• How much it costs

• Any potential side effects

• Your comfort level using the method

• If you want to have children at some point

Female Condom
The female condom is a single-use, disposable sheath connected by two rings that is inserted into the vagina before intercourse. It can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse.

Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a reusable round rubber disk that fits inside the vagina to cover the cervix. It can be inserted up to 2 hours before intercourse and should be left in for 6-8 hours following intercourse. A diaphragm must be fitted by a doctor, is available only by prescription, and should be used with a spermicide.

Cervical Cap
The cervical cap is like a mini diaphragm that fits snugly over the cervix and is held in place by suction. Cervical caps are generally less effective than other forms of contraception.

The male condom is the only form of birth control that can protect you against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Sponge
A sponge is a soft, disk shaped device that contains a spermicide. It is inserted into the vagina before intercourse and must remain in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse to prevent pregnancy. The sponge must be removed within 30 hours after it is inserted.

The doctors at Fair Ridge Ob/Gyn Associates can help you decide which type of contraception meets your needs, fits your lifestyle, and offers the fewest risks given your health history.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)
An intrauterine device is a plastic or metal device that the doctor places into your uterus to prevent fertilization. The IUD can remain in place for up to 10 years.

Intrauterine System (IUS)
The intrauterine system (IUS) is a term used for a diaphragm that progressively releases progestin. The IUS is placed into your uterus by a doctor and can remain in place for up to 5 years.

Spermicides
Spermicides prevent contraception by using chemicals to kill the sperm before they reach the female egg. They are often used with condoms and diaphragms to increase their effectiveness.

Surgical Options
If you are certain that you never want to have a child or have additional children, you can elect to use surgery to permanently prevent pregnancy. Women may undergo tubal ligation surgery to seal the fallopian tubes with an electric current, clip, or ring. A non-surgical option is to have your doctor insert a small implant through your vagina into your fallopian tubes to block the fertilization of eggs.

Men may undergo a vasectomy to cut or clamp the two tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. The vasectomy is safer and easier to perform than a tubal ligation.

The vasectomy is safer and easier to perform than a tubal ligation.

Emergency Contraception
Plan B one step-is a backup plan that helps prevent pregnancy after birth control failure. The sooner you take emergency contraception, the better it works. You have up to 72 hours (3 days) to prevent a pregnancy. Plan B is not the abortion pill and it isn’t a substitute for routine birth control. If you're 17 or older, Plan B One-Step® is available without a prescription. Just ask for Plan B One-Step® at the pharmacy counter. If you're under 17, you'll need a prescription.

Hormonal Methods
Hormonal methods of birth control include oral contraceptives, implants, injections, and skin patches. Use of estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of these two hormones creates an environment in the uterus that makes pregnancy unlikely.

The Pill
Combination oral contraceptives consist of estrogen and progesterone hormones taken daily in a pill form. The pill is taken for three consecutive weeks; during the fourth week, an inactive pill is taken to allow your body to menstruate. There is also a combination pill that is taken daily for three months; at the end of the third month, an inactive pill is taken for one week.

The Mini-Pill
A progesterone only pill, referred to as the mini-pill, can benefit women who smoke, are breastfeeding, or who are over 40.

Vaginal Ring
Today's hormonal birth control methods have lower doses of hormones than in the past. This has greatly reduced the risk of side effects; however, you should talk with your doctor about whether this form of birth control is right for you.

The vaginal ring is a flexible plastic ring that releases estrogen and progestin into the vagina. You insert the ring into the vagina, where it stays for three weeks. The ring is removed for one week to allow for menstruation.

Hormonal Patch
A hormonal patch is a small band-aid like patch that is worn discreetly on the skin; it releases estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. You change the patch once a week for 3 weeks. A patch-free week allows your body to menstruate.

Hormonal Injections
With this method, you receive a progestin-only hormone injection once every 3 months to prevent pregnancy. It is reversible, but return to fertility takes longer than with other methods.

The mini-pill can benefit women who smoke, are breastfeeding, or who are over 40.

Hormonal Implants
Your doctor inserts a small plastic tube containing progestin just under the skin of your arm. The implant, which can stay in place for up to 3 years, gradually releases the hormone to prevent pregnancy.

Men may undergo a vasectomy to cut or clamp the two tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. The vasectomy is safer and easier to perform than a tubal ligation.

The vasectomy is safer and easier to perform than a tubal ligation.

Emergency Contraception
If you have intercourse without contraception and do not want to become pregnant, a series of birth control pills can be taken to prevent pregnancy. The pills must be taken as soon as possible after intercourse without contraception but are effective within 72 hours. While highly effective, they should never be used as the primary form of contraception.