Methods of Contraception

Contraception (birth control) is the term used for the prevention of pregnancy. There are many ways to try to prevent pregnancy while having intercourse. Some are more effective than others. Different types of birth control include use of

• Hormone medications
• Contraceptive devices
• Avoiding sexual intercourse completely
• And surgery

I. HORMONE MEDICATIONS

Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) contain manufactured forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone (these are naturally produced in a woman's body). Depo-Provera and Norplant only have progesterone. The birth control pills, Depo-Provera, and Norplant stop a woman's ovaries from releasing an egg every month. Without releasing an egg, a woman cannot get pregnant.

A woman takes birth control pills according to a daily schedule prescribed by her health care provider. Depo-Provera is given by injection and prevents pregnancy for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12 weeks, a woman receives another injection. Norplant requires insertion of six hormonal capsules underneath the skin on the inside of the upper arm. Norplant is good for five years, but also requires a second minor surgical procedure to remove the capsules.

These hormonal forms of birth control require a visit to your health care provider for a prescription and a physical exam. We no longer perform Norplant insertions.

II. CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES

Most contraceptive devices are physical and/or chemical barriers that stop sperm from entering a woman's uterus.

The male condom is a tube of thin material (latex rubber is best) that is rolled over a man's erect penis before any contact is made with a woman's genitals. The male latex condom provides the best protection against disease.

The female condom is a 7-inch-long pouch of polyurethane with two flexible rings. It is inserted into the vagina before intercourse. It covers the cervix, vagina and area around the entrance to the vagina. The female condom is less effective against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS.

Spermicides are sperm-killing chemicals that are available as foam, jelly, foaming tablets, vaginal suppositories, or cream. They are inserted into the vagina no earlier than 30 minutes before intercourse. Spermicides should not be used alone. They should be used with another contraceptive, such as a condom, for increased effectiveness. Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 provide some protection against viruses. However, in general, spermicides do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Condoms and spermicides can be purchased at drug and grocery stores without a prescription.

The diaphragm is a soft rubber dome stretched over a ring. No more than 3 hours before intercourse, the diaphragm is filled with spermicidal jelly or cream and is inserted into the vagina and over the cervix (opening of the uterus).

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 uterus. The changes do not allow a fertilized egg to stay and grow in the uterus. A medical professional inserts an IUD into the uterus. Depending on the type of IUD, it may be kept inside the uterus for 1 to 10 years before it must be replaced.

The diaphragm and IUD require a visit to your health care provider for proper fitting and insertion.

III. STERILIZATION

Sterilization is the closing of the tubes that normally carry sperm or eggs. A woman or man who undergoes sterilization will no longer be able to conceive or father children.

In a vasectomy, a doctor cuts and seals off the tubes inside a man's penis that carry sperm. With this procedure, a man is still capable of performing sexually and can still experience orgasm.

A bilateral tubal interruption is a procedure where a woman's fallopian tubes (which carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus) are sealed off.

A vasectomy is a more minor surgical procedure than female sterilization.