Contraception Methods Overview

Contraception Methods

1. Barrier Methods

• Condoms:

  • Male and female versions.
  • Prevents sperm from entering the uterus.
  • Also protects against STIs.

• Diaphragm:

  • A dome-shaped device inserted into the vagina.
  • Covers the cervix to block sperm.
  • Used with spermicide for increased effectiveness.

• Cervical Cap:

  • Similar to a diaphragm but smaller.
  • Fits tightly over the cervix and should be used with spermicide.

• Sponge:

  • Contains spermicide, inserted into the vagina.
  • Covers the cervix and must be left in place for several hours post-intercourse.

2. Hormonal Methods

• Birth Control Pills:

  • Combined (estrogen and progestin) or progestin-only options.
  • Prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin uterine lining.

• Patch:

  • A transdermal patch releasing hormones into the bloodstream.
  • Changed weekly for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week.

• Vaginal Ring:

  • A flexible ring placed in the vagina releasing hormones.
  • Used for three weeks, followed by one week without the ring.

• Injectable Contraceptives:

  • Hormonal injections (e.g., Depo-Provera) given every three months.

• Implants:

  • Small rod inserted under the skin of the arm.
  • Releases hormones for up to three years.

3. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

• Hormonal IUD:

  • Releases progestin, preventing fertilization and thinning uterine lining.
  • Effective for 3 to 7 years, depending on the type.

• Copper IUD:

  • Non-hormonal; releases copper ions toxic to sperm.
  • Effective for up to 10 years.

4. Permanent Methods

• Sterilization for Women:

  • Tubal ligation: Fallopian tubes are cut or blocked.

• Sterilization for Men:

  • Vasectomy: Vas deferens are cut or sealed to prevent sperm from mixing with semen.

5. Fertility Awareness-Based Methods

• Calendar Method:

  • Tracking menstrual cycle to avoid intercourse on fertile days.

• Basal Body Temperature:

  • Monitoring body temperature daily to identify ovulation.

• Cervical Mucus Method:

  • Observing changes in cervical mucus to predict ovulation.

6. Emergency Contraception

• Pills:

  • Taken within 72-120 hours after unprotected intercourse.
  • Contains levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate.

• Copper IUD:

  • Can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex as emergency contraception.

7. Considerations

• Effectiveness: Varies by method; some are more reliable than others.
• Side Effects: Hormonal methods may cause nausea, headaches, and mood changes.
• STI Protection: Barrier methods are recommended for STI prevention.
• Personal Choice: Factors include health, convenience, cost, and personal preferences.

Contraception Methods

Barrier Methods

• Condoms: Available in male and female versions; prevent sperm entry and protect against STIs.
• Diaphragm: Dome-shaped device that blocks sperm entry by covering the cervix; used with spermicide for better efficacy.
• Cervical Cap: A smaller device than the diaphragm that fits tightly over the cervix; also requires spermicide for effectiveness.
• Sponge: Inserted into the vagina, it contains spermicide and must remain for several hours after intercourse to be effective.

Hormonal Methods

• Birth Control Pills: Options include combined pills (estrogen and progestin) or progestin-only; work by preventing ovulation and altering cervical mucus and uterine lining.
• Patch: Transdermal patch worn weekly for three weeks, releasing hormones to prevent pregnancy; one patch-free week follows.
• Vaginal Ring: Flexible ring placed in the vagina that releases hormones, used for three weeks with a subsequent week off.
• Injectable Contraceptives: Hormonal shots (e.g., Depo-Provera) administered every three months.
• Implants: Small rod implanted under the skin of the arm that releases hormones for up to three years.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

• Hormonal IUD: Releases progestin to prevent fertilization and can be effective for 3 to 7 years, depending on the type.
• Copper IUD: Non-hormonal IUD that releases copper ions, harmful to sperm; effective for up to 10 years.

Permanent Methods

• Sterilization for Women: Tubal ligation involves cutting or blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent egg passage.
• Sterilization for Men: Vasectomy procedure cuts or seals the vas deferens to prevent sperm from mixing with semen.

Fertility Awareness-Based Methods

• Calendar Method: Tracking menstrual cycles to identify fertile days and avoid unprotected intercourse during these times.
• Basal Body Temperature: Daily monitoring of body temperature to detect ovulation.
• Cervical Mucus Method: Observing changes in cervical mucus to predict ovulation.

Emergency Contraception

• Pills: Effective when taken within 72-120 hours after unprotected intercourse; may contain levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate.
• Copper IUD: Can be used as emergency contraception if inserted within five days after unprotected intercourse.

Considerations

• Effectiveness: Varies across methods; some methods offer higher reliability than others.
• Side Effects: Hormonal methods may trigger nausea, headaches, and mood fluctuations.
• STI Protection: Barrier methods are advisable for preventing STIs.
• Personal Choice: Selection depends on health, convenience, financial aspects, and individual preferences.

This quiz covers various contraception methods, including barrier and hormonal approaches. You'll learn about the effectiveness, use, and protection each method offers. Test your knowledge on how these methods work and their benefits in preventing pregnancy and STIs.