Contraception Methods Overview

Birth Control Pills:
- Taken daily; regulates menstrual cycle.
- Types: Combination pills (estrogen & progestin), Progestin-only pills.
Contraceptive Patch:
- A patch worn on the skin; releases hormones.
- Changed weekly for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week.
Hormonal IUD (Intrauterine Device):
- T-shaped device inserted into the uterus.
- Releases progestin; effective for 3-7 years depending on the type.
Injectable Contraceptives:
- Administered via injection every three months.
- Example: Depo-Provera.

Condoms:
- Male and female options; prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
- Also protects against STIs.
Diaphragm:
- A dome-shaped cup inserted into the vagina before intercourse.
- Must be used with spermicide.
Cervical Cap:
- A small cap that fits over the cervix; used with spermicide.
Sponge:
- A contraceptive sponge containing spermicide; inserted into the vagina.

Copper IUD:
- Non-hormonal; uses copper to prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg.
- Can last up to 10 years.
Hormonal IUD:
- Releases hormones to thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining.

Sterilization for Women:
- Tubal ligation or occlusion; fallopian tubes are blocked or sealed.
Sterilization for Men:
- Vasectomy; cutting and sealing of the vas deferens.

Fertility Awareness:
- Tracking menstrual cycle to identify fertile days.
- Methods include calendar, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus observation.
Withdrawal Method:
- Pulling out before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the vagina.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs):
- Taken after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
- Most effective within 72-120 hours.
Copper IUD as Emergency Contraception:
- Can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex.

Effectiveness:
- Varies by method; hormonal methods generally more effective than barrier methods.
Side Effects:
- Vary across methods; may include hormonal imbalances, weight gain, or mood changes.
STI Protection:
- Barrier methods (e.g., condoms) provide protection against STIs; hormonal and permanent methods do not.

Birth Control Pills: Taken daily to help regulate menstrual cycles, available as combination pills (estrogen & progestin) or progestin-only pills.
Contraceptive Patch: A skin patch changed weekly for three weeks, followed by a week without a patch; releases hormones to prevent ovulation.
Hormonal IUD: T-shaped device inserted into the uterus; provides contraception for 3-7 years by releasing progestin.
Injectable Contraceptives: Administered every three months by injection; an example is Depo-Provera.

Condoms: Available for males and females, they block sperm from reaching the egg and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Diaphragm: A dome-shaped device placed in the vagina before intercourse, used with spermicide for added effectiveness.
Cervical Cap: A small cap fitting over the cervix, also used in conjunction with spermicide.
Sponge: A contraceptive sponge containing spermicide; it is inserted into the vagina before intercourse.

Copper IUD: A non-hormonal option utilizing copper to prevent sperm fertilization, effective for up to 10 years.
Hormonal IUD: Releases hormones that thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy.

Sterilization for Women: Involves tubal ligation or occlusion, blocking or sealing the fallopian tubes, providing a permanent solution.
Sterilization for Men: A vasectomy procedure involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering semen.

Fertility Awareness: Involves tracking menstrual cycles to identify fertile periods using techniques such as calendar tracking, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus observation.
Withdrawal Method: Involves pulling out before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the vagina.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs): Can be taken after unprotected intercourse; effectiveness decreases after 72 hours but can be used up to 120 hours.
Copper IUD as Emergency Contraception: Can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex and serves as an effective method to prevent pregnancy.

Effectiveness: Hormonal methods are generally more effective than barrier methods, with varying rates based on the specific method used.
Side Effects: Side effects can include hormonal imbalances, weight gain, and mood changes; vary across different contraceptive methods.
STI Protection: Only barrier methods like condoms provide protection against STIs; hormonal and permanent methods do not.

Emphasizes the importance of access to contraceptive options and education regarding choices available.
Counseling is essential to consider individual health, lifestyle factors, and reproductive goals.