Contraceptives
Types of Contraceptives: Which One Fits Your Lifestyle?
Becoming sexually active is a major step that comes with important responsibilities. Beyond the emotional aspects, it involves real health risks, such as infections and unintended pregnancy. Fortunately, modern science has developed a wide range of contraceptives that significantly reduce unwanted risks and promote responsible sexual health.
Hormonal Contraceptives
These types of contraceptives work by stopping the release of eggs from the ovaries , thinning the linking of the uterus or thickening of the mucus in the cervix so sperm are unable to get through. There are many popular forms of hormonal contraceptives.
Birth Control Pills
Various forms and combinations of estrogen and progestin that are taken daily to regulate menstrual cycles or stop menstruation.
Mirena 8 years
Mirena is a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device used to prevent pregnancy; it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Mirena is a hormone-releasing system containing a progestin called levonorgestrel and does not contain estrogen. It is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to five years and is 99% effective. It can be removed at any time. Mirena releases the hormone into the uterus, with only a small amount entering the bloodstream. It can decrease menstrual flow, sometimes significantly, and has been used to control heavy periods.
Read more about Mirena here
Kyleena 5 years
(levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) is also a smaller iud for those who have not given birth or want fewer hormones. The Kyleena can last up to 5 years.
Read more about Kyleena here
Liletta 8 years
(levonorgestrel-hormone releasing intrauterine device) It is a hormone-releasing system also placed in your uterus. They are used as contraceptives. The Liletta is less expensive than the Mirena and lasts about 4 years.
Read more about Liletta here
Skyla 3 years
(levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) It is a smaller flexible device that is usually the choice for those who have not given birth and for those looking for contraceptives with less hormones. This IUD contains less progesterone than the Mirena. Up to 3 years of continuous pregnancy protection.
Learn more about Skyla here
Nexplanon 3 years
A flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick placed under the skin of the upper arm. It releases a low steady dose of progestin.
Depo-Provera 3 months
A birth control shot that has the hormone progestin.
Birth Control Patch 3 weeks
Once a week for three weeks you place a small patch on your skin. The patch contains estrogen and progestin. There is no patch the 4th week so menstruation occurs.
Vaginal Ring
Small flexible device inserted into the vagina for 21 days. Releases low doses of estrogen and progestin that stop egg release. It also thickens cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to enter the cervix.
Non Hormonal Contraceptives
There are lots of reasons for using non hormonal contraceptives. Many don’t want to feel hormonal side effects, they don’t want interactions with the current medications they are using or they cannot safely use hormonal methods or want to maintain their body’s natural hormonal balance.
Are natural non-hormonal ways to track a woman’s fertile window and to prevent or achieve pregnancy. FAMs require regular consistent cycles in order to monitor the physical and symptoms that indicate ovulation.
Calendar/Rhythm Method
Requires tracking your menstrual cycle to predict when you will ovulate. Similarly, it can be used to predict which days to avoid sex.
Withdrawal
Also called “pulling out” this is when the penis exits the vagina and ejaculates outside the vagina. But this method is risky due to the possibility that pre-ejaculate fluid may contain sperm.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Involves taking daily temperature readings when you are completely at rest before getting out of bed. A slight rise in temperature can indicate ovulation. As Basal Body and Body Temperature are different readings, this method requires a BBT thermometer.
Mucus Method
Watching the consistency and appearance of cervical mucus. An egg white stickiness can indicate ovulation.
Paragard
A hormone-free intrauterine device that delivers copper protection for up to ten years. It offers you reliable long-term coverage and peace of mind.
Learn more about Paragard here
Condoms
The male condom is worn on the penis. Condoms are the best available protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and one of the most used contraceptives. It collects semen and prevents sperm from entering the uterus and is 88% effective. The female condom is a lubricated plastic sheath with the rings on each end. The ring on one end is open and remains outside the vagina, covering part of the labia. The ring on the other end is closed with plastic and looks like a diaphragm. It is placed in the vagina so that it covers the cervix, preventing sperm from entering the uterus. The sheath between the two rings forms a pouch to line the entire vaginal area.
Spermicide
This method works by inserting the spermicide into the vagina. It takes the form of gel, cream, foam or suppositories and can be bought over the counter. The spermicide has a chemical that impairs the sperm so they unable to reach the egg. It must be placed in the vagina at least 30 minutes before sex.
Permanent Contraception
Tubal ligation
Tubal ligation is a permanent birth control procedure performed outpatient. There is a 1 in 300 failure rate. It is sometimes done immediately after delivery, but more frequently involves laparoscope placement.
Learn more about Tubal ligation here