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Women's Health News

Link Between Calcium Supplements And Longer Lifespans In Women

Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT Read More

Gender Differences In The Prescribing Of Analgesics In Spain

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT Read More

Identifying Women Who Should Be Screened For High Cholesterol

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT Read More

Gender Differences In Access To Trauma Centers

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:00:00 PDT Read More

Female College Student Drinkers Exceed NIAAA Guidelines For Weekly Drinking More Frequently Than Their Male Counterparts

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT Read More

Barbara L. Patrick MD, Facog Gynecology Services
mail clinic@womantowomangyn.com

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Which Birth Control Method is right for you?

There are many birth control options available today, and the choices can seem confusing. This list can help you decide which method would best fit your lifestyle.

HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Hormonal contraceptives work by preventing release of an egg from your ovaries into the uterus, and may also make the uterus an “unfriendly” environment for sperm. While most women know about the birth control pill, there are other hormonal birth control methods that are now available.

The Patch

The patch is 99% effective, but there is only one contraceptive patch available. The patch is applied once a week for three weeks.  During week four no patch is used. There are no interruptions with this method. Once stopped, it might take a few cycles before you can become pregnant. You should see your health care professional to learn how to apply the patch correctly and to get a prescription. The patch does not protect against HIV or STD’s.

Oral Contraceptive (The Pill)

Oral contraceptive is 99% effective and there are a variety of pills available in different doses. You should take your pill every day, at approximately the same time each day. There are no interruptions with this method. Once stopped, it might take a few cycles before you can become pregnant. You should see your health care professional to be instructed on the correct way to take your pills and to get a prescription. The patch does not protect against HIV or STD’s.

Contraceptive Injections

Contraceptive injections are 99% effective. An injection is given every three months. There are no interruptions with this method. Ovulation may be delayed up to a year. You should see your health care professional to receive the injection. Contraceptive injections do not protect against HIV or STD’s.

Progestin-Releasing Intrauterine Device (IUD) Merina

Progestin-Releasing Intrauterine Devices are 99% effective. There is one hormone-releasing IUD currently available. The suggested length of use is five years or less. There are no interruptions with this method. Once removed, fertility can return within a year. You should see your health care professional to have them insert and remove the IUD. Progestin-Releasing Intrauterine Devices do not protect against HIV or STD’s.

Vaginal Ring (Nuvaring)

The vaginal ring is 99% effective. There is only one vaginal ring available. Each month, the vaginal ring is inserted into the vagina and left in place for 3 weeks. During week four you do not wear the ring. There are no interruptions with this method. Once stopped, it may take a few cycles before you can become pregnant. You should see your health care professional to learn how to insert and remove the vaginal ring and to get a prescription. The vaginal ring does not protect against HIV or STD’s.

NON-HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Non-hormonal contraceptives prevent pregnancy by providing a barrier against sperm, or by interfering with sperm movement, or by creating an “unfriendly” environment for sperm. These methods do not use hormones, so they do not interfere with your natural cycle.

Male Condom

The male condom is 97%effective and there are a variety of styles, sizes, colors, materials, and textures. A new condom must be used every time you have sex and must be applied when the penis is erect. This may cause a slight interruption before sex. Without this device, there is no protection against pregnancy. You should tell your health care professional that you plan to use condoms but you do not need a prescription. Male Condoms protect against HIV and STD’s.

Female Condom

The female condom is 95% effective and there is one female condom currently available. A new condom must be used every time you have sex. A female condom can be inserted up to eight hours before sex. Without this device, there is no protection against pregnancy. You should tell your health care professional that you plan to use female condoms but you do not need a prescription. Unless the female condom slips out of place or is torn, it should provide protection against STD exposure comparable with that of a male condom.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

An intrauterine device is 99% effective and there is one copper-T IUD currently available. Once inserted in the uterus, it can be left in place for up to ten years. There are no interruptions with this method. Once removed fertility can return within about one month. You should see your health care professional to have them insert and remove the IUD. An intrauterine device does not protect against HIV or STD’s.

Spermicides

Spermicides are 94% effective - use with a vaginal barrier increases effectiveness. There are a variety of spermicides available in foams, jellies, creams, and vaginal suppositories. It must be used every time you have sex and be inserted no more than one hour before you have sex. Without this device, there is no protection against pregnancy. Tell your health care professional. You may be advised to use an additional contraceptive method. You do not need a prescription for spermicides and they do not protect against HIV or STD’s.

Diaphragm

Diaphragms are 94% effective and there are a variety of sizes available. They must be used every time you have sex (and fresh spermicide must be applied each time). The diaphragm can be inserted six to eight hours before sex. Without this device, there is no protection against pregnancy. You should see your health care professional to be fitted and to learn how to use the diaphragm plus to get a prescription. Diaphragms do not protect against HIV (AIDS). There is a mild reduction in the risk of some STD’s.

Cervical Cap

Cervical caps are 84% effective in women who have had a child (91% effective in those who have not). There are a variety of sizes available. They must be used every time you have sex (and spermicide must be applied when inserted). The cervical cap provides continuous protection for up to 48 hours. Without this device, there is no protection against pregnancy. You should see your health care professional to be fitted and to learn how to use the cervical cap plus to get a prescription. The cervical cap does not protect against HIV or STD’s.

Surgical Sterilization

Surgical sterilization is greater than 99% effective. For women, there is a tubal ligation (having your tubes “tied"); for men, there is a vasectomy. These procedures are permanent and irreversible. There are no interruptions with this method and you will no longer be able to get pregnant. These surgical procedures are performed by a health care professional, and you should have this recommended by your physician. This does not protect you from HIV or STD’s.