Contraceptive Methods

January 01, 2017

By: Denver Health
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Learn more about various contraceptive methods.

Type Typical Use Perfect Use How Does it Work? Advantages Disadvantages
Oral Birth
Control 		92% 99.7% Prevents the release of an egg from the ovary. Thickens cervical mucous to prevent fertilization. May decrease menstrual cramps and flow. May be used continuously. Many combinations. Rapid return to fertility. *You must take the pill at the same time every day. Certain medical conditions prevent some women from using pills.
The-Patch 92% 99.7% May decrease menstrual cramps and flow. Convenient WEEKLY dosing. Rapid return to fertility. *Certain medical conditions prevent some women from using this method. Expensive if not covered by your insurance, available only at outside pharmacies.
The Nuva
Ring		 92% 99.5% May decrease menstrual cramps and flow. Convenient MONTHLY dosing. Rapid return to fertility. *Certain medical conditions prevent some women from using this method. Placed and removed by the patient into the vagina once a month. May increase vaginal discharge.
Progestin Only Pills 92% 99.5% Thickens cervical mucous to prevent fertilization. Can be used while breast feeding and with certain medical conditions. *Requires punctual dosing. Causes spotting or no bleeding. Less effective than combined birth control pills.
Depo
Provera
Injection		 97% 99.7% Prevents the release of an egg from the ovary. Thickens cervical mucous to prevent fertilization. No period or cramping for the majority of women. Convenient dosing every 3 months. Very private dosing method. *May cause irregular bleeding or spotting. Requires an injection every 3 months. May delay fertility for up to 18 months after last injection. 5 lbs. weight gain in many women in first year.
Copper IUD
(Paraguard IUD)		 99.2% 99.4% Spermicidal. Prevents fertilization. Hormone free. May be used for up to 10 years. Rapid return to fertility after removal. *Inserted and removed by health care provider. May increase the amount of menstrual flow, duration and cramps.
Hormonal IUD 99.9% 99.9% Thickens cervical mucous to prevent fertilization. Contains the hormone Progestin. Decreases menstrual flow and
cramps in most users. May be used for up to 3-5 years depending on brand. Rapid return to fertility after removal. 		*Inserted and removed by health care provider. May cause irregular bleeding for the first 6 months of use. Light menses after 6 months.
Tubal
Ligation		 99.5% 99.5% Interruption of the fallopian tube. Prevents fertilization. Provides lifelong contraception that is convenient and irreversible. Hormone free. *Surgical procedure that is permanent and irreversible. Requires recovery time. Availability depends on insurance.
Essure 99.8% 99.8% A micro insert is placed in the fallopian tube, blocking it, resulting in sterilization. PERMANENT and IRREVERSIBLE. No incision or general anesthesia required for placement. Hormone free. Rapid recovery time after placement. *PERMANENT and IRREVERSIBLE. Requires a back up method of birth control for 3 months after placement until the tubes are proven to be blocked by a radiological procedure.
Condoms 85% 97% Barrier method. Sperm does not enter vagina. Hormone free. No prescription required. Protects against some STDs. Inexpensive. High failure rate. Decrease in sexual spontaneity. A new condom must be used every time.
Nexplanon 99% 99% Single rod implanted in the upper arm. Inhibits ovulation and thickens cervical mucous. Contains the hormone progestin. Once it is placed it provides birth control for three years. Convenient dosing. Must be placed and removed by your health care provider. May cause irregular bleeding and spotting.

*Does Not Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Categories: Family Planning