Contraceptive Methods
January 01, 2017
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.
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