When you are sexually active but do not want to become pregnant, you should use some form of contraception, or birth control. Choosing the appropriate birth control method involves weighing the advantages and disadvantages and choosing the method that best fits your lifestyle. It is important to remember that in order for a birth control method to be fully effective, you must use it consistently and correctly.
When choosing a birth control method, think about:
- Your overall health
- Frequency of sexual relations
- Number of sexual partners
- Effectiveness
- Cost
- Potential side effects
- Comfort level using the method
- Future plans to have children
The doctors at Capital Women's Care can help you decide which type of contraception meets your needs, fits your lifestyle, and offers the fewest risks given your health history.
Non-Hormonal Contraception Methods
- Barrier and Chemical Methods Barrier methods of birth control physically block sperm from entering the uterus. Spermicides use chemicals to kill the sperm before they reach the female egg.
- Male Condom The male condom is a thin sheaf that fits over the erect penis and catches the semen before it enters the vagina. When condoms are used properly, they not only prevent pregnancy but also offer protection against the HIV virus and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Female Condom The female condom is a single-use, disposable sheath connected by two rings that is inserted into the vagina before intercourse. It can be inserted up to eight hours before intercourse.
- Diaphragm The diaphragm is a reusable round rubber disk that fits inside the vagina to cover the cervix. It can be inserted up to two hours before intercourse and should be left in for six to eight hours following intercourse. A diaphragm must be fitted by a doctor, is available by prescription only, and should be used with a spermicide.
- Cervical Cap The cervical cap is like a mini diaphragm that fits snugly over the cervix and is held in place by suction. Cervical caps are generally less effective than other forms of contraception.
- Sponge A sponge is a soft, disk shaped device that contains a spermicide. It is inserted into the vagina before intercourse and must remain in place for at least six hours after intercourse to prevent pregnancy. The sponge must be removed within 30 hours after insertion.
- Intrauterine Device (IUD) An intrauterine device is a plastic or metal device that the doctor places into your uterus to prevent fertilization. The IUD can remain in place for up to 10 years.
- Intrauterine System (IUS) The intrauterine system (IUS) is a term used for a diaphragm that progressively releases progestin. The IUS is placed into your uterus by a doctor and can remain in place for up to five years.
- Spermicides Spermicides use chemicals to kill the sperm before they reach the female egg. They are often used with condoms and diaphragms to increase their effectiveness.
- Surgical Options If you are certain that you never want to have a child or additional children, you can elect to permanently prevent pregnancy.
Women may undergo tubal ligation surgery to seal the fallopian tubes with an electric current, clip, or ring. A non-surgical option is to have your doctor insert a small implant through your vagina into your fallopian tubes to block the fertilization of eggs.
Men may undergo a vasectomy to cut or clamp the two tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. The vasectomy is safer and easier to perform than a tubal ligation.
Emergency Contraception
If you have intercourse without contraception and do not want to become pregnant, a series of birth control pills can be taken to prevent pregnancy. The pills must be taken as soon as possible after intercourse but are effective within 72 hours. While highly effective, they should never be used as the primary form of contraception.
Methods of Hormonal Contraception
Hormonal methods of birth control include oral contraceptives, implants, injections, and skin patches. Use of estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of these two hormones creates an environment in the uterus that makes pregnancy unlikely. Today's hormonal birth control methods have lower doses of hormones than in the past. This has greatly reduced the risk of side effects; however, you should talk with your doctor about whether this form of birth control is right for you.
- The Pill Oral contraceptives combine estrogen and progesterone hormones that are taken daily for three consecutive weeks. During the fourth week, an inactive pill is taken to allow your body to menstruate. There is also a combination pill that is taken daily for three months and, at the end of the third month, an inactive pill is taken for one week.
- The Mini-Pill A progesterone only pill, referred to as the mini-pill, can benefit women who smoke, are breastfeeding, or are over 40.
- Vaginal Ring The vaginal ring is a flexible plastic ring that releases estrogen and progestin into the vagina. The ring is inserted into the vagina, where it stays for three weeks. The ring is removed for one week to allow for menstruation.
- Hormonal Patch A hormonal patch is a small band-aid like patch that is worn discreetly on the skin. It releases estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. You change the patch once a week for three weeks and one patch-free week allows your body to menstruate.
- Hormonal Injections With this method, you receive a progestin-only hormone injection once every three months to prevent pregnancy. It is reversible, but return to fertility takes longer than with other methods.
- Hormonal Implants Your doctor inserts a small plastic tube containing progestin just under the skin of your arm. The implant, which can stay in place for up to three years, gradually releases the hormone to prevent pregnancy.
- Surgical Options If you are certain that you never want to have a child or additional children, you can choose to have a tubal ligation to prevent pregnancy. This surgery seals the fallopian tubes with an electric current, clip, or ring. The doctor can also insert a small implant through your vagina into your fallopian tubes to block the fertilization of eggs, which is the non-surgical option.
Men may undergo a vasectomy to cut or clamp the two tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. The vasectomy is safer and easier to perform than a tubal ligation.
Emergency Contraception
If you have intercourse without contraception and do not want to become pregnant, a series of birth control pills can be taken to prevent pregnancy. The pills must be taken as soon as possible after intercourse but are effective within 72 hours. While highly effective, they should never be used as the primary form of contraception.
