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About Contraceptives
by Marcie Fitzmaurice
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Overview
The only contraceptive that works 100 percent of the time is abstinence. However, when abstinence is not preferred, there are other means of contraception. In order for contraceptives to be at all effective, they need to be used correctly and used every time there is sexual intercourse. The decision for the type of contraception used is a personal choice.
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Continuous Abstinence
Through continuous abstinence, a person refrains from vaginal, anal and oral sexual intercourse at all times. This method of birth control is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
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Barrier Method
Spermicide is one type of barrier method contraception. Spermicide is a substance that kills or stops the sperm from joining with the egg. While it can be used alone, it is most effective when used with a second form of contraception. Spermicides are available as jellies, creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories. Other types of barrier methods include the contraceptive sponge, diaphragm, cervical cap, cervical shield and female or male condom. The latter types act as a physical barrier to block the sperm from entering the cervix and locating the egg.
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Rhythm Method
Using the rhythm method is to either refrain from sex or to use a barrier method of protection during the days a woman can become pregnant. There are at least nine days a month that a woman with a normal menstrual cycle is able to become pregnant; they include five days before and three days after ovulation and the day of ovulation.
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Hormonal Methods
The hormonal method of birth control, including oral contraceptives like the combined pill or progestin-only pill, the patch, birth control injection or vaginal ring, prevents pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization or implantation of the fertilized egg.
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Implantable Devices
Implantable devices are available in two forms: implantable rod and intrauterine device. The implantable rod is a small rod placed under the skin of the arm that releases a hormone called progestin. Progestin causes changes to the uterine lining and the cervical mucus to prevent fertilization. An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small, T-shaped device placed inside the uterus. The copper IUD and the hormonal IUD are two types of intrauterine devices. The copper IUD releases a little copper into the uterus to prevent the fertilization of the egg with the sperm. If fertilization does occur, the IUD prevents implantation of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall. The hormonal IUD releases progestin and functions much like the implantable rod.
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Permanent Birth Control Methods
People who don't want to have a child or who don't want any more children are able to use a permanent form of birth control. For women, a sterilization implant called Essure is the first non-surgical method of sterilization. Other forms of permanent birth control can be performed surgically for men and women. For women, fallopian tubes are cut, tied or sealed surgically. For men, a vasectomy will prohibit sperm from going to the penis during ejaculation.
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Emergency Contraception
For circumstances when a woman has unprotected vaginal intercourse, emergency contraception is available to prevent pregnancy from occurring. The contraceptive is administered in two doses of hormonal pills, taken 12 hours apart, and prohibits the ovaries from releasing the egg or keeps the sperm from joining with the egg. This option is not meant to replace regular birth control but can be used in emergency situations.
