DIFFERENT TYPES OF FAMILY PLANNING

Method Description How it works Comments

Combined oral Contains two hormones Prevents the release Reduces risk of
contraceptives (estrogen and of eggs from the endometrial and
(COCs) or “the pill” progestogen) ovaries (ovulation) ovarian cancer
Emergency Contains only Delays Ovulation Does not disrupt an
contraception pills progestogen hormone, already existing
not estrogen pregnancy
Intrauterine device A T-shaped plastic Thickens cervical Decreases amount of
(IUD) levonorgestrel device inserted into the mucous to block blood lost with
uterus that steadily sperm and egg from menstruation over time;
releases small amounts meeting Reduces menstrual
of levonorgestrel each cramps and symptoms
day of endometriosis;
amenorrhea (no
menstrual bleeding) in a
group of users
Implants Thickens cervical
Small, flexible rods or mucous to block Health-care provider
capsules placed under sperm and egg from must insert and
the skin of the upper meeting and remove; can be used
arm; contains prevents ovulation for 3–5 years
progestogen hormone depending on implant;
only irregular vaginal
bleeding common but
not harmful
Male sterilization Permanent Keeps sperm out of 3 months delay in taking
(vasectomy) contraception to block ejaculated semen effect while stored
or cut the vas deferens sperm is still present;
tubes that carry sperm does not affect male
from the testicles sexual performance;
voluntary and informed
choice is essential
Female sterilization Permanent Eggs are blocked Voluntary and informed
(tubal ligation) contraception to block from meeting sperm choice is essential
or cut the fallopian
tubes
Calendar method or Women monitor their Women monitor May need to delay or
rhythm method pattern of menstrual their pattern of use with caution when
cycle over 6 months, menstrual cycle over using drugs (such as
subtracts 18 from 6 months, subtracts anxiolytics,
shortest cycle length 18 from shortest antidepressants,
(estimated 1st fertile cycle length NSAIDS, or certain
 day) and subtracts 11 (estimated 1st antibiotics) which may
from longest cycle fertile day) and affect timing of
length (estimated last subtracts 11 from ovulation.
fertile day) longest cycle length
(estimated last
fertile day)
Withdrawal (coitus Man withdraws his Man withdraws his One of the least
interruptus) penis from his partner's penis from his effective methods,
vagina, and ejaculates partner's vagina, because proper timing
outside the vagina, and ejaculates of withdrawal is often
keeping semen away outside the vagina, difficult to determine,
from her external keeping semen leading to the risk of
genitalia away from her ejaculating while inside
external genitalia the vagina.