DIFFERENT WAYS TO PREVENT PREGNANCY

Barrier methods
Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg. They include:

1. Male condoms

 Male and female condoms are the only types of contraception that protect
against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

 When used correctly, male condoms are more than 80 percent effective against
pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

To use a male condom correctly:

 Choose the correct size.

 Place the condom on the head of the erect penis. If uncircumcised, pull the
foreskin back first.

 Pinch the tip of the condom to remove any air.

 Unroll the condom down the penis, being careful not to tear it.

 After intercourse, hold the base of the condom in place before pulling out of the
vagina.

 Remove the condom and dispose of it. Never reuse a condom.

 Most male condoms are made of latex, but other types are available for those with
a latex allergy. If using a lubricant, check that it is compatible with the kind of
condom being used. For example, latex condoms can only be used with water-
based lube.

 Condoms are available over-the-counter (OTC), without a prescription, from

supermarkets, drugstores, or online. Latex-free condoms are also available to buy
online.

2. Female condoms

 Female condoms are also available without a prescription. They can be used
instead of a male condom, but should never be used with one.

 According to the CDC, female condoms are about 79 percent effective for
contraception.

 Many drugstores now sell female condoms, but if local stores do not stock
them, they are available online.
3. Diaphragm

 A diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception that a person places inside

the vagina. It is important to apply spermicide to the diaphragm before each
use.

 When used with spermicide, the CDC estimates that the diaphragm is close to
90 percent effective.

 A person must insert the diaphragm a few hours before intercourse, leave it in
place for 6 hours after sex, and remove it after 24 hours. Diaphragms do not
protect against STIs.

4. Cervical cap

 A cervical cap (sold as FemCap in the United States) is a soft silicone cup that
is placed deep inside the vagina. It covers the cervix to stop sperm from
reaching an egg.

 This effectiveness of the cervical cap varies according to sources, but Planned
Parenthood estimate that its effectiveness ranges from about 70 to 85 percent.
It does not protect against STIs.

 Cervical caps are available in drugstores and online.

5. Sponge

 The contraceptive sponge is a method of birth control that a person can buy
without a prescription. Made of polyurethane foam and containing spermicide,
the sponge is placed deep inside the vagina to block entry to the uterus.

 Used alone, the sponge is 76 to 88 percent effective, but using it with a condom
further reduces the risk of pregnancy and STIs.

 Contraceptive sponges are available to buy online.

6. Spermicide

 Spermicide is a chemical that inactivates sperm. It is available to buy without a

prescription and is used with forms of barrier contraception, such as condoms,
but not with the sponge.

 If used alone, spermicide should be inserted close to the cervix at least 10

minutes before sex. It remains effective for 60 minutes and is approximately 71
percent effective.

 Spermicide gels can be found at drugstores or purchased online. Talk to a

doctor about the most effective ways to use spermicide as a contraceptive.
Hormonal methods
Hormonal forms of birth control prevent conception by stopping ovulation, which is
the release of an egg from the ovaries. This type of contraception does not protect against
STIs.

Most hormonal contraceptives are only available with a prescription from a doctor
and, except for emergency contraception, it is not usually available online.

7. Contraceptive pills
 Birth control pills are one of the most commonly used methods of
contraception in the U.S.

 There are various brands of pill available, and according to the National Health
Service (NHS) in the UK, they are over 99 percent effective if taken as
prescribed.

 However, with typical use, they are approximately 95 percent effective.

There are two forms of the pill:

 The combined pill, which contains estrogen and progestin: These should be
taken daily, as per the instructions. The pill pack often contains some pills that
are free of hormones. When taking these pills, a person will have a monthly
period.

 The mini-pill, which contains only progestin: A person must take this pill at
the same time every day without a break. Someone taking the mini-pill will not
necessarily have a scheduled period.

8. Patches

 According to the NHS, the contraceptive patch is 99 percent effective when

used correctly. With typical use, it is closer to 90 percent effective.

A person can place a contraceptive patch on the:

 Back
 Buttocks
 Stomach
 Upper arm

 A person must wear each patch for 3 weeks, before removing it for 1 week to
allow for a menstrual period. There is a small risk of skin irritation.

9. Injection

 The contraceptive shot (Depo-Provera) is usually given by a doctor every 12

weeks. According to the CDC, when used correctly, and assuming that a
person gets their shot on time, it is over 90 percent effective at preventing
pregnancy.
  According to Planned Pregnancy, it may take up to 10 months, or sometimes
longer, for fertility to return to normal after a person stops getting the
contraceptive shot.

10. Vaginal ring

 According to the NHS, the birth control ring known as the NuvaRing is over 99
percent effective when used correctly, but is typically less than 95 percent
effective due to human error.

 This small, plastic ring is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks. It releases
hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy.

 The ring must be removed for 7 days to allow for a menstrual period before a
inserting a new ring.

Intrauterine devices and implants

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants are long-term contraceptive devices. The
NHS state that they are over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy because there is
little room for human error. However, they do not protect against STIs.

11. IUDs

 An IUD is a small device that a doctor inserts into the uterus. There are two
types of IUDs:

Hormonal: Once fitted, an IUD lasts for at least 5 years before it needs replacing.
IUD’s do not completely stop ovulation but act as contraception by thickening the cervical
mucus to prevent sperm entering the uterus, as well other hormonal changes. Brand
names include Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla.

Copper-based: Sold as ParaGard, this hormone-free IUD is covered in copper wire,

which destroys sperm trying to enter the uterus. One IUD can prevent pregnancy for
approximately 10 years.
Adverse reactions include spotting between periods, irregular periods, and menstrual
cramps.

12. Implants

 Implants are another form of hormonal birth control. A nurse or doctor inserts
a matchstick-sized rod into a person’s arm to protect against pregnancy.

 Implants work by releasing the hormone progestin into the body, which
prevents ovulation. The CDC estimates that implants are also greater than 99
percent effective for contraception.

 Implants must be replaced about every 3 years.

Other methods

13. Natural family planning

 The natural method of contraception involves tracking the menstrual cycle and
avoiding sex when a person is in the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle.

 An individual’s “fertile window” lasts for around 6 to 9 days per month and
coincides with ovulation, which is the release of the egg.

Several methods are possible for natural family planning. Many people use the
following signals to work out whether they are ovulating or are in their fertile
window:

 Measuring basal body temperature

 Taking note of the quality and quantity of the cervical mucus

 Logging the start and end times of their cycle details over several months

Each person’s fertile window is different, so a person should pay attention to their
body’s signals. According to the CDC, natural family planning methods are about 76
percent effective when followed accurately.

14. Emergency contraception

 In the case of unprotected sex or failed birth control, such as a broken condom
or a failure to take the contraceptive pill, it is possible to use emergency
contraception to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

 Emergency contraception should not be used in place of regular birth control

methods.

There are two forms of emergency contraception:

 Emergency contraceptive pill: People must take a hormonal pill within 3

days of intercourse. The sooner a person takes it, the more effective it is, so a
person should take it as soon as possible after having sex. The pill usually
contains the chemical levonorgestrel. These pills are available from a doctor or
a drugstore.

 Copper IUD: The ParaGard IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after sex to
prevent pregnancy. According to Planned Pregnancy, it is more than 99.9
percent effective when used in this timeframe.

15. Sterilization

 Both women and men can undergo procedures to reduce their fertility
permanently. The NHS state that these procedures are typically over 99 percent
effective at preventing pregnancy, but they do not protect against STIs.
  Men can get a vasectomy, which involves snipping the tubes that carry sperm.
It is a minor procedure that does not require hospitalization. A vasectomy
reversal is possible in some cases. However, fertility after reversal is not always
fully restored.

 Women can have a sterilization procedure known as tubal ligation. It involves

clamping or sealing the fallopian tubes. The effects are usually permanent. In
rare cases, tubes can reconnect and result in pregnancy.

When to take a pregnancy test?

A woman can take a pregnancy test if she suspects she is pregnant, especially if her
usual method of contraception has failed recently.

Signs of pregnancy include:

 A missed or late period

 Enlarged or tender breasts
 Fatigue
 Increased urination
 Nausea
 Vomiting

Home pregnancy tests are inexpensive and available in pharmacies, drugstores, and from
reputable websites online. It is a good idea to have the results confirmed by a doctor.