250. Know Your Birth Control Options
Discuss birth control options with your doctor. Protection from HIV and STDs should also be considered. (Note: Percent failure rate is percentage of women who get pregnant, but do not intend to, in the first year of use.) If no method is used, the chance of pregnancy is 85 to 90 percent.
Abstinence.
No sexual intercourse between a male and female. Has no medical or hormonal side effects. Failure rate is zero percent.
Birth Control Pill and Birth Control Patch.
Prescribed forms of hormones that prevent ovulation, promote regular periods, and lighten menstrual flow. Do not prevent STDs or HIV. May increase the risk of blood clots. Failure rate is three percent for the pill; one percent for the patch.
Condom (Female).
Polyurethane barrier placed inside the vagina like a lining. Helps protect against STDs and HIV. Can take time and patience to use correctly. Can twist if not inserted properly. Should not be used at the same time with a male condom. Failure rate is 21 percent.
Condom (Male).
Latex or polyurethane sheath worn over erect penis; prevents sperm from entering vagina. Helps protect against gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. Slight risk of breakage. Deteriorates when exposed to ultraviolet light, heat, and oil-based lubricants. Failure rate is 15 percent.
Depo-Provera.
A female prescribed hormone given in a shot every 3 months. Does not prevent STDs or HIV. May cause irregular periods, weight gain, fatigue, and headaches. Once stopped, it can take four to 18 months for a female to become fertile again. Failure rate is less than one percent.
Diaphragm.
Prescribed thin, soft, rubber cap that covers the cervix; prevents sperm from reaching an egg. Can be used over and over again. Helps protect against some STDs when used with a spermicide. Requires proper fitting. May dislodge during intercourse. Increases risk of bladder infections. Failure rate is six to 16 percent.
Emergency Contraception Pills.
High dose birth control pills that need to be started within seven hours after unprotected sex. Do not prevent STDs or HIV. Failure rate is 25 percent; the sooner used, the more effective. Emergency IUD Insertion is also an option.
FemCap.
Prescribed silicon rubber device. Fits snugly over the cervix. Should be left in place for at least six hours, but no more than 48 hours, after last intercourse. Does not prevent STDs or HIV. Failure rate is 14 percent (if never gave birth); 29 percent if gave birth.
Implanon.
Thin plastic implant about the size of a match stick. Releases a low dose of the hormone progestin for up to three years. Needs to be inserted and removed by a doctor. Failure rate is less than one percent.
Intrauterine Device (IUD).
Small device inserted into the uterus by a doctor. Remains in place until removed. Prevents fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Does not prevent STDs or HIV. May cause heavy menstrual flow. May become dislodged. Risk of infection and perforation of the uterus. Failure rate is eight percent.
Lea’s Shield®.
Prescribed silicone cup with an air valve and a loop (aids in removal) that fits snugly over the cervix. Used with a spermicide. Should be left in place at least eight hours, but not longer than 48 hours, after last intercourse. Does not prevent STDs or HIV. Failure rate is 15 percent.
Natural Family Planning.
Intercourse must be limited to “safe days.” Ovulation signs need to be checked for and kept track of. Failure rate is 20 percent. This method is used for planning a pregnancy, too.
NuvaRing®.
Prescribed vaginal ring that releases a continuous low dose of hormones. Each month, a new ring is inserted by the user and stays in place for three weeks. It is removed the week of the menstrual period. Does not prevent STDs or HIV. Not recommended for smokers. Failure rate is one
Spermicides (Foams, Jellies, Creams, Suppositories).
Over-the-counter (OTC) products that are inserted into the vagina to kill sperm before it enters the uterus. Must be inserted five to 90 minutes before each act of intercourse. More reliable when used with a condom or diaphragm. Spermicides alone are not advised for STD/HIV prevention. Failure rate is 15 to 30 percent.
Sponge.
Today® Sponge: an OTC polyurethane foam barrier that contains spermicide. It is moistened with water and inserted into the vagina. Works for 24 hours for repeated acts of intercourse. Must be left in place six hours after last intercourse, but should not be worn more than 24 hours in a row. May give some STD/HIV protection. Failure rate is 9 to 19 percent.
Sterilization (Female).
Surgery to burn, cut, or tie off the fallopian tubes. This prevents eggs from being fertilized. Permanent form of birth control. Usually requires general anesthesia. Does not prevent STDs or HIV. Costs more than a vasectomy. Failure rate is less than one percent.
Sterilization (Male): Vasectomy.
The tubes through which the sperm travels from the testes are cut. Done as an out-patient with local anesthesia. Does not take effect right away. Sperm can still be present for 20 ejaculations. Does not prevent STDs or HIV. Failure rate is less than one percent.
(Note: Failure Rate - Percent failure rate is based on the percentage of women who get pregnant, but do not intend to, in the first year of use.)
SOURCE: Healthier at Home®, American Institute for Preventive Medicine, Farmington Hills, MI, 2010
