|
Page 1 of 4
Also called: Contraception Birth control, also known as contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods may work in a number of different ways. These include - Blocking sperm from getting to the eggs - condoms and diaphragms work this way
- Keeping the woman's Ovaries from releasing eggs that could be fertilized - birth control pills work this way
- Preventing fertilized egg from attaching to the lining of the Uterus - intrauterine devices (IUDs) work this way
- Sterilization, which permanently prevents a woman from getting pregnant or a man from being able to get a woman pregnant
Your choice of birth control should depend on several factors. These include your health, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners and desire to have children in the future. Your health care provider can help you select the best form of birth control for you. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a birth control method: - Effectiveness -- how well does the method prevent pregnancy? Look at the number of pregnancies in 100 women using that method over a period of one year. If an unplanned pregnancy would be viewed as potentially devastating to the individual or couple, a highly effective method should be chosen. In contrast, if a couple is simply trying to postpone pregnancy, but feels that a pregnancy could be welcomed if it occurred earlier than planned, a less effective method may be a reasonable choice.
- Cost -- is the method affordable?
- Health risk -- learn any potential health risks. For example, birth control pills are usually not recommended for women over age 35 who also smoke.
- Partner involvement -- The willingness of a partner to accept and support a given method may affect your choice of birth control. However, you also may want to re-consider a sexual relationship with a partner unwilling to take an active and supportive role.
- Permanence -- do you want a temporary (and generally less effective) method, or a long-term or even permanent (and more effective) method?
- Preventing HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) -- many methods offer no protection against STDs. In general, condoms are the best choice for preventing STDs, especially combined with spermicides.
- Availability -- Can the method be used without a prescription, provider visit, or, in the case of minors, parental consent?
CONDOMS - A condom is a thin latex or polyurethane sheath. The male condom is placed around the erect penis. The female condom is placed inside the vagina before intercourse. Semen collects inside the condom, which must be carefully removed after intercourse.
- Condoms are available in most drug and grocery stores. Some family planning clinics offer free condoms.
- Latex condoms help prevent HIV and other STDs. Polyurethane condoms may give some protection against STDs, but they are not as effective as latex ones.
- About 14 pregnancies occur over 1 year out of 100 couples using male condoms, and about 21 pregnancies occur over 1 year out of 100 couples using female condoms. They are more effective when spermicide is also used.
- Risks include irritation and allergic reactions, particularly to latex.
- Condoms are used only once.
SPERMICIDES - Spermicides are chemical jellies, foams, creams, or Suppositories that kill sperm.
- They can be purchased in most drug and grocery stores.
- This method used by itself is not very effective. About 26 pregnancies occur over 1 year out of 100 women using this method alone.
- Spermicides are generally combined with other methods (such as condoms or diaphragm) as extra protection.
- Warning: The spermicide nonoxynol-9 can help prevent pregnancy, but also may increase the risk of HIV transmission.
- Risks include irritation and allergic reactions.
DIAPHRAGM AND CERVICAL CAP - A diaphragm is a flexible rubber cup that is filled with spermicidal cream or jelly.
- It is placed into the vagina over the Cervix, before intercourse, to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus.
- It should be left in place for 6 to 8 hours after intercourse.
- Diaphragms must be prescribed by a woman's health care provider, who determines the correct type and size of diaphragm for the woman.
- About 5-20 pregnancies occur over 1 year in 100 women using this method, depending on proper use.
- A similar, smaller device is called a cervical cap.
- Risks include irritation and allergic reactions to the diaphragm or spermicide, and urinary tract Infection. In rare cases, toxic shock syndrome may develop in women who leave the diaphragm in too long. A cervical cap may cause an abnormal Pap test.
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 Next > End >>
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 22 August 2008 )
|
