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Page 2 of 4 VAGINAL SPONGE - Vaginal contraceptive sponges are soft synthetic sponges saturated with a spermicide. Prior to intercourse, the sponge is moistened, inserted into the vagina, and placed over the Cervix. After intercourse, the sponge is left in place for 6 to 8 hours.
- It is quite similar to the diaphragm as a barrier mechanism, but you do not need to be fitted by your doctor. The sponge can be purchased over the counter.
- In April 2005, the FDA granted re-approval for the Today sponge to return to the U.S. market.
- About 18 to 28 pregnancies occur over one year for every 100 women using this method.
- The sponge may be more effective in women who have not previously delivered a baby.
- Risks include irritation, allergic reaction, trouble removing the sponge. In rare cases, toxic shock syndrome may occur.
COMBINATION BIRTH CONTROL PILLS - Also called oral contraceptives or just the "pill", this method combines the hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation.
- A health care provider must prescribe birth control pills.
- The method is highly effective if the woman remembers to take her pill consistently each day.
- Women who experience unpleasant side effects on one type of pill are usually able to adjust to a different type.
- About 2 to 3 pregnancies occur over 1 year out of 100 women who never miss a pill.
- Birth control pills may cause a number of side effects including: Dizziness, irregular menstrual cycles, nausea, mood changes, and weight gain. In rare cases, they can lead to high blood pressure, blood clots, Heart attack, and Stroke.
THE MINI-PILL - The "mini-pill" is a type of birth control pill that contains only progestin, no estrogen.
- It is an alternative for women who are sensitive to estrogen or cannot take estrogen for other reasons.
- The effectiveness of progestin-only oral contraceptives is slightly less than that of the combination type. About 3 pregnancies occur over a 1 year period in 100 women using this method.
- Risks include irregular bleeding, weight gain, and breast tenderness.
THREE-MONTH PILL (SEASONALE) - In 2003, the FDA-approved an estrogen and progestin pill called Seasonale. It is taken for three straight months, followed by one week of inactive pills.
- A women gets her period about four times a year, during the 13th week of her cycle.
- Seasonale is available by prescription.
- Fewer than 2 out of 100 women per year get pregnant using this method.
- The risks are similar to other birth control pills. Some women may have more spotting between periods.
- The pills must be taken daily, preferably at the same time of day.
PROGESTIN IMPLANTS - Implants are small rods implanted surgically beneath the skin, usually on the upper arm. The rods release a continuous dose of progestin to prevent ovulation.
- Implants work for 5 years. The initial cost is generally higher than some other methods, but the overall cost may be less over the 5-year period.
- The Norplant implant has been removed from the U.S. market. A similar implanted rod system, Implanon, is available. It works for 3 years.
- Less than 1 pregnancy occurs over 1 year out of 100 women using this type of contraception.
HORMONE INJECTIONS - Progestin injections, such as Depo-Provera, are given into the muscles of the upper arm or buttocks. This injection prevents ovulation.
- A single shot works for up to 90 days.
- Less than 1 pregnancy occurs over 1 year in 100 women using this method.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 22 August 2008 )
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