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Page 3 of 4 SKIN PATCH - The skin patch (Ortho Evra) is placed on your shoulder, buttocks, or other convenient location. It continually releases progestin and estrogen. Like other hormone methods, a prescription is required.
- The patch provides weekly protection. A new patch is applied each week for three weeks, followed by one week without a patch.
- About 1 pregnancy occurs over 1 year out of 100 women using this method.
- Estrogen levels are higher with the patch than with birth control pills. In theory, higher estrogen levels may increase your risk of blood clots.
VAGINAL RING - The vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a flexible ring about 2 inches in diameter that is inserted into the vagina. It releases progestin and estrogen.
- A prescription is required.
- The woman inserts it herself and it stays in the vagina for 3 weeks. Then, she takes it out for one week.
- About 1 pregnancy occurs over 1 year out of 100 women using this method.
- Risks include vaginal discharge and vaginitis, as well as those similar to the combined birth control pill.
IUD (Intrauterine Devices) - The IUD is a small plastic or copper device placed inside the woman's Uterus by her health care provider. Some IUDs release small amounts of progestin. IUDs may be left in place for up to ten years, depending on the device used
- The method should not be used by women who have a high risk of getting a pelvic Infection.
- Less than 1 out of 100 women per year will get pregnant using an IUD.
- Women who get pregnant with an IUD in place have a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Risks include cramps, bleeding (sometimes severe), pelvic inflammatory disease, Infertility, and perforation of uterus.
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING - This method involves observing a variety of body changes in the woman (such as cervical mucus changes, basal body temperature changes) and recording them on a calendar to determine when ovulation occurs. The couple abstains from unprotected sex for several days before and after the assumed day ovulation occurs.
- This method requires education and training in recognizing the body's changes as well as a great deal of continuous and committed effort.
- About 15 to 20 pregnancies occur over 1 year out of 100 women using this method (for those who are properly trained).
TUBAL LIGATION - During tubal ligation, a woman's fallopian tubes are cut, sealed, or blocked by a special clip, preventing eggs and sperm from entering the tubes. It is usually performed immediately after childbirth, or by laparoscopic surgery.
- Tubal ligations are best for women and couples who believe they never wish to have children in the future. While viewed as a permanent method, the operation can sometimes be reversed if a woman later chooses to become pregnant.
Vasectomy - A vasectomy is a simple, permanent procedure for men. The vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm) are cut and sealed.
- A vasectomy is performed safely in a doctor’s office using a local anesthetic to numb the area.
- Vasectomies are best for men and couples who believe they never wish to have children in the future. While often viewed as a permanent method, they can sometimes be reversed.
EMERGENCY ("MORNING AFTER") BIRTH CONTROL - The "morning after" pill consists of two doses of hormone pills taken as soon as possible within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
- The pill is available without a prescription for women 18 years and older.
- The pill may prevent pregnancy by temporarily blocking eggs from being produced, by stopping fertilization, or keeping a fertilized egg from becoming implanted in the uterus.
- The morning after pill may be appropriate in cases of rape; having a condom break or slip off during sex; missing two or more birth control pills during a monthly cycle; and having unplanned sex.
- Risks include nausea, vomiting, abdominal Pain, Fatigue, and headache.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 22 August 2008 )
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