Posts Tagged Birth Control

Birth Control – Barrier Methods

February 27, 2008 at 9:51 pm · Filed under Birth Control ·Tagged , , ,

 Barrier methods of birth control are very popular, because they are temporary and do not mess with your hormones. The idea of barrier methods is that you place something either on the penis or in the vagina that will block the movement of sperm towards the female’s egg.

The most popular of all the barrier methods is the male condom. It is basically a latex or polyerethane sheath placed over the penis. There is also a female version that has a flexible ring at each end, one inside and one outside the vagina.

There are other devices that can be placed inside the vagina. Contraceptive sponges are held in place over the cervix. The cervical cap is another cervical barrier. The diaphragm is one very popular choice among women looking for a cervical barrier, and it is held in  between the vaginal walls.

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Birth Control – Hormonal Methods

February 23, 2008 at 9:44 am · Filed under Birth Control ·Tagged , , ,

Nuva Ring

  • “set it and forget it”
  •  “more contsant” hormone levels than other methods
  • worries that it might come out
  • side effects include dryness, nausea, headaches
  • change once a month
  • soft plastic ring worn in the vagina for three weeks a month that blocks ovulation
  • 92% effective

The Patch

  • easy to remember
  • convenient
  • once a week application
  • side effects include breast pain and nausea at first
  • adhesive skin patch you replace weekly
  • blocks ovulation
  • 92% effective

The Pill

  • predictable periods
  • Clear skin
  • Have to remember to take it everday
  • Emotional highs and lows
  • many different brands
  • side effects include spotting, nausea, and headaches
  • 92% effective

Effectiveness ratings are  based on typical use, not perfect use.

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Birth Control Pt. 1 – Long Term Methods

February 22, 2008 at 6:00 am · Filed under Birth Control ·Tagged , , ,

IUD

  • Stands for “intrauterine device”
  • Placed in the uterus for 5 to 10 years
  • World’s most widely used method of reversible birth control
  • Must be fitted and placed inside or removed by qualified medical practitioner
  • Plastic T-shaped fram
  • Generally have failure rates of less than 1% per year
  • The presence of the device prompts the release of leukocytes and prostaglandins by the endometrium. They kill sperm and eggs.
  • Does not protect against STDs
  • Safe to use while breastfeeding
  • Many pro-lifers view this method as an abortifacient
  • Possible side effects: may introduce bacteria into the uterus, risk of pelvic inflammatory disease due to insertion
  • Heavier menstrual periods, sometimes more painful
  • String can sometimes be felt by men during intercourse
  • Increases risk of miscarriage
  • Can  be used as emergency contraception up to 5 days after intercourse (99% effective)

Depo-Provera

  •  Injected every 3 months
  • Advantages: highly effective, injected every 12 weeks, culturally acceptable, minimal drug interactions, can be used while breastfeeding
  • Warnings / Precautions: can require up to 14 days to take effect, no protection against STDs, effects period, causes bone loss
  • Side effects: menstrual irregularlitis, abdominal pain, weight change, headache, asthenia, nervousness

Sterilization

  •  Vasectomy – In males, the vasa deferentia are cut and closed. This prevents sperm produced in testicles to enter semen.
  • Tubal ligation – In females, also known as “having your tubes tied”. Fallopian tubes are closed.
  • Hysterectomy – In females, the uterus is surgically removed.

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