Contraceptives (Birth Control)

Birth control is how you prevent pregnancy, and most people think of birth control pills when they think of hormonal contraceptives, but did you know that they come in many forms?

 

THE 9 MOST EFFECTIVE CONTRACEPTIVES

ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES (The Pill)

The contraceptive pill is the most well-known hormonal method. It contains hormones that control the menstrual cycle in order to prevent pregnancy¾depending on the type of product, it may combine two ingredients (estrogen and progesterone) or contain just one (progesterone). It must be taken every day at the same time in order to be effective, especially in the case of the oral contraceptives that contain only progesterone. When used correctly, the pill is 99.7% effective, which makes it one of the most reliable contraceptive methods.

THE VAGINAL RING

Just like oral contraceptives, the vaginal ring is a hormonal method. It is a small, flexible ring that is inserted in the vagina and kept there for 21 days before being taken out. (No ring is used for the fourth week of the month.) Then, a new ring is inserted. It contains two hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that are slowly being released. These hormones get absorbed into the woman’s bloodstream and prevent pregnancy. With an effectiveness of 99.7% when used properly, the vaginal ring is as effective as the contraceptive pill.

 

THE CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH

The contraceptive patch is also a hormonal method. It must be applied on the skin and changed each week. It contains two hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which are released slowly through the skin. It needs to be replaced on the same day each week (every Monday, for example), at the same time, for three weeks. During the fourth week, no patch is used, which provokes menstruation. It acts in a similar way to the pill and, like the pill, it is 99.7% effective when used properly.

INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD)

The hormonal intrauterine device is a contraceptive that is inserted in the uterus and offers pregnancy protection for three to five years, depending on the model used. This small device releases a progesterone hormone acting on the wall of the uterus. The wall gets thinner and the cervical mucus thickens, making it more difficult for sperm to penetrate into the uterus. This contraception method is 99.8% effective. Contrary to popular belief, an IUD can be used in women who have never had children. A copper IUD, which does not contain hormones, is also available.

INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION

The injection of a contraceptive is another hormonal method that effectively prevents pregnancy. This method only contains one kind of hormone (progesterone) and is administered via injection into a muscle (in the arm, the buttocks, or the thigh). The intramuscular injection must be done by a health care professional approximately every 12 weeks. It is 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, it involves a risk of loss of bone density, so its risks and benefits must be weighed before use.

MALE AND FEMALE CONDOMS

The male condom is the most frequently used method of contraception. The female condom also exists and must be inserted inside the vagina before sexual relations. These two methods prevent the sperm from reaching the inside of the vagina. A male condom is 98% effective when used correctly. A female condom is 95% effective when used properly. These two methods have the advantage of protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a level of protection that hormonal contraceptives do not offer.

 

THE DIAPHRAGM

The diaphragm is a barrier method that prevents the sperm from reaching the cervix of the uterus, which prevents the fertilization of the ovule. This dome-shaped device must be inserted in the vagina and placed against the cervix of the uterus. It must also be used together with a spermicide, which is intended to destroy the sperm¾please note that a spermicide should not be used alone as it has limited effectiveness. When used perfectly, the effectiveness of the diaphragm and spermicide is 94%. This device also has the advantage of being reusable for several sexual encounters, contrary to the condom.

THE CERVICAL CAP

The cervical cap is a barrier method that blocks the entry of the sperm. This device is inserted into the vagina, against the cervix. It must be used together with a spermicide. The cervical cap is offered in several sizes, because it must be adjusted well against the cervix in order to offer maximum protection. Its effectiveness varies according to whether it is used by a woman who has already given birth (parous), or one who has not (nulliparous). When used perfectly, it is 91% effective in women without children and 74% effective in women with children.

THE CONTRACEPTIVE SPONGE

The contraceptive sponge is a barrier method that contains a spermicide. It must be inserted in the vagina, against the cervix. It prevents the sperm from penetrating in the uterus by blocking the entry of the cervix, and the spermicide destroys the sperm on contact. It is therefore both a barrier and a spermicidal method. The contraceptive sponge provides a 12-hour protection. It is therefore not necessary to change it if having more than one sexual relation within this period. It is approximately 80% effective when used properly. That being said, it increases the efficacy of other contraceptive methods (the condom, for example).

EMERGENCY ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE

Also called the “morning-after pill”, emergency oral contraception can be used after an unprotected sexual encounter, a failed method of contraception or a sexual assault. This emergency contraception method can be used up to 5 days after the unprotected sex, but it is most effective when it is administered within 24 hours of the sexual intercourse. In fact, the principle of “the earlier the better” applies here. An emergency oral contraceptive is not an abortion pill and will have no effect if the ovule has already been fertilized. Plus, it does not prevent pregnancy if new sexual intercourse follows in the days or weeks after the treatment. This contraceptive should only be taken in the case of an emergency and cannot replace regular contraception methods because it is less effective. To learn more about emergency oral contraceptive or to obtain some, consult your pharmacist.

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