How To Birth Control

Withdrawal Method

2009-05-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

Description

The withdrawal method has been practiced for centuries and is always convenient and available. All it involves is the man attempting to withdraw his penis before he ejaculates.
Effectiveness

Control over ejaculation is not very easy and the withdrawal method is known to be the least effective form of birth control. For the average couple, the withdrawal method is at best only 82% effective. This is due to the fact that some men find it difficult to control the point of ejaculation and accidentally release sperm into the vagina. Accidents like these are particularly pervasive in younger men with little sexual experience. Failures can also occur because the clear liquid discharged from the Cowper’s gland before ejaculation is rich with sperm cells. Since it is difficult to tell if this pre-ejaculate is leaking out of the penis, the withdrawal method is deceptively unsafe.
Directions

Before ejaculating, remove the penis from the vagina.
Drawbacks

The withdrawal method depends on one thing ... removal of the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. If a man neglects to do this then this method will undoubtedly fail. Secondly, there is no way for a man to restrict the flow of Cowper’s fluid from his penis, and thus no assurance the method will work. Furthermore, if a woman doubts the man's ability to withdraw his penis in time, she will not be relaxed and able to enjoy the sexual experience. This is not a highly recommended form of birth control and should not be practiced unless it is absolutely the only method available and the risk of pregnancy would not be considered a disaster.

It offers no protection from STDs.

Vasectomy

2009-05-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

Description

A vasectomy is the surgery for male sterilization. This surgery stops the sperm from being able to move from the testes to the penis and thus there is no possibility of pregnancy. Normally, neither a hospital stay is required nor any complications encountered after the operation. A vasectomy does not affect sexual performance or libido.
Effectiveness

A vasectomy is virtually 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, in the first few weeks following the treatment another form of birth control should be used until the doctor can test and confirm that the ejaculate does not contain sperm.
Directions

Small incisions are made in either side of the scrotum and sections of the vas deferens (the tubes that carry a man’s sperm) are removed. The sperm can no longer move from the testes to the penis and therefore there is no possibility of pregnancy. For more information please talk your doctor and ask for a referral to a specialist.
Drawbacks

Vasectomies do not protect against STDs. This procedure is very difficult to reverse and should be considered permanent.

Sympto-Thermal

2009-05-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

Description

The Sympto-Thermal method involves combining several of the natural family planning methods — including, at least, the Basal Body Temperature and (Billings) Ovulation / Mucus methods. These techniques attempt to prevent pregnancy by teaching you to observe your body's fertility signs. Outside this fertile time you can engage in sexual intercourse with complete spontaneity and lower probability of pregnancy. You can also use these methods to increase your chances to achieve pregnancy.

These methods are appropriate for those concerned about side effects or the abortion aspect of contraceptives. Couples also report improved relationships, and increased bodily awareness. After learning, recurring costs are minimal.
Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the Sympto-Thermal method (if done perfectly correctly) has been shown to be up to 98%. Since the fertile time can change every cycle, this method is effective even when you are irregular or nursing because you observe your fertility as it happens, and the symptom cross-checks reduce errors as each individual method can be tricky to get accurate.

The Body Temperature method alone is typically 80% effective.

The Ovulation / Mucus method alone is typically 78% effective.
Directions

Using the Sympto-Thermal method, you observe the cervical mucus that is produced when you are fertile, near ovulation. Charting your daily temperature once a day will show when you ovulate, confirming that the fertile time is over.

Using the Body Temperature method alone, you attempt to pin-point the time of the month when ovulation occurs. This can be calculated because the body temperature rises after ovulation and stays higher until menstruation. The fertile period can therefore be calculated and you can figure out the days when you can engage in sexual intercourse with a lower risk of pregnancy (as compared to with no birth control).

Using the Ovulation / Mucus method alone, you observe the mucus patterns during the course of your menstrual cycle. By recognizing the changing characteristics of your cervical mucus, you can determine when you're least and most likely to conceive.
Drawbacks

Each method should be learned from a physician, family planning center, home study course, book, or certified teachers such as the Couple to Couple League (www.ccli.org). Finding appropriate teachers can be difficult in some areas.

Each technique requires a few minutes a day to observe fertility signs and/or charting; their effectiveness relies heavily on the dedication/ accuracy of the individual. They also require periods of abstinence, or other methods of birth control (e.g condoms), during the fertile periods.

Significant drawback of these methods is lack of protection against STDs.

Sponges

2009-05-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

Description

The sponge is a soft, round piece of foam, impregnated with spermicide, which creates a barrier in front of the cervix. To facilitate easy removal the sponge has foam handles around it. The contraceptive sponge works by absorbing and trapping sperm (like a sponge), killing the sperm with spermicide, and creating a barrier in front of the cervix so sperm cannot get to the uterus.
Effectiveness

When used alone its effectiveness is, on average, 82.5%.
Directions

Read and follow the instructions that come with the sponge if you are unsure. Also, you can consult a physician or nurse about any form of contraceptive device and how to properly use it. Here is a general description of use: Put the sponge in up to 6 hours before you have sex. You can have sex as many times as you want within 12 hours of the first time without requiring to change the sponge. Leave the sponge in for 6-8 hours after you last had sex, to properly kill all of the sperm.

Do not use the sponge when you have your period.
Drawbacks

The sponge can increase your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome if you use it during your period or have an irregular PAP test. If you are having sex a lot the sponge can be a very expensive form of birth control. Some women find it hard to put it in or take it out. You cannot use it if you or your partner(s) are allergic to spermicides or the actual sponge material itself.

It provides no protection against STDs.

Spermicide

2009-05-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

Description

Vaginal spermicides come in three basic forms: creams, foams, and jellies. A spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm.
Effectiveness

Spermicides do not protect against STD's. Cream and jelly spermicides should never be used by themselves and are really only effective when combined with a conventional barrier method (i.e., condom, diaphragm, etc.). Foam spermicide can be used on its own, and if always used properly is around 95% effective. However, many people have difficulties using foam spermicide correctly every time they have sex. Some users do not completely fill the applicator ... others forget to shake the can. So, for a typical user, the effectiveness of foam spermicide is around 80% or less.
Directions

Spermicidal creams and jellies should be applied to the inside of a woman's cervical cap or diaphragm. The normal method for insertion of the barrier method is then followed. Normally, all spermicidal creams, foams, and jellies come with the applicator included.

For applying spermicidal creams or jellies without a barrier method, screw the applicator onto the tube and fill it. Filling a foam applicator is a similar process. Insert the applicator into the vagina and push the plunger down. Remember, you are attempting to cover the cervix, so sperm have to travel through the spermicide to get to the uterus. Also, always consult a physician before choosing any birth control method.
Drawbacks

Vaginal spermicides tend to be very inconvenient. They must be applied no more than 20 minutes prior to intercourse. This requires a woman to always have to carry the spermicide and applicator with her whenever there is a possibility of vaginal intercourse.

Another limitation of spermicides is that they have a chemical taste and can be a nuisance during oral sex. Some couples have found that spermicides provide too much lubrication, making intercourse less pleasurable. If an allergic reaction is experienced (a rash or itchiness is a sign of this), then the use of that spermicide should be discontinued.

Pickup on the Dance Floor

2009-05-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

So, starting up conversation with women is easy in the coffee shop, a quiet bar, or even the local supermarket. But how can you approach a girl in a noisy nightclub whilst she’s dancing with a group of friends?

You need to be able to set yourself apart from all of the other guys on the dance floor. Other guys will be making some of the following crucial mistakes on the dance floor, and to differentiate yourself from them you need to avoid making these errors. They are likely to be:

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Standing motionless around the girls checking them out.
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Making poor attempts to dance whilst not being into the music, just trying to get close to the girls.
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Grinding on a girls ass.

A problem with this style of approach is that it's a total numbers game. Normally you'll only attract a certain type of girl responding to those approaches.

So, that's what not to do, but how can you actually make a more successful attempt to pick up girls who are dancing?

Here's a few tips you can use to pick-up on the dance-floor:

Firstly, just have fun dancing around, enjoy yourself and the music. Don’t try to jump straight into the woman’s space. If you are a man having a fun time on the dance-floor, you will instantly stand out from all the other men. The women will move away from the other weird, intrusive guys and instead begin to gather around you.

Then try to:

Begin to mirror the girl’s dance moves in a fun, exaggerated way allowing her to see what a fun guy you are. Make and hold eye contact with her which should get you a positive reaction and then you will be able to move in and dance with her.

Start a kind of "dance-off" with the woman gesturing to her to watch and mimic your moves. Try out a silly little move and then point at her expectantly. If you receive a positive reaction, move in and dance with her.

Look for the girls standing on the side of the dance floor, who are not quite dancing, ask them "do you like dancing?" If the answer is yes, say "do you salsa?" and as you say it take them and start salsaing with them. It only takes about 4 salsa lessons to be able to do basic steps, which are all you need.

The aim on when on the dance floor is to dance with the woman, begin to get physical, and then lead them to a quieted place where you are alone and are able to talk to each other.

Once you have perfected the dance-floor game, you'll be able to attract women non-verbally in a highly sexual atmosphere. It is a rare talent and you'll quickly benefit from the results, and the confidence will spread...

This editorial was written for sexinfo101.com by Pick-Up Artist Training (www.puatraining.com ). For more information on becoming a master seducer, make sure to check them out!

Progestin Implants

2009-05-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

Description

The implant system consists of small capsules made of plastic tubing, which are filled with a synthetic Progestin. It works just like the pill and the shot by thickening cervical mucus and changing the endometrium. They can provide contraception for up to five years. However, they offer no protection against STD's.
Effectiveness

The Progestin implant is highly effective, coming in at a solid 99.96% effectiveness; this is the most effective birth control method available.
Directions

The capsules are inserted just under the skin on the inner side of a woman's upper arm. This involves a minor surgical procedure which is obviously only to be done by a qualified medical practitioner.
Drawbacks

Any time that hormones are introduced into the body there is the potential for adverse effects. Heavier flow, increased cramping and spotting between periods are all possible side effects whenever hormone levels are changed. These will usually abate after a few months of use.

The implant has the same drawbacks as the pill since it uses the same method of contraception. Please see The Pill page for information on drawbacks.

It offers no protection against STDs.

Morning After Pill

2009-05-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

Description

The morning-after pill is a high-dose combination of the female hormones estrogen and progestin. This form of contraception should only be used in an emergency situation for a woman who has had unprotected intercourse or in the case where the chosen contraception has failed. Do not take any abnormal doses of birth control medication without consulting a physician! The morning-after pill slows the speed at which the egg travels through the fallopian tube and changes the uterine lining so that the egg cannot attach itself to the uteral wall. The uteral lining sloughs off, either taking the egg with it or making the uterus inhospitable to implantation.
Effectiveness

The overall effectiveness of the morning-after pill is 75%. Women who become pregnant despite taking the pill have a higher risk of harming the fetus, and many doctors recommend a therapeutic abortion. Ask a doctor for details about this potential concern.
Directions

The morning-after pill must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected intercourse. However, for maximum effectiveness it should be taken within the first 12-24 hours. Normally, you are given two pills to take immediately and two more to be taken 12 hours later. If you experience vomiting within 2 hours of taking the pills, then two more pills should be taken. It may be a good idea to take an anti-nausea drug such as Gravol. Please consult with your physician about taking the morning-after pill. If you do not have your period in the next three weeks be sure to have a pregnancy test.
Drawbacks

These high dosages may disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause extremely uncomfortable side effects. The morning-after pill is an unpleasant experience to say the least. Many women who take the pill experience severe stomach upset, nausea and vomiting. Women who have taken the pill have described it as similar to having a really bad stomach flu that can last from 4-48 hours. If the combination of hormones does not prevent pregnancy, they may harm the fetus, and you should consider the possibility of having to have an abortion should the method fail.

Male Condom

2009-05-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

Description

A condom is a thin rubber sheath which fits over the man's erect penis just prior to intercourse. It is a vital weapon in the campaign to promote Safe Sex. When the man ejaculates, he does so into the condom, preventing sperm from entering the vagina, anus or mouth.

Most condoms are made of latex; although there are also higher-priced polyurethane varieties available. Both latex and polyurethane are considered a very effective means of protection from pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some condoms are made of animal intestine, but these are less effective for disease prevention. The latex or polyurethane condom is the recommended form of STD and pregnancy prevention.

Polyurethane condoms have the advantages over latex of being less abrasive and non-allergenic. This is important because polyurethane can be tolerated by anyone, unlike latex to which many people are allergic. Many women will also find the polyurethane more comfortable in male condoms. Latex is quite abrasive at a molecular level and a marathon session with latex can leave women quite sore, even with added lubrication. Polyurethane is much smoother and reduces the abrasion of very sensitive tissue.
Effectiveness

When condoms are used properly, they are about 90% effective in the prevention of pregnancy. Unfortunately, since many people don’t use them correctly, the actual effectiveness is in the mid 80% range.
Directions

Before using a condom, always check the expiry date. Never carry a condom in a hot, confined place (i.e., your wallet) and keep it out of direct sunlight. Squeeze and hold the tip to release the air and provide a space for the ejaculant (sperm) to fill. Then roll the condom down to the base of the penis. Some rolled material will remain at the base of the penis to make it easier to pull the condom off after ejaculation. Be sure that your fingernails or jewelry do not damage or rip the condom. After orgasm, the man should hold the base of the condom while withdrawing from the vagina (or anus). Once the penis is fully withdrawn the condom can be safely removed.

Remember the following points:

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Never use a condom more than once.
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Always use a latex or polyurethane condom for effective prevention of STDs.
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Lubricated condoms are less likely to break during intercourse.
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Always use water-based lubricants.
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Use in combination with Spermicide for better protection.
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Unlubricated condoms are best for oral sex.

Drawbacks

A minor problem with a condom is that you must interrupt foreplay momentarily to put it on – but why not both participate in putting it on, much more fun!

Oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly, edible oils and medications weaken latex condoms. If you wish to use lubricants during sex play make sure they are water based, such as Astro Glide.

To buy condoms online, please click here .

IUDs

2009-05-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

Description

The IUD is a small T-shaped device, with a string at the base of the T, inserted into the uterine cavity. There are two types of IUDs, copper and progesterone-releasing. A copper IUD can remain in place for up to 10 years. In the progesterone-releasing IUD there is a reservoir of progesterone that is slowly released and becomes exhausted after one year. Once exhausted the IUD must be replaced, which means a new one is required annually. Women who have a heavy flow or dysmenorrhea may tolerate or even benefit from the progesterone-releasing IUD, which can reduce menstrual bleeding.

An IUD prevents fertilization by triggering an inflammatory response in the endometrium.

In plain english, this means that an IUD hampers the ability of Sperm to pass through the uterine cavity and thus disrupts the reproductive process. Progestin-releasing IUDs also thicken the cervical mucus and changes the endometrial lining, making the uterus unfavorable for implantation.
Effectiveness

The IUD is approximately 99% effective.
Directions

A qualified medical practitioner will properly insert the IUD. Under no circumstances should a woman attempt this on herself or have an unqualified person attempt the insertion on her.
Drawbacks

IUDs can increase menstrual flow and cramping, which may be particularly severe in the first few months after insertion. Also, there is the possibility of spotting between periods and a small minority of women expel the IUD during the first year of use. Also, there is no protection from STDs/STIs, so it is important to practice Safe Sex!

How Pregnancy Odds Work

2009-05-25T20:40:00.001-07:00

This article was written for women

Many of us know someone who has been trying to become pregnant for years but just does not make it. Many of us also know someone who becomes pregnant the first time she tries. And many of know someone who is pregnant and in a panic. The problem for is that becoming pregnant, or remaining un-pregnant, is often a game of chance. The question for individual women has to be, is the pleasure worth the risks? I became sexually active too young, was not finding it particularly pleasurable and spent much time worrying about the possibility of pregnancy. It was not worth it, so I chose not to play the game – heterosexually – for a few years; therefore no risk!

What are your individual chances? We can tell you how to increase or decrease your chances of becoming pregnant. However, we can give you no absolute assurances. The data for the efficacy of contraception is usually given for 100 women who are sexually active for a year. But how do the numbers look for an individual act of sex? Consider that with a regular 28 day period you will be fertile, practically, for about two days while the egg makes its way down your fallopian tubes. Sperm can live effectively for two days in your vagina and uterus. Yes, some have been found up to five days etc., but this is a more realistic figure. So, with a perfectly random (no schedule, no plan, no avoiding your period) sex act, your chances of falling into a fertile period are approximately 3 divided by 28 or about 11%. We also know that only about one-quarter of the time that the egg and sperm are present together does pregnancy occur. So, the 11% chance drops to a little less than three percent. Does that seem like a risk worth taking? In fact many of us have taken that risk and gotten away with it; but others were not so lucky!

If, with these chances you have perfectly random unprotected sex 20 times, you have a more than fifty-fifty chance of becoming pregnant. Put another way, if twenty women at your school/work have unprotected sex on any given day, there is a 50 percent chance that someone will become pregnant.

The reasons that we become pregnant only once out of four times when having sex during our fertile time are many. The sperm can get lost and never find the egg. We also know that the egg is not the passive recipient that was thought in the past; the egg actually has defences that can be used to thwart a sperm. So, just as you may turn a guy down, the egg may refuse a sperm; we know little of how this decision is made by the egg. Alternately (and this is quite common) fertilization may take place but be rejected by your body because it is a “defective pregnancy”. Many pregnancies are rejected (miscarried, spontaneously aborted) without our even knowing our egg was fertilized. One time, in my early twenties, I was nearly three weeks late and then had the nastiest period of my life. It is very likely that an egg had been fertilized, was implanted and then rejected by my body for some reason. Most likely, it was a defective pregnancy in some respect.

But just when you thought you had the probabilities figured out – guess what? The figures used above are for a perfectly random event in a perfectly regular woman. So, what are some real implications of this. Rarely is sex a random event conducted when an alarm goes off. It is more frequent in the late evening than any other time of day. This is because of work or school or other schedules. It is more common on weekends than during the week. Many women avoid sex during their periods. And our cycles of hormones make us more responsive (receptive) at some times than others. The same hormones that control ovulation and the onset of our periods also affect our desire. Surprise, but nature makes us more interested in sex during our fertile times and less interested during our non-fertile times.

I happen to be about as regular as is possible. Every fourth Tuesday I begin to become bloated, irritable and uncomfortable. Every fourth Friday, there it is. It is more common that women vary up to three days - with sooner rather than later being more common. Most are not perfectly regular. Younger women especially tend to be rather irregular with their menses. Because the same hormones that schedule our periods also schedule our ovulation, the less regular your periods, the less predictable your ovulation.

Our perfectly predictable woman above, will have to assume herself to be fertile from the eleventh to the eighteenth day of her cycle. Any of us who are less predictable, need to take a longer time off to avoid pregnancy without other contraception. On the other hand, when we wish to become pregnant, the target can be a moving one. Even when we hit the target, our egg may decide against the sperm available or the egg and sperm combination result in a non-viable pregnancy.

In women trying to become pregnant, the frustrations can be enormous. Fortunately, this is a rather small group. If 100 women have unprotected sex regularly for a year, 85 will become pregnant. In the second year another eight or nine will become pregnant. The remaining six are the ones who will need some help with fertility. The larger problem is unwanted pregnancy. It is estimated that one-half of all pregnancies are unplanned; many of these are also unwanted! Before EVER considering an act of unprotected sex ask yourself whether you can live with the possible consequences!

Whether trying to become pregnant, or trying to remain un-pregnant, by being unprotected you are playing a game of chance. You should do everything possible to stack the deck in your favor, because the results have a major significance in your life.

Female Condom

2009-05-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

The female condom is a thin rubber tube with polyurethane rings at both ends. Only one end is open and the ring at the closed end is to make insertion easier and ensure the condom does not fall out during intercourse. When the man ejaculates, he does so into the condom that prevents the sperm from entering the female reproductive tract. Female condoms are made of polyurethane (or sometimes latex) and when coated with spermicide, are considered a very effective means of protection from pregnancy and the spread of STDs.

Polyurethane can be tolerated by anyone, unlike latex to which some people are allergic. Polyurethane is at least as effective as latex in preventing pregnancy and transmission of STDs.

Many women will also find the polyurethane more comfortable. Latex is quite abrasive at a molecular level and a marathon session with latex can them quite sore even with added lubrication. Polyurethane is much smoother and reduces the abrasion of very sensitive tissue.
Effectiveness

When female condoms are used properly, they are about 95% effective in the prevention of pregnancy. When condoms are used with spermicidal foam the effectiveness is nearly 100%. Furthermore, condoms provide excellent protection from the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Directions

Before using a condom, always check the expiry date. Never carry a condom in a hot, confined place and keep it out of direct sunlight. To insert the condom, squeeze the ring at the closed end and slide condom as far inside the vagina as possible. Make sure that the open end hangs at least an inch outside of the vagina. Always read the directions on the packaging to ensure proper use. Once properly inserted the woman should not be able to feel the condom in her.

To remove the condom the woman should grab the exposed end; twist it and pullout at the same time. The twisting is to ensure that the sperm inside does not spill out the open end.
Remember the following points:
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Never use a condom more than once.
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Always use a polyurethane or latex condom for effective prevention of STDs.
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Lubricated condoms are less likely to break during intercourse.
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Always use water-based lubricants.
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Unlubricated condoms are best for oral sex.
Drawbacks

A minor problem with a condom is that you must interrupt foreplay momentarily to put it in.

Oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly, edible oils and medications weaken latex condoms. If you wish to use lubricants during sex make sure they are water based, such as Astro Glide.

Diaphragm

2009-05-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

Description

A diaphragm is a soft rubber dome and a cervical cap is a thimble-shaped latex cap. Both are placed inside the vagina, over the cervix. Spermicidal jelly or cream is held in both against the cervix, which kills sperm as they try to reach the uterus.

There are three types of diaphragms currently available:

1.

Coil Spring Diaphragm - Intended for women with strong vaginal tone (good strength of the vaginal muscles) and no genital abnormalities.
2.

Flat Spring Diaphragm - Intended for women with a shallow pubic arch or moderate descent of bladder or rectum.
3.

Arching Spring Diaphragm - Intended for women with weak vaginal tone, moderate descent of the pelvic organs, or with their uterus bent far forward or backward.

All information below this point applies to both diaphragms and cervical caps, even though only the word "diaphragm" is used.
Effectiveness

The diaphragm is an effective birth control method, but does not protect against STDs. The diaphragm is 95% effective when always used properly with a spermicide. However, due to occasional misuse, its effectiveness rating is no better than 80%.
Directions

Your doctor must take a measurement inside the vagina to choose the correct size of diaphragm for you. Your doctor will then show you how to insert the diaphragm properly. When the diaphragm is properly in place neither partner should notice its' presence.

Before intercourse, one must coat the diaphragm with a spermicide and then insert it. If some of the spermicide gets on the vulva while inserting, wipe it off after fully inserting the diaphragm. After intercourse, the diaphragm must remain inside the vagina for six to eight hours. Add another applicator full of spermicide if intercourse occurs again within the six to eight hours.

Once removed, the diaphragm should be washed with mild soap and water. Next, dry and then dust with cornstarch (Do not use talcum powder) and replace in its container. Check regularly for holes; this can be accomplished by filling it with water. The diaphragm needs to be kept properly stored when not in use. The owner must take full responsibility for the care of the diaphragm. By not properly caring for a diaphragm it will begin to deteriorate and its effectiveness in preventing conception will be greatly reduced.
Drawbacks

The diaphragm is ineffective in stopping the spread of STDs.

If used during menstruation it can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome.

If a diaphragm is not removed it may cause a foul smelling discharge from the vagina, low back pain, and general pelvic discomfort. If a diaphragm is too large, it will cause mild discomfort and may cause difficulty urinating. This problem is usually remedied by switching to a smaller diaphragm. Furthermore, the diaphragm can become displaced during sexual intercourse by the penis withdrawing and reinserting repeatedly.

Birth Control Shot

2009-05-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

Combined Injectable Contraceptive (CIC) and
Progestin-only Injectable Contraceptive (PIC)
Description

CICs are injections of the hormones estrogen and progestin that are administered once a month. PICs are injections of the hormone progestin that are administered once every two or three months (depending on the brand). Both injectable contraceptives work by suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus and changing the endometrium lining of the uterus.
Effectiveness

Injectable contraceptives have an effectiveness of 99.9%, which is almost bulletproof. It is extremely unlikely for a woman to become pregnant while regularly following her injection plan.
Directions

A physician will administer the injections on the prescribed time-line for the given CIC or PIC.
Drawbacks

The injectable contraceptives have the same drawbacks as the pill since it uses the same method of contraception. Please see The Pill page for information on drawbacks.

It offers no protection from STDs.

Birth Control Pill

2009-05-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) and
Progestin-only Oral Contraceptive (POC)
Description

COCs are pills comprised of the hormones estrogen and progestin. POCs are pills that contain only the hormone progestin. Both act to produce changes in the uterus making it inhospitable for implantation of an egg and difficult for sperm to move anywhere in the female reproductive system. Neither pill prevents the spread of STDs/STIs.
Effectiveness

One major attribute of the pill is that it is nearly 100% effective when used correctly. Real effectiveness is actually about 92-95% due to occasional misuse (i.e., forgetting to take it).
Directions

The pill is either administered on a 28-day or 21-day cycle. The 28-day pill is given for each day of the period, 7 of which are really just ‘filler’ pills (placebos) containing no hormones. The purpose of these placebos is to ensure the woman is maintaining the correct schedule of doses. In the 21-day pack, there are 7 days a month in which you do not take a pill and the woman must remember to resume the dose schedule after the 7-day break. If you wish to use the pill as an effective method of birth control then you must make it a part of your daily routine. Please see your physician to find out more on the pill and if it is right for you.
Benefits

There are many pleasant side effects to the pill. Menstruation is usually lighter, shorter and less painful. For most women the menstrual schedule becomes very predictable with menstruation occurring when there is a drop in hormones. It is even possible to change the day your period starts by stopping before the end of a package or adding pills to the end. Please consult your physician before you attempt to change the day your period starts. Studies have shown that those who take the pill have a decreased risk in developing anemia, pelvic inflammatory disease and cancer of the uterus and ovaries. Furthermore, it can help deal with problems such as cysts of the breasts or ovaries, acne, irregular bleeding and endometriosis.
Drawbacks

Consult your physician if you experience any negative side effects while taking the pill. It is important to note that all of the side effects caused by the pill are not yet known.

Short-term effects

Some women find that they experience occasional headaches, mood changes, breast tenderness, fatigue, and breakthrough bleeding in the first few months of using the pill. Spotting or breakthrough bleeding is due to a lack of estrogen in the first half of the cycle and a lack of progesterone in the second half. Bleeding normally stops without the need for treatment. However, if bleeding does continue, your physician will likely recommend that you change to a different brand. If you have been on the pill for several years and experience spotting then see your physician immediately to determine the cause. These effects will usually dissipate after two to three months of using the birth control pill.
Long-term effects

The birth control pill can cause a variety of long-term complications. It is important to identify, with a physician, if you are at risk.

Women who have had a history of circulatory disease should question their doctor about whether they are at serious risk because blood vessel and blood clotting disorders are more common in users of the birth control pill. Specifically, those women taking the pill have a higher risk of developing blood clots in the leg or pelvis, pulmonary embolism and heart attack or stroke.

Those who suffer from migraines should also question the use of the pill. If the migraines worsen during use of the pill, then usage should be discontinued.

The addition of hormones into the body will cause certain tumors to grow faster. Therefore, anyone with a known or suspected cancer should not take the pill. It is important to note that the pill decreases the risk of cancer of the ovaries and the endometrium by half. The effects of the pill on skin cancer and cancer of the cervix are currently unclear.

The addition of extra hormones will also cause an increase in breast size. Those women with benign breast disease (tender or lumpy breasts) may see an improvement in their condition while others may experience no significant change. The pill will also affect the breasts by decreasing the amount of breast milk produced; the quality of the breast milk is not significantly affected. Women who want to take the pill during breast-feeding should consult their doctor.

Women who have had liver damage should not take the pill. The pill causes a small increase in rare tumors of the liver. For diabetic women, the use of the birth control pill may change insulin needs and it may also change the results of the glucose tolerance test.

The pill has been linked to causing depression, irritability and/or tiredness in some women. This problem is usually not recognized until the discontinued use of the pill, when the woman gradually begins to feel better. The pill can adversely affect any of the prescription drugs that you may be required to take, so please consult a physician on the subject. The pill will increase the affect of some drugs (such as alcohol) and decrease the affects of other drugs (such as certain painkillers).

The pill may also cause some unwanted physical changes such as water retention; which in turn can cause bloating, irritability, leg cramps and nausea. If you suspect that this is a problem, you should ask your physician about changing the brand of pill that you use. Some women may have dark rings around their eyes due to the increased estrogen levels. A weaker brand of pill will normally correct these problems. Some women experience weight gain and an increased appetite that can be controlled by switching to a pill with a weaker progesterone level.

Abstinence Method

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Description

Abstinence is the decision to abstain from sexual intercourse. This does not mean to abstain from all sexual contact, just vaginal intercourse.
Effectiveness

Abstinence is the only method of contraception that is 100% effective. If you are engaging in other sexual activities then STDs can be spread just as normal.
Directions

Don't have vaginal intercourse or (if engaging in related sexual activity) allow sperm to enter the vagina.
Drawbacks

You cannot enjoy sexual intercourse and (if engaging in other sexual activities) this alone will give no protection against STDs.

Home

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Vaginal intercourse is a wonderful and stimulating experience for both the man and the woman, if performed properly. Sex may be performed as a means to an end - in order to procreate (have children) - or, simply as an end in itself (just for the fun of it). However, an unwanted pregnancy (or catching an STD) can be an absolutely devastating experience.

It is very wise to consider with your partner the various forms of contraceptive available and to ensure that you jointly choose a method that will protect you both. NEVER assume that birth control is being taken care of by your partner – this is the responsibility of BOTH partners!

Half of all unplanned pregnancies happen because a couple does not use any birth control - and the other half because the couple uses it incorrectly!!

We at Sexual Information 101 would like to remind you that we have done our best to provide you with accurate and the most current information, but we ourselves are not doctors. We urge you to use our information to get a basic understanding, then to follow up with your medical or family planning practitioner.

(Note: percentages given in these articles regarding the effectiveness of various methods of birth control are estimates only.)