1. Contraceptive Pills (Oral Contraceptives)
Types:
- Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs): Contain both estrogen and progestin.
- Progestin-Only Pills (POPs): Contain only progestin.
How to Use:
- Combined Pills:
- Take one pill daily at the same time each day.
- Follow the 28-day pack (21 active pills + 7 inactive/placebo pills) or the 21-day pack (21 active pills only).
- Start a new pack immediately after finishing the previous one.
- Progestin-Only Pills:
- Take one pill daily at the same time each day without any breaks between packs.
- Consistency is crucial; even a few hours' delay can reduce effectiveness.
Effectiveness:
- When used perfectly, contraceptive pills are over 99% effective.
- Typical use effectiveness is around 91%, considering missed or late pills.
Considerations:
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- May have side effects like nausea, breast tenderness, or mood changes.
- Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about blood clots, high blood pressure, or other health issues.
2. Condoms
Types:
- Male Condoms: Worn on the penis.
- Female Condoms: Worn inside the vagina.
How to Use:
- Male Condoms:
- Check the expiration date and package integrity before use.
- Place the condom on the erect penis, leaving space at the tip for semen.
- Roll it down to the base of the penis.
- Hold the base of the condom during withdrawal to prevent it from slipping off.
- Female Condoms:
- Insert the closed end of the condom into the vagina, ensuring it covers the cervix.
- The open end should remain outside the vagina.
- Guide the penis into the condom during intercourse.
Effectiveness:
- When used perfectly, male condoms are 98% effective; female condoms are 95% effective.
- Typical use effectiveness is around 85% for male condoms and 79% for female condoms.
Considerations:
- Protects against both pregnancy and STIs.
- Available without a prescription.
- Latex allergies may require using latex-free options (e.g., polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms).
3. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
Types:
- Hormonal IUDs: Release progestin to prevent pregnancy.
- Copper IUDs: Use copper to create an inhospitable environment for sperm.
How to Use:
- Insertion:
- Must be inserted by a healthcare provider into the uterus.
- Can be done during a routine visit; takes only a few minutes.
- Once inserted, it works for 3-10 years, depending on the type.
- Removal:
- Must be removed by a healthcare provider when it expires or when you decide to become pregnant.
Effectiveness:
- Over 99% effective for both hormonal and copper IUDs.
Considerations:
- Does not protect against STIs.
- May cause cramping or irregular bleeding initially.
- Hormonal IUDs can reduce menstrual flow; copper IUDs may increase menstrual flow and cramping.
- Suitable for women who want long-term contraception without daily attention.
4. Contraceptive Implants
Types:
- Implanon, Nexplanon: A small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm that releases progestin.
How to Use:
- Insertion:
- Inserted by a healthcare provider under the skin of your upper arm.
- The procedure takes a few minutes and is done under local anesthesia.
- Removal:
- Must be removed by a healthcare provider after 3-5 years or when you decide to become pregnant.
Effectiveness:
- Over 99% effective.
Considerations:
- Does not protect against STIs.
- May cause irregular bleeding, especially in the first few months.
- Suitable for women looking for a long-term, low-maintenance contraceptive option.
5. Contraceptive Injections
Types:
- Depo-Provera (DMPA): A shot of progestin given every three months.
How to Use:
- Administration:
- Administered by a healthcare provider or self-administered under guidance.
- The shot is given in the arm or buttocks every 12 weeks.
- Follow-Up:
- Important to get the injection on time every 12 weeks for continued effectiveness.
Effectiveness:
- Over 99% effective with perfect use.
- Typical use effectiveness is around 94%.
Considerations:
- Does not protect against STIs.
- May cause changes in menstrual cycles, weight gain, and bone density loss.
- Fertility may take some time to return after stopping injections.
6. Contraceptive Patch
Types:
- Xulane, Twirla: A patch that releases estrogen and progestin.
How to Use:
- Application:
- Apply the patch to clean, dry skin on the buttocks, abdomen, upper arm, or back.
- Replace the patch weekly for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week.
- After the patch-free week, apply a new patch to start the cycle again.
Effectiveness:
- Over 99% effective with perfect use.
- Typical use effectiveness is around 91%.
Considerations:
- Does not protect against STIs.
- May cause skin irritation, breast tenderness, or nausea.
- Not recommended for women who smoke and are over 35 or those with certain health conditions.
7. Vaginal Ring
Types:
- NuvaRing, Annovera: A flexible ring that releases estrogen and progestin.
How to Use:
- Insertion:
- Insert the ring into the vagina, similar to a tampon, and leave it in place for three weeks.
- Remove the ring during the fourth week to allow for a menstrual period.
- After the ring-free week, insert a new ring to start the cycle again.
- Reuse:
- Annovera can be reused for up to a year; NuvaRing is replaced monthly.
Effectiveness:
- Over 99% effective with perfect use.
- Typical use effectiveness is around 91%.
Considerations:
- Does not protect against STIs.
- May cause vaginal irritation, discharge, or other side effects.
- Suitable for women who prefer a monthly contraceptive method.
8. Emergency Contraception
Types:
- Morning-After Pills: Plan B One-Step, Ella.
- Copper IUD: Can be used as emergency contraception if inserted within five days of unprotected sex.
How to Use:
- Morning-After Pills:
- Take as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours.
- Available over the counter (Plan B) or by prescription (Ella).
- Copper IUD:
- Inserted by a healthcare provider within five days of unprotected sex.
Effectiveness:
- Reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75-89% for pills, depending on timing.
- Copper IUD is over 99% effective when used as emergency contraception.
Considerations:
- Not intended for regular contraceptive use.
- Does not protect against STIs.
- May cause temporary side effects like nausea or changes in the menstrual cycle.
9. Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs)
Types:
- Calendar Method, Basal Body Temperature (BBT), Cervical Mucus Method.
How to Use:
- Tracking:
- Monitor menstrual cycles, body temperature, and cervical mucus to determine fertile days.
- Avoid unprotected sex during the fertile window to prevent pregnancy.
- Tools:
- Use apps, charts, and thermometers to assist with tracking.
Effectiveness:
- Around 76-88% effective with typical use.
Considerations:
- Does not protect against STIs.
- Requires daily tracking and discipline.
- Suitable for women with regular menstrual cycles who prefer a non-hormonal method.
10. Sterilization
Types:
- Tubal Ligation (for women): Permanent surgical procedure that blocks or seals the fallopian tubes.
- Vasectomy (for men): Permanent surgical procedure that cuts or seals the vas deferens.
How to Use:
- Procedure:
- Both procedures are typically done as outpatient surgeries under local anesthesia.
- Tubal ligation is more invasive and requires a longer recovery time than a vasectomy.
- Post-Procedure:
- Both are considered permanent methods of contraception.
Effectiveness:
- Over 99% effective.
Considerations:
- Does not protect against STIs.
- Considered irreversible; suitable for individuals who are certain they do not want children in the future.
- Some discomfort or complications may occur post-surgery.
