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BIRTH CONTROL
Careful and consistent use of a recommended birth control method will help prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Family Planning Associates offers this information to help you decide which method is best for you.
Hormonal birth control methods available at FPA
| The Pill (many brands) |
The Patch (Ortho Evra) |
The Ring | The Shot (Depo Provera) |
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| (Nuva Ring) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Effectiveness | 92-99% | 92-99% | 92-99% | 99-99.9% | ||||||||||||||
| How it is used | You take 1 pill every day, at the same time every day. | You use 1 patch per week for 3 weeks in a row. The 4th week is a patch-free week. | You insert 1 ring vaginally and remove it after 3 weeks. | You get 1 shot every 12 weeks (about 3 months). | ||||||||||||||
| Benefits of Use | Can
help protect against: • acne • endometrial cancer • ovarian cancer • excess body hair • anemia • PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) • helps prevent endometrial cancer Can generally make periods lighter and with less cramps. |
No pill to take daily | ||||||||||||||||
| Possible Side Effects | These symptoms
can occur for some women: • bleeding between periods • breast tenderness • headache • nausea — rarely, vomiting • change in sexual desire • depression |
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| Possible Serious Complications | These complications are rare, but
possible: Blood clots in the legs or other parts of the body (more common with the patch than with the pill or the ring) • migraine headaches • high blood pressure • stroke • heart attack • liver tumors • gallstones |
These complications are rare, but possible: • liver tumors • gallstones • ectopic pregnancy |
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Also Available at FPA
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a rubber, dome-shaped cup with a spring rim, which is worn deep in the vagina during intercourse. Because the vagina of every woman is unique, each must be "sized" for a diaphragm by a physician or trained clinician.
The diaphragm is used with spermicidal (sperm killing) jelly or cream. It is inserted into the vagina to completely cover the cervix. The diaphragm works as a barrier and holds the spermicide in place. The diaphragm must be put in BEFORE intercourse and left in place at least 6 hours after intercourse.
The diaphragm with spermicidal jelly can be 97% effective when used properly and consistently. Many factors can lower this rate including too little or no spermicide, removing the diaphragm too soon and not using it with every intercourse. The actual effectiveness rate is about 80%.
Over-the-Counter Birth Control Methods (available at the pharmacy)
Condoms
A male condom is a thin cover that fits smoothly over the erect penis. A female condom is a sheath or pouch with one end that goes into the vagina and the other end that rests on the outside.
The condom acts as a barrier to keep the semen (containing millions of sperm) from going into the vagina by holding the semen in the condom.
The condom can be up to 95% effective if used in conjunction with spermicide. Effectiveness is dependant upon correct consistent use. The male condom must be put on with a small space left at the end to catch semen before contact near vagina. Before the penis becomes less erect, the male partner should withdraw holding onto the rim of the condom to prevent it from slipping off and spilling. To increase effectiveness, the female can use spermicide at the same time. Spermicide and condoms should be considered a single form of contraception.
Spermicide (foam, jelly, film)
Spermicide contains a chemical that inactivates sperm. It is used by the woman and inserted deep into the vagina each time she has intercourse.
The spermicide forms a barrier over the cervix and the kills sperm trying to reach the cervical canal. Foam should be inserted no more than 20 minutes before intercourse and additional foam must be used with each intercourse.
Effectiveness can vary. When used correctly and consistently, foam can be 75-85% effective. Please read the instructions on the package and follow carefully.
Vaginal Sponge
The vaginal contraceptive sponge is a polyurethane sponge containing a spermicide that is placed into the vagina prior to intercourse.
The sponge works much like the diaphragm by acting as a barrier and spermicide over the cervix.
The effectiveness rate is 82-91%.
Morning After Pill or Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) (www.go2planb.com)
These pills have been in use for many years. In February 1997, the FDA acknowledged that ECPs are effective and safe.
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill is to be used when an episode of unprotected sex has occurred. For maximum effectiveness, ECPs should be started within 72 hours after the episode of unprotected sex. These pills work by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation) or the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is altered so that the fertilized egg cannot implant.
The Emergency Contraceptive Pills WILL NOT terminate an existing pregnancy and may be harmful to the fetus. However, we are not aware of any published reports indicating that the ECP causes fetal abnormalities. A patient who is pregnant is not a candidate for the ECP. ECPs will not alter an "ectopic" pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. If symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy occur, you must seek care through your private doctor or emergency room.
The most common side effects that occur after taking these pills include:
Nausea - approximately 50% of patients will experience nausea.
Approximately 20% of women will report vomiting. Some women may also experience breast tenderness, abdominal pain, headache or dizziness. Relief of the side effects should occur within a day or two after treatment is completed.
Approximately 50% of patients will have menses within one week of taking the ECP. The remaining patients will have menses within 21 days. The first menses may be irregular and light or heavy.
If there is no menses within three weeks, the patient must return for an examination and pregnancy test.
Plan B (one brand of ECPs) became available over-the-counter to women 18 years old or older in 2006. Women 17 years old and younger still need to get a prescription for ECPs. FPA offers ECP prescriptions for a small fee.
Other Methods of Birth Control
IUD (Intra-Uterine Device)
The IUD is a small flexible device that is placed in the uterus by a trained clinician. There are two types of IUDs currently available: Mirena (www.mirena.com) and Paraguard (www.paraguard.com)
The IUD works in various ways. It can prevent the egg and sperm from fertilizing, and it can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
The IUD can be 99.5% effective. Occasionally, a pregnancy will occur with the IUD in place or because the IUD has come out. It is important to regularly check for the IUD string after every menstrual cycle to insure that the IUD is still in place.
Essure (www.essure.com)
Essure is a permanent (non-reversible) method of female sterilization. It is an outpatient procedure in which a doctor inserts coil springs (or microinserts) through the body’s natural pathway into the Fallopian tubes. Over the next few months, a tissue plug is formed in the tubes that prevents sperm from passing through. The completion of the plug is confirmed with a special test.
Essure is 99.8% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Tubal Sterilization
Tubal sterilization is a permanent (non-reversible) method of female sterilization. It is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon cuts and clips the Fallopian tubes, which prevents sperm from passing through.
Tubal sterilization is 99% effective.
Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a permanent (non-reversible) method of male sterilization. It is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon cuts the Vas Deferens (through which sperm leave the testes). The success of the surgery is confirmed with a special test.
Vasectomy is 99% effective.
