World Contraception Day
In celebration of World's Contraception Day, which was on Sept. 26, I am dedicating this entire post to discuss about all the contraceptive methods alongside their pros and cons. Before we get to all the bits and pieces of that, let me first give a bit of background into the whole...
(After writing this, I just realized how long this post is. Feel free to skim through and read whichever part interests you.)
World's Contraception Day
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| Image via caretoclick.it |
To honor that theme, I am going to lay all the choices down on the table, so that you can make informed choices on your own. Even if you're not sexually active, everyone needs to know about the basics of contraception. And yes, even guys need to know it, too. Contraception isn't an exclusively female responsibility just as condoms aren't exclusively men's responsibility. Sex involves two people (or more); therefore, those two people should be equally involved in the contraceptive selection process.
Contraceptive Methods
I am going to list off some of the most common contraceptive methods as well as their pros and cons and effectiveness percentage. The list will be from the one-time to short-term to long-term to permanent methods. The how-to's in the list have been simplified because I don't think you would want to read a 10-page article with details on how to use each one. I might take about each one in details in other posts, but if you want to find out more, just go to the links at the end of the post.
Condom
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| Image via avert.org |
How to: The male condom is used by placing the condom over
the penis while the female condom is used by placing it inside the vagina before sex. Both types of condoms work by holding in the sperm; thus, preventing it from meeting the egg.
Pros:
- The only contraceptive method that prevents STDs.
- Cheap and easy to find.
- Non-hormonal method.
- Convenient to use (male condoms).
Cons:
- Condoms can interrupt sex as you have to put it on before having sexual intercourse.
- The male partner might loses some of the sensitivity.
- Condoms can slip off or break due to incorrect usage or friction
- Female condoms take practice to get them right.
- May cause allergy for those allergic to latex.
Effectiveness:
There's various information online as to how effective condoms really are. As we already mentioned your-life.com, I'll quote effectiveness percentage from there and say typically, the male condom is 82% effective; whereas the female condom is 79% effective.
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| Image via camelbackwomenshealth.com |
Spermicide comes as a form of cream, gel, foam, film, or suppository. What happens is when used, it destroys or makes it hard for sperm to swim freely towards the egg. Spermicide is not usually recommended to be used as a stand-alone contraceptive method due to its low percentage of effectiveness. It's generally paired with condoms, diaphragms, or cervical cups to achieve a better chance of not conceiving.
How to: Spermicide is used by inserting it into the vagina 5-10 minutes before having sex. You have to leave the spermicide there for 6-8 hours without dousing or rinse the vagina.
Pros:
- Simple to use.
- Hormone-free.
- It also protects against bacterial infections and pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Not very effective.
- Spermicide can have a foul taste or odor.
- Does not protect against STDs.
- It can be messy.
- May cause irritation, allergic reactions, or urinary tract infection.
- Might not work as well if you're taking medication for yeast infection.
With typical use, spermicide has an effectiveness rate of 72%.
Sponge
Not to be confused with Spongebob, the sponge looks basically like a sponge. It is disposable and contains spermicide. It works by blocking as well as destroying the sperm.
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| Image via webmd.com |
How-to:
Wash your hand, dampen the sponge and give it a little squeeze to activate it. Place the sponge in front of your cervix to block the sperm from entering. Make sure that the sponge stays in place at least 6 hours after having sex, but you have to remove it within 30 hours. There's a strap attached to it so that you can just pull it out.
Pros:
- Hormone-free.
- Can be used for having multiple intercourse.
- Can be used on demand.
- Does not work as well for women who have given birth.
- Can interfere with sex.
- Does not protect against STDs.
- May cause allergy reactions.
- Difficulty in removing it.
- Low efficacy.
- Require the female partner to keep track of the hours because it may cause toxic shock syndrome if kept for longer than 24-30 hours.
With typical use, the sponge has a 76% rate of effectiveness.
Diaphragm
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| Image via webmd.com |
The diaphragm is a latex, dome-shaped cap that covers the cervix, preventing sperm from entering. The diaphragm has a very low effectiveness rate, so it should be used alongside spermicide.
How-to:
Fill the diaphragm with spermicide and spread it around the edges. Insert the diaphragm inside the vagina, covering the cervix.
Pros:
- Hormone-free.
- Can be inserted anytime before sex.
- Can be kept inside for up to 24 hours.
- Takes practice to insert it right.
- Does not work as well with women who have given birth.
- Does not protect against STDs.
- Must be paired with spermicide.
- If kept for more than 24 hours, there's a risk of toxic shock syndrome.
- Requires keeping track of the hours.
- Spermicide must be reinserted if there are multiple sexual intercourse.
With typical use, the diaphragm has an 88% chance of preventing pregnancy.
Cervical Cup
The cervical cup works just like the sponge and the diaphragm. It blocks the cervix and prevents sperm from meeting the egg. It should always be used with spermicide.
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| Image via webmd.com |
How-to:
Just like the diaphragm, the cervical cup is used by filling in the inside, the outside, and the edges with spermicide. Afterwards, you inside the cap inside the vagina, push it up until it fits snugly over the cervix. Feel for the handle because that's how you'll be removing it later. You must leave the cup in place for at least 6 hours after sex. You can keep it there for up to 48 hours.
Pros:
- Hormone-free.
- Can be inserted anytime before sex.
- Takes practice to insert it right.
- Does not work as well with women who have given birth.
- Does not protect against STDs.
- Must be paired with spermicide.
- Can't be kept for more than 48 hours for there will be a risk of toxic shock syndrome.
- Requires keeping track of the hours.
- Requires initial fitting by healthcare provider.
The cervical cup is typically 84% effective with typical use.
The Pill
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| Image via yougov.co.uk |
There are several types of contraceptive pills, but the combined pills contain estrogen and progestin; the mini-pills contain only progestin. The combined pills work by preventing the release of eggs, changing the lining of uterus and making the implantation difficult as well as thickening the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to swim. The mini-pills work by doing the two latter functions and may sometimes prevent the release of eggs.
How-to:
The pill is a tablet that has to be taken orally once every day at the same time. If you miss them, it will decrease the effectiveness rate. Each contraceptive pill brand or type is different, so make sure to read the instructions if you miss one or more pills.
Pros:
- Effective and reversible.
- Can be used long-term.
- Does not interfere with sex.
- May reduce heavy period, menstrual cramps, or acne.
- Takes a while for the effect to kick in (about one month).
- Does not protect against STDs.
- Requires keeping tracks of the days and time to take it.
- Hormonal; therefore, it comes with certain side effects from headache, mood swings, changes in your menstrual cycle, weight gain, tenderness and some other side effects depending on the pills.
The pill are 91% effective with typical use.
Contraceptive Patch
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| Image via myalternativehigh.com |
The patch is a relatively new method of contraception. It is a 4x4 beige patch that sticks to a woman's skin, releasing estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream; thus, preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickening the cervical mucus.
How-to:
Stick the patch directly onto the skin on the lower abdomen, buttocks, upper arm or back. Keep it there for 7 days and replace it with a new one every week for 3 weeks. On the fourth week, you don't stick on any patch. That's when the menstrual cycle should start. Again, refer to the instructions and booklet that comes with the patch if it comes loose.
Pros:
- The patch is invisible.
- Easy to use.
- Does not interfere with sex.
- You only have to stick it on once a week.
- Effective and reversible.
- Might regular and lighten period and cramps.
- May come loose or fall off.
- Does not protect against STDs.
- May cause itchiness or redness at the application site.
- Hormonal; therefore, it comes with certain side effects such as headache, mood wings, weight gain, disrupted periods along with some other side effects.
- Requires care on a weekly basis.
Just like the pill, the patch has a 91% rate of effectiveness.
Contraceptive Injection
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| Image via naralva.org |
It's a shot in the muscle or under the skin that contains either progestin alone or estrogen and progestin. It is injected once every 1-3 months by a healthcare provider. Once injected, it is irreversible for that amount of time (1-3 months).
How-to:
Go to your healthcare provider and get the shot.
Pros:
- You only have to get it done once every 1-3 months.
- Reversible after the amount of time that the hormone(s) leaves in your body.
- Does not interrupt sex.
- May reduce painful period or menstrual cramps.
- Does not protect against STDs.
- Hormonal; therefore, side effects include headache, weight gain, abdominal discomfort, irregular bleeding, and but not limited to decreased bone density.
- Takes an average of 9 months to return to fertility.
With typical use, the effectiveness rate is 94%.
Implant
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| Image via theguardian.com |
The contraceptive implant is a silicone rod that is placed under the skin of your upper arm by a healthcare provider. It is the size of a matchstick, and it contains progestin in small doses that is release into the bloodstream, preventing the eggs from being released and thickening the mucus.
How-to:
Again, just go to your healthcare provider and let them do the rest.
Pros:
- Reversible.
- Effective for up to 3-5 years, depending on the type.
- The most effective contraceptive method.
- Does not require any care. Once it's in, you don't have to worry about it for 3-5 years.
- May reduce painful period or menstrual cramps.
- Does not interrupt sex.
- Does not protect against STDs.
- May initially causes changes in menstrual cycle or stops it altogether.
- Hormonal, so the side effects include but not limited to tenderness, weight gain, breast and abdominal pain.
The implant has a whopping effectiveness rate of 99.95%.
The Intra-Uterine System
The Intra-Uterine System (IUS) is a small, flexible, T-shaped frame with a cylinder that contains
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| Image via injurylawyer-news.com |
progestin. It is placed in the womb by a healthcare provider. It works by releasing low doses of progestin into your body, preventing the eggs from being released and thickening the mucus.
How-to:
Just like the implant and the shot, the IUS is done by a healthcare professional.
Pros:
- Effective for up to 3-5 years.
- Reversible and can be removed at any time.
- Does not interrupt sex.
- Decrease menstrual bleeding and menstrual cramps.
- Fertility returns quickly after removal.
- Small risk of infection during insertion and removal.
- Does not protect against STDs.
- As it is hormonal, it comes with side effects such as headache, tenderness, acne, cramps, irregular bleeding and spotting.
The IUS has a 99.8% chance of preventing conception.
The Intra-Uterine Device
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| Image via naturalfibroids.com |
hat the sperm gets through, the copper also stops the egg from implanting itself to the lining.
How-to:
It is inserted in placed by your healthcare provider.
Pros:
- Effective for up to 5-10 years, depending on the type.
- Reversible and can be removed any time.
- Does not interrupt sex.
- Is not affected by other medications.
- Can be used as an emergency contraception if it in inserted within 5 days after sexual intercourse.
- Fertility returns once IUD is removed.
- Does not protect against STDs.
- Small risk of infection during insertion or removal.
- Side effects include headache, tenderness, acne, cramps, irregular bleeding, or no period.
The IUD 99% effective as a contraceptive method.
Other Methods
Besides from the methods mentioned above, there are some other "natural" contraceptive methods:
- Fertility Awareness: that basically means you keep track of your menstrual cycle and have sexual intercourse only on non-fertile days. The more regular your menstrual cycle is, the more effective it can be. Though, typically, it's only 76% effective.
- Withdrawal Method: this method has been around for ages. It is when a man pulls out his genital right before ejaculation. The risk with this method in associated to how there might be sperm being released into the vagina during before climax. It is 78% effective.
- Emergency Contraception (Plan B): hormone-based pills that are used after accidental unprotected sex. The effectiveness rate goes down the longer you wait after sex to take it. Ideally, it should be used up to 24 hours after having unprotected sex (the sooner the better). It should not be used as a primary contraceptive method. It does NOT protect against STDs.
- Abstinence: it is the only contraceptive method that is 100% effective -- not having sex at all.
Final Two Cents
Remember that every woman is different; a certain contraceptive method might be best for one person, but it might not be best for you. Always do plenty of research before deciding which one would be best for your lifestyle and body. It's also good to try a few different methods to see which one is better. Personally, I used the pill, but it did not react well with my body. I gained weight and became very emotionally. I am currently using the implant and it can't possibly work better with my body. It also stops me from having period, which is why I love it so much.
You can go to http://www.plannedparenthood.org/all-access/my-method and do a quiz to find out which method suits you better. You can also consult with your local healthcare provider to see your options. It's always great to know that there are many methods that you can choose from for your well-being. Never be ashamed to get contraception. You're only doing what you're supposed to do to prevent pregnancy while enjoying the pleasure of sex.
I know that I have been MIA for so long; I have just been so busy with school and settling in the US, but I am back again with a new post every week. Be sure to come back and check it out. I am also in the process of modifying and categorizing my blog (yay). If you actually took the time to read all of that, I am so impressed. Leave a comment down below to share with us your contraception experience (or your girlfriend's) or whatever's on your mind. Have a nice weekend!
Love, Catherine
XOXO
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Oh god, what an article I've read! How can a girl like you come up with this kind of article! u are so gifted and talented :) keep moving forward Pls! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the kind comment. :)
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