Male Condom
A condom is a thin covering, usually made of latex rubber. A man wears it over his erect penis during sex. Condoms come in many shapes, colours, and flavours. Condoms can be made of latex or polyurethane, and many come lubricated. Condoms stop semen, vaginal fluid, or blood being passed on during oral sex, vaginal sex, or anal sex. This gives you some protection from STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, and HIV. Condoms that are not made of latex or polyurethane, like lambskin, will not protect you from STIs.
If 100 men use condoms, between 80 and 97 of their women partner(s) will not get pregnant. Your chances of getting pregnant are lower when you use a condom correctly. You have to use a new one each time you have sex. You are less likely to get pregnant when you use a condom with another kind of birth control, like spermicide.
Heat and light can make the condom weaker. Keep condoms in a dry place at room temperature. Don’t carry them in your wallet, your pocket, or in the glove compartment. Condoms can rip. Don’t test them for holes or fill them with anything before you use them. Always check the expiry date on the condom package.
Make sure you read an information sheet or are taught by a doctor, nurse or counsellor on how to put on and take off a condom before you use them.
Female Condom
The female condom is a strong, thin membrane pouch that lines the vagina. It is made from polyurethane. Polyurethane is a soft, thin, supple plastic which is 40% stronger than the latex used in male condoms. Polyurethane can be used with oil-based lubricants, whereas latex cannot. The female condom has a soft ring at each end. The ring at the closed end is used to put the device inside the vagina and hold it in place. The other ring stays outside the vagina and partly covers the vulva. The female condom is pre-lubricated on the inside with a silicone-based lubricant. Additional lubricant is provided. The female condom does not contain any spermicide.
Out of 100 women who use the female condom, between 74 and 90 will not get pregnant. Female condoms also help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Your chances of getting pregnant are lower when you use a female condom correctly. You have to use a new one each time you have sex. You are less likely to get pregnant when you use a female condom with another kind of birth control, like spermicide.
The female condom should not be used at the same time as a latex condom, since friction from both condoms could cause one or both to tear.
Contraceptive Sponge
The contraceptive sponge is a barrier method and spermicide in one. It is a soft, round sponge made of polyurethane foam, and is filled with spermicide to kill sperm. Your chances of getting pregnant are lower when sperm is killed. The sponge is inserted into the vagina and covers the cervix.
Out of 100 women who use the contraceptive sponge, between 80 and 89 of them will not get pregnant. Your chances of getting pregnant are lower if you use the sponge correctly. You have to use it every time you have vaginal sex. Depending on the brand, the sponge is effective for 12- 24 hours after it is in place. You don’t have to change the sponge if sex is repeated during this time. You are less likely to get pregnant when you use the sponge with a condom (98% effectiveness) or another kind of birth control. This is especially important during the first few months when you are learning how to put the sponge in properly. The contraceptive sponge does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The contraceptive sponge should not be used during menstruation, or following a recent childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.
You need to leave the sponge in your vagina for at least 6 hours after intercourse so that the spermicide has time to work.
The contraceptive sponge does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a shallow cup made of latex rubber. It’s shaped like a dome. It has a rim that is flexible. A doctor or nurse can tell you what size of diaphragm you need. They will also show you how to use it. A diaphragm is placed deep in the vagina. Once it is in, it should feel comfortable. A diaphragm has to be used with spermicide, which kill sperm. When the sperm is killed, your chances of getting pregnant are lower.
Out of every 100 women who use a diaphragm, 82 to 94 will not get pregnant. Your chances of getting pregnant are lower when you use the diaphragm correctly. You have to use it every time you have vaginal sex. You are less likely to get pregnant when you use the diaphragm with a condom or another method of birth control. The diaphragm does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
If you want you can use a special introducer to help you put the diaphragm in and take it out. You should go to your doctor or nurse to have your diaphragm checked if you have given birth, have had a miscarriage, have had an abortion, have gained or lost 10 pounds or more, have had surgery in your pelvic area, or if your diaphragm feels uncomfortable, because you may need a new size.
You need to leave the diaphragm in your vagina for 6-8 hours after intercourse so that the spermicide has time to work.
The diaphragm does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is a cup shaped like a thimble. A doctor or nurse can tell you what size of cervical cap you need. They will also show you how to use it. A cervical cap fits snugly over the cervix. It forms a seal over the cervix like a suction cup. The cervix is the opening to the uterus. Once the cap is in, you should feel comfortable. A cervical cap has to be used with spermicidal jelly or cream. Spermicidal jelly or cream kills sperm. When sperm is killed, your chances of getting pregnant are lower.
Out of 100 women who use the cervical cap, between 80 and 91 women will not get pregnant. Your chances of getting pregnant are lower if you use the cervical cap correctly. You have to use it every time you have vaginal sex. You are less likely to get pregnant when you use the cervical cap with a condom or another kind of birth control. The cervical cap does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You should go to your doctor or nurse to have your cap checked if you have given birth, have had a miscarriage, have had an abortion, or if your cap feels uncomfortable, because you may need a new size. It’s a good idea to a get a Pap smear after you have used the cap for six months.
You need to leave the cervical cap in your vagina for 6-8 hours after intercourse so that the spermicide has time to work.
The cervical cap does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Lea’s Shield
Lea’s Shield is made of soft silicone, and not latex like many barrier methods. It is dome shaped and fits over the cervix to prevent sperm from entering. Lea’s Shield is reusable, and offers 8-hour protection. There is only one size of Lea’s Shield.
Lea’s Shield is placed deep in the vagina. Once it is in, it should feel comfortable. Lea’s Shield has to be used with a spermicide, which kills sperm. When the sperm is killed, your chances of getting pregnant are lower.
Out of every 100 women who use Lea’s Shield, 87 to 91 will not get pregnant. Your chances of getting pregnant are lower when you use Lea’s Shield correctly. You have to use it every time you have vaginal sex.
You are less likely to get pregnant when you also use a condom or another method of birth control.
You need to leave Lea’s Shield in your vagina for 8 hours after intercourse so that the spermicide has time to work.
Lea’s Shield does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Advantage 24
Advantage 24® is a spermicidal form of birth control. You put it into your vagina before you have vaginal sex. You can use it to prevent pregnancy. A spermicidal chemical, Nonoxynol-9 kills sperm. It may also kill bacteria and viruses that cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Out of 100 women who use spermicide, between 79 and 97 will not get pregnant. Your chances of getting pregnant are lower when you use the spermicide correctly. You have to use it every time you have vaginal sex. You are less likely to get pregnant when you use the spermicide with a condom or another kind of birth control.
Advantage 24® may be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse. More Advantage 24® should be put into the vagina before each time you have sex. Advantage 24® is unscented and flavourless. Advantage 24® washes away with normal vaginal secretions. The woman does not need to douche.
Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF)
VCF® (vaginal contraceptive film) is a spermicidal form of birth control. VCF® is a thin, square piece of film that dissolves when inserted into the vagina. It needs to be inserted into your vagina before having vaginal sex. You can use it to prevent pregnancy. A spermicidal chemical, Nonoxynol-9, kills sperm. It may also kill bacteria and viruses that cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Out of 100 women who use spermicide, between 79 and 97 will not get pregnant. Your chances of getting pregnant are lower when you use the spermicide correctly. You have to use it every time you have vaginal sex. You are less likely to get pregnant when you use the spermicide with a condom or another kind of birth control.
Contraceptive Foam
Contraceptive foam is a spermicidal form of birth control that comes in an aerosol can. Some of the brand names are Delfen® or Ramses®. You put it into your vagina before you have vaginal sex. You can use it to prevent pregnancy. A spermicidal chemical, Nonoxynol-9, kills sperm. It may also kill bacteria and viruses that cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Out of 100 women who use spermicide, between 79 and 97 will not get pregnant. Your chances of getting pregnant are lower when you use the spermicide correctly. You have to use it every time you have vaginal sex. You are less likely to get pregnant when you use the spermicide with a condom or another kind of birth control.
Oral Contraceptives (The Birth Control Pill)
The birth control pill is a hormonal pill that women take to prevent pregnancy. Your doctor has to give you a prescription. When your doctor prescribes the pill s/he should give you a physical examination and Pap test. This should be done yearly.
Out of 100 women who take the birth control pill, about 97 to 99 of them do not get pregnant. A nurse or doctor will tell you how to start using it. You can choose from different kinds of birth control pills. Birth control pills come in packs for 21 or 28 days.
Your chances of getting pregnant are lower if you take the birth control pill at the same time every day. The birth control pill doesn’t work right away. You can use another kind of birth control during the first month you take the pill.
Your pills might not work as well if you have diarrhea or throw up, or if you take medicines like antibiotics, antacids, or anticonvulsants. If any of this happens, you should use another kind of birth control until you finish the whole pack of pills.
Oral Contraceptives work by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month; thickening the cervical mucous, making it more difficult for sperm to travel; and by changing the lining of the uterus, making it thinner and less able for an egg to implant.
Oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There are advantages and disadvantages to taking the birth control pill. You can talk to your doctor about what they are, and if the birth control pill is right for you.
Injectable Contraceptive (Depo-Provera®)
Depo-Provera® is a form of birth control given by injection. You can get an injection every three months to prevent pregnancy. It contains the hormone progestin, and does not contain the hormone estrogen. If you use Depo-Provera®, your ovaries will not release an egg each month. It also affects the lining of the uterus, and makes the mucus found in the cervix thicker. The cervix is the opening to the uterus. Out of 100 women who use this method, about 99 of them will not get pregnant.
Depo-Provera® is a medication. A doctor will give you a prescription. A doctor or nurse will give you the injection. You will get the first shot when you are having your period. You should use another kind of birth control for two weeks after the first injection.
It is important to know that Depo-Provera® can weaken a woman's bones, and that this could increase your risk of osteoporosis later in life. There are advantages and disadvantages to injectable contraceptives. You can talk to your doctor about what they are, and if Depo-Provera® is right for you.
Depo-Provera® does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The Ring (NuvaRing®)
The NuvaRing® is a soft, flexible plastic ring containing hormones (estrogen and progestin). It is inserted into a woman's vagina, and stays in place for three weeks. It does not need to be in a particular position to be effective. The walls of the vagina hold the ring in place. It should feel comfortable once it is inserted.
NuvaRing® prevents pregnancy the same way as birth control pills. The hormones go into the woman’s bloodstream, through the vagina. It stops the ovaries from releasing an egg. It also makes the mucus found in the cervix thicker. It makes it hard for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg that might be released.
Your doctor has to give you a prescription. When your doctor prescribes the ring, s/he should give you a physical examination and Pap test. This should be done yearly. Out of 100 women who use this method, about 97 to 99 of them do not get pregnant.
The ring is a good option for women who want to use a hormonal method of birth control, but have trouble remembering to take a pill every day.
NuvaRing® does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The Patch (Ortho-Evra®)
The Ortho-Evra® patch is a hormonal form of birth control. The patch is about 4.5 cm by 4.5 cm and contain the same hormones (progestin and estrogen) as most oral contraceptives. After getting the prescription from a doctor, once a week you place a patch on the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso (front and back, excluding the breasts) or upper outer arm. You can wear it in a different place each week to prevent pregnancy. You can change it at any time of the day, as long as it is the same day each week. It is not recommended that you move your patch to a new location in the middle of the week. Attempting to change the location of a patch may cause it to become loose.
Ortho-Evra® prevents pregnancy the same way as birth control pills. The hormones go into the woman’s blood through the skin underneath the patch (this is called transdermal administration). It stops the ovary from releasing an egg. It also makes the mucus found in the cervix thicker. It makes it hard for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg that might be released. Out of every 100 women who use this method, 97 to 99 of them will not get pregnant. The patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Emergency Contraceptive Pill (The “Morning After” Pill)
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP), also known as the “morning after pill”, is a hormonal, emergency method of birth control. ECP can help to prevent a pregnancy after unprotected sex, forced sex, or failed contraception (like a condom breaking). ECP reduces the risk of pregnancy when taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but is more effective the sooner that it is taken. It is the only government approved emergency contraceptive pill available in Canada.
Out of 100 women who use ECP, 75 to 98 do not get pregnant. After you take it, you need to use another kind of birth control every time you have vaginal sex. The sooner you take it after the activity that put you at risk - especially in the first 72 hours - the more effective it will be.
If you are able to take the birth control pill safely, you can take the Emergency Contraceptive Pill. When you receive Plan B®, it will have two pills. Take the first pill right away. You will take the second pill 12 hours later. You might get an upset stomach and you might throw up. Eating something and taking one Gravol tablet 30 minutes before you take the second pill may help you to feel less nauseous. You might also want to try taking the second pill with a glass of milk. If you throw up within an hour of taking a pill, you will have to take another dose. You might bleed a bit after taking ECP. This may not be your period. You might get your period before or after it usually comes.
If you are already pregnant, ECP will not work. ECP will not cause an abortion or miscarriage. ECP is not an abortion pill. Taking ECP while pregnant will not result in an abnormal pregnancy.
If your period is two weeks late or if it is different, call your doctor or clinic. You may need a pregnancy test.
ECP is available directly from a pharmacist without a doctor's prescription. You can even get it in advance. You can also get ECP from your local sexual health clinic, doctor, or health care provider. You have the right to obtain and use ECP. It doesn’t matter how old you are, and you don’t need parental consent.
ECP will not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small piece of plastic that is inserted by a doctor into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is approximately 1.5 inches (3 cm) in length. There are several different types of IUDs. The most common IUD is T-shaped and coated with copper. This can be left in the uterus for up to eight years. Another type of IUD, called Mirena®, contains the hormone progestin and can be left in the uterus up to five years. Attached to the IUD are two plastic threads or strings that hang down through the cervix into the vagina. The cervix is the opening to the uterus. The threads, or strings, do not hang outside the body. The IUD is 97-99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
The IUD can also be used as an emergency method of birth control. If an IUD is inserted within seven days after unprotected vaginal sex, it may prevent a pregnancy.
Insertion of an IUD must be done by a doctor or nurse. It is usually done during your period. Removal of an IUD must also be done by a doctor or a nurse. Do not try to remove an IUD yourself. At the end of each menstrual period, the location of the IUD should be checked by inserting a finger into the vagina to feel for the two strings protruding from the cervix. If the woman cannot locate the strings or if the device is expelled from the body with menstrual flow, an appointment with a physician should be made.
The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Natural Family Planning Method
Natural Family Planning method uses a number of physiological changes to identify the different phases of a woman’s cycle. By monitoring basal body temperature, cervical mucous, position of the cervix and the number of days in each phase of a menstrual cycle, couples can plan to engage in or abstain from intercourse based on their preparedness to be parents.
There are many precise details to make this an effective means of birth control. Make sure that you are taught by a knowledgeable doctor, nurse or counsellor before using the Natural Family Planning method as your primary contraceptive.
Out of every 100 women who use the Natural Family Planning method, between 75 and 90 do not get pregnant. Your chances of getting pregnant are lower when you use the method correctly. You have to use the method every day and carefully record your symptoms. How well it works, is also dependent on how committed you and your partner are to abstaining from intercourse during specific times of the cycle if you are trying to avoid pregnancy. You are less likely to get pregnant when you use this method with another method of birth control.
Natural Family Planning is one form of the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) of birth control. There are other methods, such as Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM), and the calendar method. Make sure that you are taught by a knowledgeable doctor, nurse or counsellor before using any FAM as your primary contraceptive.
The Natural Family Planning method does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation (having your “tubes tied”) is a permanent method of birth control done by a doctor. Once you are sterilized, you will probably not be able to have children for the rest of your life.
Tubal ligation blocks a woman’s fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes can no longer carry eggs to the uterus. The eggs have no way of coming in contact with sperm. Out of 100 people who are sterilized, it is effective for 99 of them. You are considered to be protected from pregnancy immediately after the procedure, unless you ovulate around the time of the tubal ligation. You may resume intercourse when you feel comfortable and you have been advised by your doctor.
Tubal ligation does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control done by a doctor. A man can have it done so that he does not get his partner(s) pregnant. Once you are sterilized, you will probably not be able to have children for the rest of your life.
A vasectomy blocks the tube that carries sperm from a man’s testicles. The man still ejaculates but there is no sperm in the fluid that comes out of his penis. Sterilization is quick and easy for men and there are fewer risks for men than for women. A vasectomy may be performed in one of two ways: scalpel or non-scalpel.
Out of 100 people who are sterilized, it is effective for 99 of them. The vasectomy is not effective immediately. It usually takes 3 months to clear sperm storage ducts of sperm. You will be required to return to the doctor for a “sperm count test’. The doctor simply looks at a sample of your semen under a microscope to check for sperm.
A vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Abstinence
Abstinence means different things to different people. For some, that may mean no genital contact at all. For others, abstinence may mean stopping before having intercourse. There are lots of choices in between, too. Not being involved in any type of sexual behaviour is the only method of birth control that is 100% effective. But it depends on your ability to stick to your decision about sexual limits and communicate those choices to your partner. Abstinence only works if you know under which circumstances you would say “yes” as well as under which circumstances you would say “no”.
|
