Contraceptives

The PILL

How It Works:
Manipulation of the hormones-Estrogen and Progesterone. Estrogen prevents the egg from maturing and being released from the ovary. Progesterone causes changes in the lining of the uterus and in the consistency of the cervical mucus.

How To Use It:
A prescription hormone pill is taken at the same time daily for 21 days, then no pill or a sugar pill is taken 7 days to complete a 28 day cycle.

Disadvantages:
Can't be used by those with a history of breast cancer, blood clots or those at risk to develop blood clots, liver disease, kidney disease, unexplained uterine bleeding, smokers over age 35, and those on certain medications. Shouldn't be used by those with light periods, high blood pressure, diabetes, migraine headaches, depression, sickle cell disease, and fibroids.

Serious side Effects(rare): blood clots, liver disease, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, migraine headaches.

Common side Effects: nausea, breast tenderness, mid-cycle bleeding the first month, weight gain, increased appetite, mood swings, depression, headaches, and skin problems.

Effectiveness / Cost:
99% / $25-45 per month
The SPONGE

How It Works:
A contraceptive device saturated with three spermicides, including nonoxynol-9 . It releases a protective spermicidal gel over the vaginal mucosa. The sponge forms a barrier to the sperm reaching the cervix as well as killing or immobilizing sperm.

How To Use It:
Insert the sponge into the vagina up to several hours prior to intercourse and leave in place up to 12 hours after sex. Can be left in place for a total of 24 hours.

Disadvantages
Cannot be used on women allergic to nonoxynol-9 or those who have toxic shock syndrome.

Effectiveness / Cost:
85-90% / $2.25 per use
IMPLANTS

How It Works:
Norplants, small tubes containing progesterone, slowly releasing small amounts of the hormone preventing release of eggs from the ovaries.

Disadvantages:
Can't be used by women with liver disease, breast cancer, unexplained uterine bleeding, and blood clots. May not be good for women with high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, elevated cholesterol, irregular periods, light periods, headaches, and heart disease.

Possible Side Effects: irregular bleeding, prolonged periods, hair loss, decreased interest in sex, acne, depression, and some can be seen and felt.

Effectiveness / Cost:
99% / $450-900 per 5 years
INJECTIONS

How It Works:
Depo-Provera, containing a hormone, progesterone prevents the release of the egg from the ovary.

Disadvantages
Long Action: fertility returns 6-24 months after last injection. Can't be used in women with: blood clots, breast cancer, liver problems, and unexplained uterine bleeding. May not be good for women with a family history of breast cancer, abnormal mammograms, irregular or light periods, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, loss of interest in sex, bloating and weight gain, headaches, depression, and bone mineral loss.

Effectiveness / Cost:
99% / $30-65 every 3 months
SPERMICIDES
(Creams, Foams, Vaginal suppositories, and vaginal film)

How It Works:
Forms a chemical barrier that either kills the sperm or makes them inactive and they are unable to pass through the cervix to the egg.

How To Use It:
Must be applied into the vagina within 30 minutes of ejaculation. Inserts may need to be placed 1 hour before intercourse.

Disadvantages
Less effective than other methods. Must wait 8 hours before taking a bath or douche. Side effects include vaginal irritation and may effect lovemaking.

Effectiveness / Cost:
80% / $.50-3.50 per use.
DIAPHRAGM/CERVICAL CAP

How It Works:
A soft, rubber dome forms a barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the cervix. A spermicidal gel, kills or immobilizes sperm.

How To Use It:
DIAPHRAGM: Apply spermicide and place deep into the vagina, over the cervix.

CERVICAL CAP: Place spermicide into the cap and place snugly over the cervix.

Disadvantages:
Must be fitted by a health care professional. Needs a prescription. Must be left in place for 6-8 hours before intercourse each time. May become dislodged. Some women may be allergic to spermicides and latex. Must be replaced periodically.

DIAPHRAGM: Can be messy. Must apply spermicide with each act of intercourse. May have an increase in urinary tract infections. Needs to be refitted after a 10 pound weight loss or gain, and after pregnancy.

CERVICAL CAP: Can't be used by women with a history of abnormal pap smears, and toxic shock syndrome. Need more pap smears the first 1-2 years of use. May cause changes in the cells of the cervix.

Effectiveness / Cost:
85% / Diaphragm $20-45, Cervical Cap $25-50
FEMALE CONDOM

How It Works:
Female condoms prevent sperm from reaching the cervix. It lines the inside of the vagina and covers the cervix.

How To Use It:
Place the sheath into the vagina prior to intercourse.

Disadvantages:
Decreased vaginal sensation. Need to plan ahead. Protrudes outside the vagina. May be difficult to insert.

Effectiveness / Cost:
75-85% / $1.50-3.50 per use
MALE CONDOM

How It Works:
Prevents sperm from reaching the cervix.

How To Use It:
The condom is rolled over an erect penis allowing a pocket at the end to collect sperm.

Disadvantages:
Can break. Need to plan ahead. Woman may be allergic to spermicide or latex. Animal membrane condoms DO NOT protect against HIV. Can be used only once. May interfere with spontaneity.

Effectiveness / Cost
80-90% / $.50-3.50 per use.
FEMALE STERILIZATION

How It Works:
It Blocks the tube which carries the egg to the uterus either by cutting and tying or by applying cautery, clips or silastic rings.

How To Use It:
The surgeon surgically cuts and ties the tubes through a small incision under the umbilicus after childbirth. A laparoscope, is used to burn the tubes or place clips or silastic rings over the tubes thus blocking the fallopian tubes.

Disadvantages:
Surgical procedure required. Less than 1% of women get rejoining of the tubes ends. May have increased pain with periods. Chosen for women who don't want anymore children.

Effectiveness / Cost
99% / Varies
MALE STERILIZATION

How It Works:
The tube that carries sperm is cut and then tied or cauterized. This prevents the sperm from being ejaculated. Must have two tests before sterility guaranteed.

How To Use It:
The doctor surgically cuts the vas deferens, or tube that carries the sperm, and then ties it off or cauterizes it.

Disadvantages:
Permanent. Surgical procedure required. Some discomfort. Chosen for men who don't want anymore children.

Effectiveness / Cost:
99% / Varies

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