Birth Control Methods

The following is a list of methods and behaviors for women to investigate:

Permanent Abstinence – The most effective way to prevent pregnancy is to stay away from intercourse altogether.

Rhythm method – Also referred as the “natural birth control method” or “calendar method”, it requires the understanding of your menstrual cycle. During a month, a woman is fertile 5 days pre-cycle and 3 days post ovulation day.

Barrier methods – These methods, mostly for women, help block the entry of any sperm into the uterus and can be of the following types:

Diaphragm – This device covers the cervix in the vagina. Made of latex (a form of rubber), it comes in various sizes and has to be externally fitted in by a physician.

Cervical caps – They are made of silicone rubber, similar to diaphragm, but are narrower. Both of the above devices require the use with foam, gel, or cream based spermicidal. Some women could be allergic to them and may become prone to a urinary tract infection. Certain spermicides such as nonoxynol-9 can also cause allergies.

Contraceptive sponges – They consist of foam rubber laden with spermicide. They are inserted in the vagina to cover the cervix. People allergic to spermicidal should avoid using sponges. In addition, if left inside for longer than the prescribed hours, they may cause toxic shock syndrome.

Condoms – These are considered one of the best forms of contraception for their efficacy and for their additional benefits of protecting both partners from the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They are available for both males and females but those for males are more effective.

Hormonal methods (Oral contraceptive pills) – There are two types, one with progestin and estrogen and the other with only progestin. The combined pills have the dual effects of preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries and thickening the mucus lining to prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg. The pill with progestin only performs the second function. Pills may lose their effectiveness in the presence of antibiotics.

Patch – Patches are externally worn on the lower abdomen, hips, arms, or upper body. They release progestin and estrogen hormones directly in the blood stream, which functions similar to birth control pills.

Injections – This is another way of releasing hormones directly into the blood stream. Women who overuse (over two consecutive years) carry the risk of osteoporosis.

Vaginal ring – This thin ring-like device is inserted in the vagina. It continuously releases the hormones towards birth control.

Rods – This progestin-releasing device is implanted in the upper arm and remains effective for almost five years.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) – Copper T is the most popular measure, in which a small copper device is placed in the uterus to block a sperm from reaching an egg. It remains effective for a period of 5-10 years.

The following are examples of permanent methods – These mostly involve the surgical methods to block the passage of eggs through the fallopian tubes in women (tubectomy) and that of sperm in men (vasectomy).

Emergency pills – These pills are taken (two pills with a gap of 12 hours) within 72 hours of an intercourse to avoid pregnancy.

Learn more about our Phoenix Birth Control Clinical Trial