Contraception

Contraception is the use of artificial or natural means to prevent conception,or pregnancy There are various contraceptive methods available today. The most common artificial methods are female condoms, spermicides, sponge, diaphragm, cervical cap, oral contraceptives birth control pills, injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera, Lunelle), vaginal rings, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and surgical sterilization.
The natural methods include complete abstinence (no sexual intercourse), periodic abstinence and withdrawal.
Emergency contraception is a method to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse has occurred.

Female Condom The female condom is a lubricated sheath with a flexible polyurethane ring on each end. One ring is inserted into the vagina while the other remains outside. The ring outside covers the labia and keeps the condom in place during intercourse. When in place, the vaginal condom lines the vaginal wall and creates a covered passageway for the penis. To be effective, the condom must be undamaged and inserted before any genital contact. It must also remain inside of the vagina until the completion of intercourse. The estimated effectiveness of the female condom is 74 to 79 percent.
Risks and side effects: The risks of using a male or female condom are minimal. Some people can experience a slight irritation and allergic reaction.

Spermicides Spermicides are available in foam, jelly, gel and suppositories, and work by forming a physical and chemical barrier to sperm. They can be inserted into the vagina on a diaphragm, a cervical cap, a condom, or alone, within an hour before sexual intercourse. If intercourse is repeated, more spermicide should be inserted. The estimated effectiveness is about 70 to 80 percent.
Risks and side effects: The risks of using spermicides are minimal. Some people can experience a slight irritation and allergic reaction.
Sponge The sponge is made of white polyurethane foam (shaped like a small donut) and contains a spermicide. The sponge is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix during and after intercourse. It is held in place by the vaginal walls and the dimple covering the cervix. The estimated effectiveness is 72 to 82 percent.
Risks and side effects: The risks of using a sponge are minimal. Some people may experience a slight irritation and allergic reaction, difficulty in removal, and very rarely,toxic shock syndrome (a bacterial infection associated with the use of highly absorbent tampons).

Diaphragm A diaphragm is made of soft rubber and is shaped like a shallow cup. It has a flexible metal spring rim that fits snugly over the cervix. Before insertion, a spermicidial cream or jelly should be applied into the shallow cup. The diaphragm must be fitted by a health professional and the correct size must be prescribed to ensure a snug seal with the vaginal wall. The estimated effectiveness is 82 to 94 percent.
Risks and side effects: The risks of using a diaphragm are minimal. Some people may experience a slight irritation, an allergic reaction, a bladder infection and very rarely, toxic shock syndrome (a bacterial infection caused by use of highly absorbent tampons).
Women who have a severely displaced uterus, cystocele (a protrusion of the bladder through the vaginal wall), fistulas (openings in the vagina),scoliosis (curvature of the spine),spina bifida, chronic urinary tract infections or a history of toxic shock syndrome, should not use a diaphragm.

Cervical Cap The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped rubber cap that fits snugly over the cervix. Like the diaphragm, it blocks sperm from entering the cervical opening. Usually, a small amount of spermicide is used on the inside of the cap to kill any sperm that may break through the seal. The cervical cap must be fitted by a health professional and the correct size prescribed to ensure a snug seal. It has an estimated effectiveness of about 82 percent.
Risks and side effects: The risks of using a cervical cap may include abnormal pap tests, vaginal or cervical infections, and very rarely, toxic shock syndrome.
Women who have a severely displaced uterus, fistulas, scoliosis, spina bifida, chronic urinary tract infections, a history of toxic shock syndrome, cervical erosion or laceration, or an elongated or irregular cervix, should not use a cervical cap.

Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills) at present, more than 20 brand names and more than twice that number of formulations of oral contraceptives are available. When used correctly and consistently, oral contraceptives are 99 percent effective. With typical use, oral contraceptives are 90% effective.
Birth control pills use synthetic hormones similar to the ones made in the ovaries. There are two types of pills currently manufactured in the United States: a combination pill, with both synthetic progesterone (progestin) and synthetic estrogen; and mini-pills, which contain only progestin.
Although all oral contraceptives prevent sperm from uniting with an egg, they work in slightly different ways. The combination pill keeps the ovaries from releasing an egg. The mini-pill is less reliable in suppressing egg release, but creates changes in the cervix and uterus that make conception less likely.
The mini-pill is less effective than the combination pill, but does not have the risks attributed to estrogen, such as increased possibility of blood clots and nausea. However, the mini-pill causes more problems with spotting and bleeding between periods and therefore, its use is not widespread. Women who are breastfeeding may choose to use the mini-pill rather than combination pills because mini-pills cause less effect on breast milk production.
Combination pills come in two types. One provides the same combined dose of synthetic progestin and synthetic estrogen throughout the entire cycle. Others, sometimes called biphasic or triphasic pills vary the levels of these two hormones to more closely approximate a woman's normal hormonal variations. In some women, these pills have a lower risk of side effects.
The pill essentially works by interfering with a woman's normal fluctuations in hormone levels, which in turn prevents the egg from maturing and being released. It also acts on the climate of the cervix, uterine lining and fallopian tubes, making them all inhospitable for egg, sperm or embryo.
Combination pills are packaged in several ways: the most common is the 21-day pack. One pill is taken each day for 21 days, then none during the next seven days (for the average 28-day cycle during which menstruation occurs). There are also 28-day packs, with 21 active pills followed by seven inactive ones (placebos).
The mini-pills must be taken every day.
In addition to effectiveness in preventing conception, oral contraceptives offer other benefits. Menstrual periods are usually lighter, making iron deficiencyless likely, and there may be less cramping. Ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, and perhaps endometrial cancer occur less often among pill users. In addition,ecotopic pregnancy occurs less frequently among pill users (in the rare instance when pregnancy occurs at all). Oral contraception may also help with acne and some cases of unwanted, masculine type hair growth.
Risks and side effects: Minor side effects include headaches, sore breasts, weight gain, feeling sick to your stomach, irregular bleeding, and depression. Serious possible side effects are more likely to occur in women over the age of 35. These include an increased risk of heart attack,stroke and formation of blood clots in the veins (thrombosis).
It is best to consult with a pharmacist or your doctor to determine if any medication you are taking might interfere with the pill.