The Basics of Contraception
- What is Contraception?
- Methods of Contraception
- Abstinence
- Barrier Methods
- Hormonal Methods
- Emergency Contraception
- Spermicides
- Intrauterine Device
- Fertility Awareness Methods
- Sterilization
- Withdrawl
- Accessing Contraception
- Sharing the responsibility of Birth Control
Contraception is the intentional prevention of pregnancy. There are many contraceptive methods, also known as birth control, to help prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. If you are having sex, or plan to in the near future, and do not want to become pregnant, you should choose and use at least one type of contraceptive. There are a variety of methods to guard against an unwanted pregnancy, but no single method of birth control is one hundred percent effective. To best prevent pregnancy, more than one method of contraception should be used at the same time. When choosing a method of birth control, keep in mind that not all contraceptives protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Choosing a method of birth control can be difficult. If you are unsure about which methods to use, arrange an appointment with a doctor.
- Abstinence is refraining from having sex, and is the most effective method of birth control.
More information about Abstinence - Barrier Methods work by placing a physical barrier between the man's sperm and the woman's egg. There are four barrier methods:
- Hormonal Methods change a woman's body chemistry, making pregnancy unlikely. Some types of hormonal birth control cause the woman not to produce eggs, others alter the uterine lining so a fertilized egg would have difficulty implanting in the uterine wall. A few types of hormonal contraceptives do both: they hinder egg production and change the uterine lining. Types of birth control that function through hormonal change include:
- Emergency Contraception should not be used as a regular method of birth control, but if your regular method of birth control fails or you are sexually assaulted, emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy. Types of emergency contraception are:
- Spermicides work by killing the man's sperm.
More information about Spermicides - Intrauterine Device is a small insert that a doctor places in a woman's uterus to prevent pregnancy.
More information about Intrauterine Device (IUD) - Fertility Awareness Methods are contraceptive techniques that many people use when they cannot or will not use any other contraceptives, whether it be for personal or medical reasons. These methods are different from many other methods of birth control because they do not involve using any hormones or chemicals. Although these methods are not as effective as other contraceptives and they are harder to use, many women like the fact that these methods allow you to get to know your body. There are three types of fertility awareness methods of birth control:
- Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control. Many people choose sterilization if they have already had children or are sure they will never want children.
More information about a Vasectomy (Male Sterilization)
More information about a Tubal Ligation (Female Sterilization)
- Withdrawl is the method by which a man removes his penis from the woman's body prior to ejaculation.
More information about Withdrawl
A few types of contraceptives, such as condoms and spermicides, are fairly inexpensive and are readily available at drug stores and supermarkets. Other methods, such as birth control pills, the diaphragm, and sterilization, require a visit to the doctor and may involve a physical examination. Make sure you give your doctor a complete medical history, because medical complications can result from some types of birth control. Be prepared that some methods may cost more money initially, but will be less expensive in the long run.
If you are unsure about which birth control method is right for you, arrange for a consultation with a doctor who can best assess your contraceptive needs. If you do not have a regular doctor you feel comfortable discussing birth control with, you can find a clinic near you by contacting Planned Parenthood. Call 1-800-230-PLAN or visit the Planned Parenthood website.
Sharing the responsibility of birth control
While contraception is designed to keep a woman from becoming pregnant, this does not mean that the responsibility of birth control should fall solely to the woman. It takes both a man and a woman to create a pregnancy. One way to share the responsibility of birth control is to have the man and the woman each use their preferred method of contraception. This 'doubling up' on birth control decreases risks of pregnancy. These methods should be discussed before having sex so both individuals are comfortable with the birth control being chosen and knows its likelihood of effectiveness.