Behavioral methods:
Abstinence, which requires strong resolve and an awful lot of self discipline. It means refraining from sexual intercourse and that means no penetration. It also means refraining from oral and anal sex.
Barrier methods:
The purpose of barrier methods is to place an actual physical blockade, so to speak, between the penis and the cervix, so that sperm cannot get to the women’s eggs and fertilize them. Barrier methods are shared responsibility. They are more successful when used during every sexual encounter. Some are available over-the-counter, while some require sizing and a prescription. You want to keep them readily handy so that you have them when sexual activity is spontaneous and unplanned. These options include;
- Male condom
- Female condom
- Diaphragm
- Cervical cap
- Spermicidal agents: Sponge, vaginal creams, foams, jellies, suppositories. (Combining a method like a diaphragm with a contraceptive jelly increases its efficacy)
If the barrier like a condom breaks or if you do not follow directions explicitly, you will significantly increase the likelihood of a pregnancy.
Hormonal methods:
These methods involve an amount of female hormone that will prevent ovulation and help to thicken the mucus inside the cervix so that sperm remains trapped and unable to enter the uterus. What’s also important is that harmful bacteria can be trapped and prevented from entering the uterus, fallopian tubes and the ovaries but CAN still harm the cervix, vagina and spread to a male partner. When used properly, these methods can prevent pregnancies 98% of the time. They cannot however prevent STDs, which is why you should also choose to use a condom as well. Included in this group are;
- The Pill (combination pill includes estrogen and progestin; the mini-pill contains only progestin)
- The Skin Patch
- IUD (Intra-uterine device)
- Injectables
- Implants (inserted under the skin and effective for a specific period of time)
- NuvaRing vaginal ring
The pill poses certain risks including blood clots and a small but possible increased risk of breast cancer in women who have a strong family history of certain types of breast cancer. The mini-pill is ideal for women over 40 and those who are breastfeeding, since it only thickens the mucus wall – it doesn’t prevent ovulation (which is less frequent or likely in these women). It’s also a possible and safer option for women who smoke, women at risk for breast cancer and for women who cannot tolerate estrogen. The most common reason for women to abandon the pill (and especially the mini-pill is irregular menstrual bleeding). Be aware that there are over 20 different “pill” options with varying dosages of hormone, so you may have to try more than one to find a good option.
