CONTRACEPTIVES: The use of a device or procedure to prevent conception (pregnancy) as a result of sexual activity
Sexual Abstinence
- Voluntary restraint from sexual intercourse
Advantages
- NO risk of pregnancy
- NO risk of STIs
- Appeals to certain religions/beliefs
Disadvantages
- May not experience pleasure
Calendar/Rhythm Method
- No sexual intercourse during ovulation
Advantages
- NO side effects
- Enhances body awareness
Disadvantages
- Unreliable
- Inaccurate
- Only works if regular menstrual cycle
Withdrawal
- Man withdraws penis from vagina before ejaculation
- Ejaculation occurs outside the vagina
Advantages
- NO side effects
Disadvantages
- High risk of failure
- Relies on male’s ability to withdraw
- No protection against STIs
- Pre-ejaculate can still get woman pregnant
The Birth Control Pill
- Pill taken at the same time each day by woman that prevents ovulation
Advantages
- Highly effective
- Decreases irregular periods
- Easy to use
- Doesn’t interrupt sex
Disadvantages
- Must be taken every day
- No protection against STIs
- Side effects (nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, weight gain, depression, irregular bleeding, decreased sex drive)
Emergency Contraception Pill
- 2 pills taken (usually 12 hours apart) by woman in emergency situation AFTER unprotected intercourse that prevents or delays ovulation
Advantages
- Can be used in rape situation or emergency situation AFTER unprotected intercourse has ocurred
Disadvantages
- Must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse
- No protection against STIs
- Side effects (nausea, vomiting)
Injectable Contraceptive (Depo-Provera)
- Synthetic progesterone injected into buttocks or arm every 3 months that prevents ovulation.
Advantages
- Only 4 times/year
- Effective immediately
- Can reduce menstrual discomfort
- Safe, convenient
Disadvantages
- Possible: weight gain, nervousness, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, menstrual irregularity.
- Side effects last 6-8 months after injection.
- No protection @ STIs.
Transdermal Contraceptive Patch
- Patch containing hormones that are released through the skin (buttocks or upper body excluding breasts). Prevents ovaries from releasing eggs
- Replaced once a week for 3 weeks & skip 4th week
Advantages
- Only have to replace once a week (instead of once a day)
- Easy to use
- Can reduce menstrual discomfort
Disadvantages
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Breast sensitivity
- No protection @ STIs
- Patch may detach (less than 2%)
- Possible skin irritation at site
Vaginal Ring
- Transparent 2″ ring inserted in vagina for 3 weeks that releases hormones that prevent ovulation
- 4th week, ring is taken out, so that menstruation can occur
Advantages
- Only have to replace once a month
- Does not interfere with intercourse
Disadvantages
- No protection against STI’s
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Headaches, nausea, or breast tenderness
- May cause vaginal discomfort
- Ring may expel from vagina (not common)
Spermicide
- Spermicidal barrier inserted into vagina before intercourse.
- Chemicals destroy sperm.
- Available in the following forms: Film, Foam, Jellies, Creams, Suppositories
Advantages
- Can be used in conjunction with latex condom or diaphragm to increase effectiveness
- Little or no side effects
- No prescription. Available in pharmacy.
Disadvantages
- Only effective for a short period of time after insertion (approx. one hour)
- Requires preparation
- Can be messy
- Local or allergic reaction
Male Condom
- Rubber sheath placed over erect penis before genital contact
- Sperm barrier that prevents semen from entering vagina
Advantages
- Cheap
- Best protection @ STIs
- No prescription, widely available
Disadvantages
- Can be used incorrectly (e.g. rip or slide off)
- Oil-based products destroy the condoms
- If stored or treated improperly, can be ineffective
- Decreased sensation for some
Female Condom
- Plastic pouch inserted into the vagina that lines the vagina
- Prevents semen from entering the vagina
Advantages
- Can be inserted into vagina up to 8 hours before intercourse
- No side effects
- Protects @ STIs
Disadvantages
- Risk of breakage
- Noisy and moves during sex
Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)
- “T-shaped” device inserted into uterus by doctor that stops egg
Advantages
- Not felt during sex
- Inexpensive
Disadvantages
- Discomfort during insertion
- Heavier cramps and bleeding
- Risk of infection
- No protection @ STIs
- Replace every 2.5-5 yrs.
- Few women qualify
Sponge
- Sponge is treated with spermicide and inserted in vagina
- Acts as a sperm barrier and sperm killer
Advantages
- Easy and ready to use
- Can be inserted into vagina up to 24 hours before sex
Disadvantages
- Must be left in at least 6 hours after sex
Diaphragm & Cervical Cap
- Inserted into vagina and placed on cervix
- Sperm barriers used with spermicide
- Fitted by a gynaecologist
Advantages
- Some protection @ STIs
- Re-usable (with same partner)
Disadvantages
- Require professional instruction re: insertion and removal
- Must wait 6 hours after sex to remove diaphragm
- May move during sex
- Possible urinary tract infections, irregular Pap
- Cannot be used during menstruation or shortly after birth
- Unpleasant odour
Male Sterilization (Vasectomy)
- Vas Deferens cut and tied by surgeon to block sperm from entering semen, therefore, no sperm
- in semen
Advantages
- One-time, long term permanent procedure
- Safer and simpler than female sterilization (tubal ligation)
- Male still ejaculates and experiences orgasm
- Can be used by couples who don’t want or can’t afford any more children
- Can be reversed but NOT covered by OHIP
Disadvantages
- Initial discomfort
Female Sterilization (Tubal Ligation)
- Fallopian tubes cut and tied by surgeon
- Egg cannot reach uterus
Advantages
- One-time, long term permanent procedure
Disadvantages
- Initial discomfort
- Low possibility of reversal
