Birth Control Methods
Reversible Contraception Options
Form
of Contraception: |
Daily Oral Contraception
(28-day cycle) |
Commonly
referred to as: |
The Pill(Numerous brands available) |
Date
available in U.S.: |
1960 |
Description: |
Combination Oral Contraceptives (COCs)
consist of estrogen and progesterone hormones
within a pill form taken for three consecutive
weeks. Following the third week, inactive
pills are taken for one week to allow for
menstruation.
A progestin-only oral contraceptive (OC),
referred to as the “mini-pill,”
can benefit women who smoke, are lactating
or are over 40. |
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Form
of Contraception: |
Daily Oral Contraception (84-day cycle) |
Commonly
referred to as: |
Seasonale® |
Date
available in U.S.: |
September 2003 |
Description: |
Seasonale® consists of estrogen and
progesterone hormones within a pill form
and is taken daily for three months. After
the third month, inactive pills are taken
for one week to allow for menstruation. |
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Form
of Contraception: |
Intramuscular Injection |
Commonly
referred to as: |
Depo-provera®, Depomedroxy-progesterone
(DMPA) |
Date
available in U.S.: |
1992 |
Description: |
DMPA is a progestin-only hormone injection
that provides contraception for three months.
DPMA is reversible, but return to fertility
is delayed compared to other methods of
contraception. |
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Form
of Contraception: |
Intrauterine Device (IUD) or Intrauterine
System (IUS) |
Commonly
referred to as: |
Paragard® (IUD), Mirena® (IUS) |
Date
available in U.S.: |
2000 (IUD) |
Description: |
The IUD is a small device made of plastic,
metal or both and does not contain hormones.
Currently, the IUD Paragard®, can remain
in the uterus for up to 10 years, and is
the only IUD available in the United States.
An intrauterine system, or IUS, is a term
used for an IUD that progressively releases
a progestin (levonorgestrel). Mirena®,
the only IUS available in the U.S., can
remain in the uterus effectively for up
to five years. |
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Form
of Contraception: |
Medicated Patch |
Commonly
referred to as: |
“The Patch” or by brand Ortho
Evra Patch® |
Date
available in U.S.: |
2001 |
Description: |
The Patch is a small band-aid-like patch
worn discretely on the skin and releases
estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy.
The Patch is changed once a week for three
weeks, followed by a week of non-use during
which a woman has her period. |
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Form
of Contraception: |
Vaginal Ring |
Commonly
referred to as: |
“The Ring” or by brand –
NuvaRing® |
Date
available in U.S.: |
2001 |
Description: |
The vaginal ring is a flexible and transparent,
polymer ring that releases progestin and
estrogen in the vagina. The ring is inserted
into the vagina once a month and is used
for three weeks; it is then removed for
one week to allow for menstruation. |
Barrier Contraception and Spermicide
Barrier methods act as a physical wall between
sperm and egg and perform best when used with
a spermicide.
Form
of Contraception: |
Spermicide |
Description: |
Spermicides are available in vaginal
creams, jellies, foams, films, suppositories
and tablets. These devices are placed in
the vagina prior to sexual intercourse and
dissolve to release the spermicidal chemical
(Nonoxynol-9). |
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Form
of Contraception: |
Vaginal Diaphragm |
Description: |
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped, latex
cup that is placed in the vagina to cover
the cervix. A diaphragm can be inserted
up to two hours before intercourse. |
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Form
of Contraception: |
Cervical Cap |
Description: |
A cervical cap is shaped like a thimble
and fits securely around the cervix. Cervical
caps generally have lower success rates
than other forms of contraceptives. |
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Form
of Contraception: |
Female Condoms |
Description: |
The female condom is a single-use, disposable,
thin, sheath that is inserted into the vagina
before sexual intercourse. The female condom
can be inserted up to eight hours before
intercourse. |
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Form
of Contraception: |
Male Condoms |
Description: |
The male condom is a thin sheath that
covers the penis and catches semen before
it enters the vagina. |
Non-reversible Contraception
Form
of Contraception: |
Sterilization |
Description: |
Women may undergo tubal ligation surgery.
A non-surgical procedure may also be performed
in which a small implant is inserted into
the fallopian tubes to block the fertilization
of the egg. Men may undergo a vasectomy,
a surgical procedure that pierces and dissects
the vas, preventing the flow of sperm. This
surgery is safer and easier to perform than
female sterilization. |
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