Facts about Methods of Contraception
Based on information from Planned Parenthood.
Methods
What it is
Effectiveness
Advantages
Problems
The Pill
A monthly series of birth control
pills with ingredients similar to
hormones normally produced in a
woman’s body. Most keep the
ovaries from releasing eggs when
taken regularly.
Of 100 women on the pill, about 2
may become pregnant during the
first year of actual use. Women
who never forget to take the pill
on a daily basis have less chance
of getting pregnant.
A highly effective method, and
convenient to use. Periods are
more regular, with less cramps
and less blood loss. There is less
iron deficiency anemia, less acne
and less pelvic inflammatory
disease among users.
Minor reactions include breast
tenderness, nausea, vomiting,
weight gain or loss, and spotting
between periods. These often
clear up after two or three months
of use. Some medications may
reduce its effectiveness.
Condom
A sheath of thin rubber or animal
tissue that is put on a man’s erect
penis before intercourse. A
condom collects a man’s semen
and keeps sperm from entering a
woman’s vagina.
Of 100 couples relying on
condoms, about 10 pregnancies
may occur during the first year of
actual use. When the woman
uses a vaginal contraceptive at
the same time, there is greater
protection.
Condoms are easy to get. They
help protect against sexually
transmitted diseases. They’re a
reliable and handy back-up or
second method. They may help
men with problems of premature
ejaculation.
Rough handling may tear the
condom. Care is needed in
withdrawing. Some couples say it
interrupts lovemaking, but the
condom can be put on as part of
foreplay. Some users claim
feeling is dulled.
Diaphragm
A soft rubber cup that is used with
contraceptive cream or jelly.
When inserted into a woman's
vagina before intercourse, the
diaphragm covers the entrance to
the uterus, and the cream or jelly
stops sperm.
Of 100 women using diaphragms,
about 19 may become pregnant
during the first year of actual use.
You may increase protection by
checking that it covers the cervix
every time you have intercourse.
Once it’s learned, insertion is
easy. It can be part of bedtime
routine. Or it can be shared by
both partners during lovemaking.
Property placed, it is generally not
felt by either the woman or the
man.
Most women have no side effects.
Some women who use a
diaphragm are more prone to
develop bladder infections.
Occasional mild allergic reactions
to rubber or cream or jelly may
occur.
Contraceptive
Sponge
A soft, round-shaped sponge
impregnated with a spermicide.
The sponge is moistened and
inserted into a woman’s vagina
where it releases spermicide that
halts sperm activity and acts as a
barrier.
Research studies claim that of
100 women using the sponge, 9
to 11 percent will become
pregnant. Pregnancy rates will
likely be higher in actual usage.
Effetiveness can be increased by
using a condom.
ft comes in one size. Once
teamed, insertion is easy. There’s
little messiness or leakage. The
spermicide contained in some
sponges may offer protection
against certain sexually
transmitted diseases.
Rarely, irritation may occur with
use of the sponge due to an
allergic reaction. Removal
problems can occur. There is
some concern that sponge users ,
may be at increased risk of toxic
shock syndrome.
Chemical
Contraceptives
Foams, creams, jellies and
suppositories are chemical
substances inserted deep into the
vagina before intercourse that
stop sperm but don’t harm vaginal
tissue.
Of 100 women using a vaginal
contraceptive, about 18 may
become pregnant during the first
year of actual use. When the man
uses a condom at the same time,
greater protection is possible.
Easy to buy in drug stores and
easy to use. May offer some
protection against certain sexually
transmitted diseases.
No known bodily side effects. In
rare cases a man or woman may
find these products produce a
slight genital irritation. If not used
exactly as directed, these
products may not form a good
barrier to the uterus.
Intrauterine
Device
A small device of plastic that must
be inserted into a woman's uterus
by a clinician. Once inserted, an
IUD changes the lining of the
uterus so that it hinders
pregnancy.
Of 100 women with IUDs, about 5
may become pregnant during the
first year of actual use. Fewer
pregnancies occur with continued
use.
With an IUD in place, a woman
does not need to think about
using her birth control method
every day or every time she has
sex.
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The following may occur:
Cramping may be greater,
bleeding may occur between
periods, and periods may be
heavier and last longer. The IUD
may fall out, resulting in
pregnancy.
Rhythm
Methods
Several ways of checking a
woman’s changing bodily signs
are designed to help her discover
the days each month when an
egg is likely to be released. She
can therefore avoid unprotected
intercourse during those days.
Among 100 women limiting
intercourse by these methods,
about 24 may become pregnant
during the first year of actual use.
Keeping careful records and
consistent use can give better
results.
No medication and little
equipment is needed. Calendars,
thermometers and charts are
easy to get. These methods are
acceptable to all religious groups.
No bodily side effects to the user.
Care is needed in keeping records
and interpreting signs. Illness or
lack of sleep can produce false
temperature signals. Vaginal
infections may alter changes in
vaginal mucus.
control like pills, and use condoms for protection against sexually
transmitted diseases,’ ” she says. “We’re seeing much more foam
and condom use than we used to. ”
Miller says that because outside affairs are bound to occur in
some relationships, she advises women to tell their partners to take
precautions if they ever stray.
“I tell them to say, ‘If you ever have sex with someone else, put
a condom on it, ’ ’’she says.
Theoretically, using a combination of condoms and
contraceptive foam results in a pregnancy prevention rate of 98
percent.
The actual rate is lower because people don’t always use these
methods correctly. Often they don’t realize that latex can
deteriorate when exposed to heat or petroleum products. This
means condoms should not be lubricated with a petroleum-based
jelly like Vaseline.
Some of the popularity of condoms can be attributed to the
fact that they are the only method of birth control, short of
sterilization, that men can be actively involved in.
A humor column by Dave Barry in the October issue of
Glamour magazine suggested ways the sensitive man of the ’80s
could be involved in birth control. He suggests that partners take
turns providing birth control. If the woman is on the pill, he says the
man should act sympathetically and point out articles about the
possible side effects of the pill.
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Planned Parenthood doesn’t provide sterilizations at the clinic.
These are referred to doctors in the area.
IUDs are another birth control method Planned Parenthood
doesn’t provide. Miller says only one company makes these now
because of liability insurance rates. Only 0.8 percent of the women
who asked for birth control at the clinic last year chose IUDs.
An initial exam at the clinic costs $36 for college students. Pills
cost $3 or $4 per month, less than the $10 to $15 charged by
pharmacies. Various foams, spermicides and condoms may also be
purchased through the clinic.
The Brazos Valley Community Action Agency in
downtown Bryan offers services similar to Planned Parenthood’s,
but at lower prices. Sally Thane, associate administrator of the
agency, says a physical and lab work may cost up to $7. The
agency is federally funded, while Planned Parenthood gets only
some state funding. This state funding has already run out for the
fiscal year, Miller says.
Classes in natural family planning are offered by St. Joseph
Hospital whenever there is enough demand, says Kathy Thomas,
assistant director of nursing for obstetrics.
The classes teach the Billing’s method of testing cervical mucus
to determine when a woman can have sex without getting
pregnant Thomas says the method is theoretically 85 to 95
percent effective and is endorsed by the Catholic church.
Talking about contraception and diseases with your partner
r ;,;isn’t always easy. But ^either are-theicppsequences if you don’t.