| |
How they work |
Efficiency rate |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Hormonal methods |
|
|
|
|
| The birth-control pill |
One pill to be taken daily, at the same
time The inner lining of the uterus becomes unsuitable for the
ovum to settle in |
approximately 98% |
Good efficiency rate Easy to use Does
not hinder fertility Weaker, more regular menstruation; fewer menstrual
cramps |
Possible side effects (weight gain,
nausea, headaches) Directions must be followed to a tee |
| Depo-provera |
Injection given at 3-month intervals
The inner lining of the uterus becomes unsuitable for the ovum
to settle in |
approximately 99% |
Good efficiency rate Practical Medical
check-ups at 3-month intervals |
Menstrual irregularities Possible weight
gain |
| Norplant |
Capsule implanted in the arm The inner
lining of the uterus becomes unsuitable for the ovum to settle
in |
approximately 99% |
Continued protection for 5 years
Practical |
Minor surgical intervention Bleeding
between menstrual cycles |
| "Barrier" methods |
The spermatozoon does not meet the ovum |
| The condom |
Latex membrane covering the penis
Must be put on as soon as penis is erect, and removed immediately
following ejaculation
Always use with a water-based lubricant
|
approximately 98%
|
Direct involvement of the partner
Easily accessible
Protection against STIs |
Can tear if used improperly (expiry
date past due, insufficient lubrication)
One-time use only |
| The female condom |
Polyurethane membrane
May be put in place up to 8 hours prior to sexual relations
and removed immediately following ejaculation
|
75 to 95%
|
Available without a prescription
Very resistant
Protection against STIs |
Need to be at ease with one's
own body
Relatively high price
One-time use only
|
| The diaphragm (cervical cap) |
Insertion of a cap covering the cervix
two hours prior to sexual relations
Must remain in place 6 to 8 hours following sexual relations
|
80 to 90%
|
Few side effects |
Need to be at ease with one's
own body |
| Spermicide |
Nonoxynol-9 is available as a spermicidal
lubricant on some condoms, vaginal film, contraceptive gel, contraceptive
sponge and vaginal foam. |
70 to 80%
|
Available without a prescription |
Questionable protection against STIs.
Possible allergic reaction to N-9 causing microscopic tears in
vagina. N-9 does not reduce the risk of HIV acquisition. It may
actually do the opposite by causing mucosal disruptions in the
genital lining. The best protection against HIV and STIs is a
condom without N-9. However a condom lubricated with N-9 is better
than no condom at all. |
The intra-uterine device (I.U.D.)
|
Is placed inside the uterus
The ovum cannot settle in the uterus
|
approximately 98%
|
Always in place
Medical check-up since I.U.D. is put in place by a doctor
Long-lasting: replacement every 30 months
|
Possible side effects (infection
of the Fallopian tubes, aches, cramps, etc.)
Possibility of increased menstrual bleeding
|
Fertility awareness methods |
No sexual relations
at all or only during infertile periods
|
| Abstinence |
No sexual relations
|
100%
|
No side effects
Nothing to buy
Protection against STIs
|
Necessary resistance to social and
peer pressure
Needs strong commitment
|
| Temperature method |
Measuring of one's body temperature
every morning
Keeping track of it on a graph
Temperature rises following ovulation
|
Unacceptable efficiency rate if used
alone
|
No side effects
|
Sexual relations not permitted at
certain times
Fatigue, stress and illnesses can affect temperature
Directions must be followed to a tee
|
| Coitus interruptus
(withdrawal) |
Partner "pulls out" prior
to ejaculation
|
Unacceptable efficiency rate if used
alone
|
|
Sexual relations not permitted at
certain times
|
| Emergency methods |
When the other methods have failed
(due to forgetfulness or an accident)
|
Emergency contraceptive
pill |
Four pills to be taken within 72
hours of the at-risk sexual relation
The inner lining of the uterus becomes unsuitable for the
ovum to settle in
Prevents the ovum from reaching maturity
|
approximately 98%
|
Prevents an unplanned pregnancy
|
Need to consult a doctor
Directions must be followed to a tee
Possible side effects (nausea, vomiting, drowsiness)
|
