CONTRACEPTION
How Do They Work?
 Contraceptives prevent conception by blocking the female’s egg from uniting with the male’s sperm, thereby
preventing pregnancy.
 Many contraceptive methods play a role in the prevention against sexually transmitted diseases.
 Modern contraceptive methods are much more predictable and effective than in the past.
Types of Contraception
 Barrier methods
 Hormonal methods
 Natural methods
 Surgical methods
Oral Contraception (OCs)
 Also known as Birth Control Pills or “The Pill”
 How does the Pill work?
o Hormonal method
o Contains hormones which are taken orally

Estrogen and Progesterone
o Mimics the hormonal activity of the corpus luteum
 Prevents ovulation from occurring
Contraceptive Skin Patch
 Also known as Orthoevra
 What is it?
o Thin 13/4 inch square patch
 How does it work?
o Hormonal method
o Releases estrogen and progesterone slowly into the bloodstream.
o Prevents ovulation the same way as the pill
o Worn for one week, replaced on the same day for 3 consecutive weeks. Fourth week no patch
Vaginal Contraceptive Ring
 Also known as the NuvaRing
 What is it?
o Resembles the rim of a diaphragm and is molded with progesterone and estrogen
 How does it work?
o Hormonal method
o 2 inch ring slowly releases the hormones
o During fourth week, remove the ring and use a new ring after the fourth week.
Contraceptive Implant
 Also known as Norplant; Jadelle (Norplant II); Implanon (2006)
 What is it?
o 6 flexible matchstick capsules
o Implanted under the surface of the skin
 How does it work?
o Hormonal method
o Contains Progesterone which inhibits ovulation
o Gives protection for 5 years
Injectable Contraceptives
 Also known as Depo-provera
 What is it?
o Hormonal treatment
o Injectable progesterone every 12 weeks
 How does it work?
o Prevents ovulation
o It may take 12 months before cycle will return
Emergency Contraception
 Postcoital Pill, Morning After Pill, Plan B (OTC)
 How does it work?
o Hormonal method
o Taken orally
o Prevents uterine implantation
o Needs to be taken within 72 hours. Best used within 24 hours
Interuterine Device (IUD)
 T-380A (ParaGard)
o Copper T
 What is it?
o Surgically implanted by a physician
o Levonorgestral (Mirena) 5 years of protection
 How does it work?
o Hormonal method
o Release small amounts of progesterone to prevent ovulation
o 10 years of protection
Male Condom
 What is it?
o Thin latex sheaths
 How does it work?
o Barrier method
o Can also offer protection against STD’s
o Use with spermicide
Female Condom
 Reality Brand
 What is it?
o Barrier method
o Polyurethane sheath with two flexible rings
o Can also offer protection against STD’s
Diaphragm
 What is it?
o Dome shaped cup of thin rubber stretched over a collapsible metal ring.
 How does it work?
o Barrier method
o Custom fit by a physician
o Use with spermicide
o Following intercourse needs to be removed
Cervical Cap
 What is it?
o Small rubber or plastic cap
 How does it work?
o Barrier method
o Custom fit by a physician
o Use with spermicide
Contraceptive Sponge
 What is it?
o Round, absorbent device about 2 inches in diameter
 How does it work?
o Barrier method
o Foam filled with spermicide
o Inserted before intercourse
Abstinence
 Without intercourse or sexual activities
 Natural method
 Benefits: more self respect and respect for others. Security that you are being pursued for sexual reasons. Less
worry about STDs and Pregnancy.
Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) and Withdrawal Method
 Natural Methods
 Fertility Awareness Method
o Calendar method
o Temperature method
o Mucus method
 Withdrawal Method
 Combining methods
Male Sterilization
 Surgical method
 Severing of the vasa deferentia
 May return to work in 2 days
 Semen tested in 12 weeks or 20 ejaculations
 Reversal varies between 80% to 50%, depending on the report.
Female Sterilization
 Surgical method
 Tubal sterilization (laparoscopy) is most common
 Hysterectomy