PREGNANCY:
Pregnancy occurs when a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg join. A woman’s ovaries hold the eggs that are released, one about every 28 days. The egg is usually released about 14 days after the start of a woman’s menstrual period. Since sperm can live approximately 3 days and women may ovulate at different times, a woman is typically most fertile 10-17 days after the first day of the last menstrual period.
As the egg is maturing in the ovary, the uterine lining is thickening preparing a healthy environment. Fertilization is caused when the man’s sperm meets with the egg. If the egg is fertilized by a man’s sperm, it travels down the fallopian tube into the uterus where it is implanted in the wall of the uterus and begins to develop into an embryo. If the egg is released and not fertilized, the lining is shed, causing menstruation.
BIRTH CONTROL OPTIONS:
Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills):
"The Pill" is the most popular method of birth control,
and has been used for over 30 years. The pill uses a combination of estrogen
and progesterone, normally found in the female body, to prevent an egg
from being released from the ovary. It also thickens the cervical mucus
lining to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Pills come in 21 or
28 day packs. The 28-day packs have 21 "active" pills containing hormones,
and 7 "reminder" pills. You will begin menstruation during the 3rd
or 4th "reminder" pill. The pill is not as effective if it’s
not taken at the same time each day. The pill is a good choice if you
want a reversible, convenient method of birth control. Cigarette smoking
while on oral contraceptives, especially in women over age 35, increases
the risk of heart, blood, and vessel problems.
Effectiveness = 99% or greater when taken correctly
Depo Provera Injection (Birth Control Shot):
This method works by giving an injection of a hormone
called progesterone every three months to prevent ovulation. Depo Provera
is easy to administer and a good long-term (approximately 3 months) form
of protection. There is no dailyintake required, just the injection once
every three months. The shot is not recommended for those with liver disease,
a history of blood clots, or cancer of the breast or reproductive organs.
Depo Provera users may be at risk of developing osteoporosis.
Effectiveness = 99% or greater
Intrauterine Device (IUD):
An IUD is a small plastic "T" shaped device containing
copper or the hormone progesterone. It is placed in the uterus and stops
pregnancy by changing the uterine lining to prevent implantation. Once
inserted, it is effective for 1 to 5 or more years. The IUD is an effective,
long-term, reversible method of birth control. You should not use the
IUD if you have more than one partner, if you have ever had infections
of the reproductive organs, or if you are allergic to copper. The IUD
is associated with increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
thereforeit is preferred that a woman have already had one or more children
to be considered for IUD insertion.
Effectiveness = 97-99%
Condoms:
Both male and female condoms can be used as a barrier
to physically prevent sperm from entering the vagina. The barrier collects
semen upon ejaculation. Condoms should be used with a separate vaginal
spermicide to increase effectiveness. The condom is a good method if you
have multiple partners. This barrier method can also prevent the spread
of some STD’s, including HIV.
Effectiveness = Male condom: 88% or higher, Female condom: 80% when
used correctly and highest when used with a spermicide.
Diaphragm and Cervical Cap:
A diaphragm is a rubber cup, and a cervical cap
is a smaller latex version of the diaphragm. You need to be fitted for
this form of contraception. After applying spermicide to the rim of the
cup or cap, the diaphragm or cervical cap is inserted by hand into the
vagina and placed over the cervix. They are to be left in place for 6-8
hours after sexual contact. Using them consistently and correctly is necessary
for these barrier methods to be most effective.
Effectiveness = 82% or higher when used correctly with spermicides
Spermicides:
Spermicides come in foam, jelly, cream, and suppository
form and contain a chemical that destroys sperm before they can enter
the uterus. Spermicides are inserted into the vagina before intercourse
and must be reapplied each time intercourse is repeated. Protection lasts
about an hour. This method is not recommended for those with sensitivities
to chemicals. This method is most effective when used with a barrier method
(condom, diaphragm, cervical cap).
Effectiveness = 79% or higher when used correctly
Tubal Ligation:
Female sterilization is intended to be a permanent
surgical procedure. This form of birth control is recommended for partners
who do not want to have any more children. The surgery seals off the fallopian
tubes, which carries the egg from the ovary to the uterus. The surgery
usually takes about 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
The patient can resume sexual intercourse once she feels comfortable.
Effectiveness = 99% or greater
Vasectomy:
Male sterilization is recommended for partners who
do not want to have any more children. This is intended to be a permanent
surgical procedure. This is done as an outpatient procedure. Another method
of birth control will need to be used until the semen tests confirm sperm
are no longer left in the semen.
Effectiveness = 99% or greater
Natural Family Planning (Rhythm Method):
The rhythm method works by calculating when ovulation
occurs and avoiding intercourse during that most fertile time. Ovulation
can be calculated by counting days, basal body temperature, and checking
the consistency of the cervical mucus. It is a good method only if your
religious/personal beliefs prevent you from taking more effective, hormonal
forms of birth control. It is less effective if you have irregular cycles
or find it difficult for you and your partner to refrain from intercourse
several days each month. This is for partners who are not worried about
getting pregnant. You should consult a physician for specific guidelines
to monitor ovulation.
Effectiveness = 80%
Withdrawal (Pull-out):
This is NOT a recommended form of birth control.
There can be sperm in the man’s pre-ejaculation fluid, which can
cause a pregnancy to occur.
Effectiveness = 72%
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