Couples today have more birth control options than ever before. From birth control pills to emergency contraception, you can take control of your fertility in a way that works for you and your partner. When used as directed, contraception can be up to 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Discuss family planning methods with your doctor and partner to determine which is best for you.
Barrier Methods
Barriers work by preventing sperm from reaching the uterus and fertilizing an egg. Condoms are perhaps the most commonly used barrier method of birth control; some couples prefer them because they allow the male partner to take responsibility for contraception. Barrier methods available to women include the diaphragm, sponge and cervical cap. A diaphragm is a cup made of latex rubber that is inserted into the vagina up to two hours before sex and left in for six to eight hours afterwards. Cervical caps are smaller silicone barriers that can be inserted up to six hours prior to intercourse. Both must be used with spermicidal foam or jelly for maximum effectiveness, and both require a visit to a gynecologist for fitting. Sponges are perhaps the most convenient barrier method, as they are sold over the counter, can be inserted up to 24 hours before sex, and come pre-saturated with spermicide. The sponge is moistened with water before insertion to activate the spermicide.
Hormonal Birth Control
The birth control pill is the oldest form of hormonal contraception, and there are a wide range of pills on the market. The pill works by preventing a woman's ovaries from releasing an egg each month; if no egg is present to be fertilized, pregnancy cannot occur. Other methods of hormonal birth control are the patch, injection, vaginal ring and IUD. These are ideal for the woman who doesn't want the hassle of remembering to take a pill every day. The adhesive patch is applied to the skin, while the ring is inserted into the vagina. Both are left in place for three weeks; on the fourth week, they are removed and the woman has a menstrual period. The Depo-Provera injection is given every three months. An IUD is a device inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. IUDs can be left in place for up to five years. All hormonal methods of birth control work by releasing estrogen and progestin, except for the "mini-pill," which releases progestin only.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill, can be used up to five days after unprotected sex to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus. Morning-after pills are available over the counter to women and men ages 17 and older. Women younger than 17 will need to see a physician to obtain a prescription. The morning-after pill is not as effective as birth control used before or during sex, and it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. For maximum effectiveness, it should be used as soon as possible after sex. Another method of emergency contraception is insertion of the Copper-T intrauterine device within five days after unprotected sex.
