Birth Control Options & methods

Internal condoms — also called “female” condoms — go inside the vagina or anus instead of on the penis. They are small nitrile (soft plastic) pouches that are placed inside the vagina or anus. They create a barrier that stops sperm and STDs/STIs.

They are also one of the few barrier method forms of birth control that provide protection from both pregnancy and STDs.

Effectiveness: 79% at preventing pregnancy, DOES provide protection against STDs and STIs. 

How to use

Internal condoms take a little practice

1. Remove condom from packaging, careful not rip or damage condom.
2. Put spermicide or lubricant on the outside of the closed end of the female condom
3. Find a comfortable position: sit, stand, squat, place a leg on a chair, lie down, etc.
4. Squeeze the sides of the inner ring of the closed side of the female condom
5. Insert into the vagina as if it were a tampon
6. Push the inner ring as far as it can go, until it reaches the cervix
7. Pull your finger out and the outer ring should hang about an inch out of the vagina

You can use the same instructions for anal sex as well

Side Effects

• May cause irritation to vulva, penis, or anus
• Dulled sensation
• Penis may slip between female condom and vaginal wall

Note to Self

The female condom is the only female-initiated prevention product that provides simultaneous protection against STIs, including HIV, and unintended pregnancy.

Do not use female and male condoms at the same time. The friction will cause breakage.

The implant is matchstick sized implant that is inserted into your arm to prevent pregnancy for 5 years.

Effectiveness:
Prevents pregnancy 99% of the time, DOES NOT prevent STDs or STIs

The Nexplanon implant is one of the safest, most effective, and convenient birth control methods available. 

Benefits of long-term birth control

• The ability to  get pregnant, if you desire, returns quickly once you stop using the implant.
• You can using while breastfeeding.
• If you can not take estrogen, this is a good option.
• You dont have to remember to take medicine every day.

How to Use

• The implant is matchstick sized implant that is inserted into your arm.
• It last 3 years.
• It must be performed by a healthcare professional.
• The birth control implant releases a hormone – progestin- to prevent pregnancy.
• Progestin keeps eggs from leaving the ovaries – so no egg joins the sperm. It also makes the cervical mucus thicker, keeping sperm from getting to the eggs.

Side Effects

Like with any form of long-term birth control there are side effects.

• The most common is irregular bleeds, especially during the first -12 months. For most women, periods become fewer and lighter.
• After one year, 1 out of 3 women who use the birth control implant will stop having periods completely.
• Some women have longer, heavier periods.
• Some women have increased spotting and light bleeding between periods.

Less Common side effects:

• Change in sex drive
• Discoloring or scarring of the skin over the implant
• Headache
• An infection or pain in the arm
• Nausea
• Pain at the insertion site
• Sore breasts
• Weight gain

Note to Self

• The Implant can be removed at any time.
• The cost of the exam, the implant, and insertion ranges from $400–$800.
• Removal costs between $100 and $300.

A silicone cap that is inserted into the vagina and cover the cervix. The cervical cap blocks the opening of the uterus.

Effectiveness:
Prevents pregnancy 71% – 86% of the time, DOES NOT protect against STDs or STIs.

FemCap – sounds like a new fashion style? In the United States, there is only one cervical cap method available called Femcap. The cervical cap blocks the opening of the uterus.

The cervical cap is most effective for women that have not given birth. To increase effectiveness use the cervical cap with a condom or pull out before ejaculation.

How to use

1. Wash your hands.
2. Put 1 tsp of spermicide on the dome and spread it all over the brim. Put another tsp of spermicide on the folded area between the brim and the dome.
3. Find a comfortable position. With your middle finger, find your cervix, so you will know where it goes.
4. Separate the lips of the vagina and slide the cervical cap dome-side down into the vagina, with the long brim entering first.
5. Push down toward your anus, then up and onto your cervix. Make sure your cervix is totally covered.

How to remove the cervical cap:

1. With your finger get a hold of the removal strap, and rotate the cap.
2. Push on the dome a bit with your finger to break the suction.
3. Hook your finger under the strap and pull the cap out.

Side Effects

The Cap will not protect against STI’s or HIV infections.

Some women develop vaginal irritation. This can be a sign of an allergy to the spermicide. If you have a mild reaction to spermicide, try switching brands to clear up the problem.

Serious but less likely side effects.

Check with your healthcare provider if you:

• feel a burning sensation while urinating
• are uncomfortable when the cervical cap is in place
• feel irritation or itching in the genital area, have unusual discharge from the vagina.

These symptoms may be a sign of infection or other condition.

Note to Self

One Cervical Cap can last you up to two years. It cost on average from $60 to $75. Spermicidal jelly or cream costs about $8 to $17 a kit.

Spermicide contains chemicals that stop sperm from moving, therefore keeping sperm from joining the egg.

Effectiveness:
Prevents pregnancy 72% of the time, DOES NOT prevent STDs or STIs.

Spermicide come as creams, films, foams, gel and suppositories placed in the vagina. It is best to combine spermicide with other birth control options for extra protection against pregnancy. Spermide does not offer protection against STDs and STIs.

Spermicide contains chemicals that stop sperm from moving, therefore keeping sperm from joining the egg.

If always used as directed, 15 out of 100 will become pregnant.

How To Use

Find a comfortable position and gently insert the spermicide into vagina. Wait 10 minutes before intercource. Make sure the spermicide is deep in the vagina. Insert more spermicide each time you have vaginal intercourse.

Side Effects

• No protection for STI or HIV infection.
• Can be messy.
• Irritation to vagina or penis. If this is the case, consider changing the brand.

Note to Self

• Easy to use, but not highly effective.
• Can make you more susceptible to viruses if spermicide irrates sensitive skin.
• Costs about $8 per package.

A shallow silicone cup inserted into the vagina. It blocks the opening of the cervix and prevents sperm from entering.

Effectiveness:
Prevents pregnancy 92% – 96% of the time, DOES NOT protect against STDs or STIs.

A Diaphragm is a shallow silicone cup inserted into the vagina. Similar to the cervical cap, it must be used with spermicide. It blocks the opening of the cervix and prevents sperm from entering. Once inserted it should stay in place for more than six hours.

How To Use

1. Wash your hands.
2. Check the diaphragm for any holes.
3. Put 1 tsp of spermicide in the cup and around the rim.
4. Find a comfortable position.
5. Separate the lips of your vagina with one hand, and use the other hand to pinch the rim of the diaphragm and fold it in half.
6. Put your index finger in the middle of the fold to get a good, firm grip.
7. Push the diaphragm up and back into your vagina.
8. Make sure to cover your cervix.

How to remove a diaphram

1. Wash your hands again. With your index finger, hook it over the top of the rim of the diaphragm and pull the diaphragm down and out.
2. After you take it out, wash it with mild soap and warm water. Let it air dry. And use it again.

Side Effects

• The Diaphragm will not protect against STI’s or HIV infections.
• Some women develop vaginal irritation. This can be a sign of an allergy to the spermicide. If you have a mild reaction to spermicide, try switching brands to clear up the problem.
• Serious but less likely side effects. Check with your healthcare provider if you: feel a burning sensation while urinating, are uncomfortable when the diaphragm is in place, feel irritation or itching in the genital area, have unusual discharge from the vagina. These symptoms may be a sign of infection or other condition.

Notes to Self

• Does not protect against STI’s or HIV infections.
• It is hormone free.
• There come in latex or silicone. If you are allergic to latex, make sure to get the plastic silicone version.
• Costs about $15–$75 and last up to 2 years.

Also called Fertility Awareness-Based Methods. By knowing a woman’s personal menstrual cycle, she and her partner can abstain from vaginal sexual activity (or use other contraceptives) on the days before her ovulation, which are her most fertile days.

Effectiveness:
Prevents pregnancy 76%-88% of the time, DOES NOT protect against STDs or STIs

The Pill is a medication to prevent pregnancy. The Pill contain hormones – either estrogen and progestin (combination) or just progestin – that you can take either every day for a 21 day period, with one week off (to have your period).

Effectiveness: 91% prevention of pregnancy, DOES NOT provide protection against STDs and STIs.

Depending on the type of pill, you should take the pill daily, at the same time each day, to ensure maximum protection.

With Progestin only pills, you may only get your period on the fourth week, stop getting your period, or have spot bleeding throughout the month.

How to Use

After just starting either the combination pill or the progestin only pill, you should use other birth control for the first week.

You can start either type of pill at anytime (except during pregnancy).

Side Effects

The pills do not protect against STI’s or HIV infection.

Common side effects: bleeding between periods (mostly progestin-only), tenderness in the breasts, nausea and vomiting, hormones may change a woman’s sex drive (libido).

For some  women, the hormones in pills can throw off your mood…if you’re noticing that you are not feeling yourself… think about talking to your provider about changing the hormonal amount or switching to another form of birth control.

Serious but less likely side effects: clotting, strokes, heart attacks, developing high blood pressure, liver tumors, gallstones, jaundice. Check with your physician about any health concerns.

The pill may not be as effective for women who have extra curves to love.

Note to Self

It’s important to use birth control consistently- everyday and at the same time. If you are using the pill, leave in a place you see everyday about the same time to make sure you take it on time. For example put it in the cabinet with your toothbrush or by your alarm clock/cell phone charger.

Cost about $15–$50 each month

There is little link between the pill and breast cancer, DON’T believe the rumors.

The Pill can be a private form of birth control.

Sterilization prevents an egg produced in the ovaries from traveling through the fallopian tubes towards the uterus, where it can be fertilized by sperm.

Effectiveness:
Prevents pregnancy 99% of the time, DOES NOT protect against STDs and STIs.

Isn’t sterilization what doctors do before surgery? Doesn’t that last forever? Wait, it can be undone?

Sterilization is nearly 100% effective.

.03% of women who use an Essure (insert) will get pregnant

.05% of women who use traditional incision methods will get pregnant.

How To Use

1. Commonly referred to as “getting your tubes tied”. There are several methods of sterilization.  Sterilization prevents an egg produced in the ovaries from traveling through the fallopian tubes towards the uterus, where it can be fertilized by sperm.
2. There are multiple ways to perform a sterilization: cutting and cauterizing the fallopian tubes; closing the tubes with clips, clamps or rings; or the most effective – tiny inserts that are placed into each tube. Tissue then grows around the inserts and blocking eggs from flowing. Another option is to remove the entire uterus.
3. However, it is done — sterilization will prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

Side Effects

• Does not protect against STI’s or HIV infections.
• If the insert is not placed correctly the first time, other procedures may be necessary to ensure safety.
• Rarely, complications like changes in menstrual cycle, infection, and pelvic or back pain may occur.

Note to Self

Sterilization is meant to be permanent and reversals can be dangerous (for women), very hard to do and expensive.

Plan B One-Step EC brand is available without age restrictions to women and men. That means that you do not need a prescription.  Just go to your local pharmacy (in most states) and get Plan B One-Step over-the-counter – no matter your age.

Depo Shot, aka, Depo-Provera aka the shot is an injection of a hormone – progestin – to prevent pregnancy. One shot lasts for 3 months.

Progestin keeps eggs from leaving the ovaries – so no egg joins the sperm. It also makes the cervical mucus thicker, keeping sperm from getting to the eggs. 

Effectiveness: 99% at preventing pregnancy, DOES NOT protect against STDs and STIs.

How It Works

Visit your healthcare provider. They will administer the shot.

Side Effects

• No protection against STI’s or HIV infections.
• Irregular bleeding can occur, especially in the first 6 to 12 months of use.
• Because this is a hormonal birth control option, your period may vary. For most women, periods become fewer and lighter. After one year, half of the women who use the birth control shot will stop having periods completely.
• Some women have longer, heavier periods.
• Some women have increased spotting and light bleeding between periods.
• Less common side effects: change in sex drive, change in appetite or weight gain, depression, hair loss or increased hair on the face or body, headache, nausea, and sore breasts.

Note to Self

• Because Depo is an injection, any side effects may persist until the shot wears off at 12-14 weeks.
• Ask your your healthcare provider about calcium or Vitamin D to keep your bones healthy.