Choosing a contraception that’s right for u
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Unintended Pregnancies
Unintended pregnancies with various contraceptive methods
Numbers given are pregnancies for every 1000 women during first year of use
Adapted from Trussell et al, 2004.
Femalereproductivesystem
Fallopian tube
Ovaries
Uterus
Cervix
Vagina
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Femalereproductivesystem
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Fallopian tube
Ovary
Uterus
Bladder
Clitoris
Cervix
Urethra
Vagina
Rectum
F e m a l e menstrual c y c l e
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Oralcontraceptives
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What are they?
• Prescription tablets taken once a day
• There are two main types:
1. Combination pill which contains two female hormones similar to
the body’s own estrogen and progesterone
2. Progestin-only pill (or mini-pill) which does not contain estrogen
• Available under a variety of brand names with various strengths and
formulations
How do they work?
• Stop the release of a mature egg
• Thicken the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to get to the egg
• Change the lining of the uterus making implantation difficult
Failure rate: 80 per 1000 women per year
Oralcontraceptives
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What are the advantages?
1. One of the most effective reversible birth control methods when taken
consistently and reliably
2. Simple and easy to use
3. Regulates menstrual cycle and reduces cramps
4. Does not interfere with intercourse
5. Decreases acne
6. Reduces the risks of endometrial and ovarian cancer
7. May reduce perimenopausal symptoms
Oralcontraceptives
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What are the disadvantages?
1. Must be taken every day. The progestin-only pill must be taken at the same
time every day
2. May cause irregular bleeding or spotting
3. Effectiveness may be reduced by other medications
4. Should not be used by women over the age of 35 who smoke
5. May increase the risk of blood clots, particularly in women who have certain
blood disorders or a family history of blood clots
6. Does not protect against STIs
7. May increase the number of headaches
8. May not be suitable for breastfeeding women
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Side-Effects of Hormonal Contraception
Side effects that may occur during the first few months on hormonal
contraception include :
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irregular bleeding, spotting
nausea
mood swings
bloating
breast tenderness
headaches
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Side-Effects of Hormonal Contraception
Reason:
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Your body is getting used to birth control
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Fluctuating hormone levels when you start
When will it stop?
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Most symptoms are normal and will decrease or stop in the first 2-3 months.
If they bother you or don’t get better:
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Talk to your healthcare provider
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There might be a method that’s better suited for you.
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Myths and Misconceptions about Hormonal Contraception
Common myths and misconceptions
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Causes weight gain
Causes acne
Causes infertility
Causes birth defects
Should take a break from time to
time
Smokers should not be taking it
Women over age 35 should not
take the Pill
No need for condoms if you’re on the Pill
Malereproductivesystem
Seminal vesicles
Vas deferens
Prostate gland
Penis
Epididymis
Testicle
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Malebarriermethods
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Male Condom
What is it?
• A soft disposable sheath
• Available in various shapes, sizes, thicknesses,
colours and flavours
• Most are latex, but non-latex condoms are also
available in polyurethane, silicone, and lambskin
How does it work?
• Fits over the erect penis
• Acts as a physical barrier preventing direct genital
contact and the exchange of genital fluids, so the
sperm does not enter the uterus and fertilize
the egg
• A new condom is used for each repeated act
of intercourse
Failure rate: 150 per 1000 women per year
Malebarriermethods
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What are the advantages?
1. Available widely without a prescription
2. Inexpensive
3. Latex condoms protect against STIs
4. Allows the male partner to assume some responsibility for birth control
5. Both partners can participate in their use
6. May help the wearer avoid premature ejaculation
Malebarriermethods
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What are the disadvantages?
1. Must be available at time of intercourse
2. May slip or break during intercourse
3. Must be stored and handled properly
4. People with latex allergies cannot use latex condoms, but may be able
to use non-latex condoms
5. May reduce sensitivity for either partner
6. May interfere with the maintenance of an erection
7. May reduce spontaneity
8. Lambskin condoms do not protect against STIs
STIprevention
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Dental dams and gloves
A dental dam is a small piece of latex similar to the material used for latex
condoms.
• It can be used during oral sex. The dental dam is stretched across a
woman’s vagina to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids.
• It can also be used in other activities where a barrier is desired.
• Latex surgical gloves can also be used in activities where a barrier is
desired.
General tips
• When using latex dental dams, gloves, or condoms, apply only waterbased lubricants. They are available at drugstores.
• Use new dental dams, gloves, or condoms for each partner.
• Do not re-use latex barriers or turn them over and use the other side.
STIprevention
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Cutting a condom to make a dental dam
1
• When a dental dam is not available, a latex condom can be cut to create
a latex barrier.
1. Unroll a new condom.
2. Using scissors, cut off both ends of the condom, removing the
closed tip and the round loop at the base.
3. Cut the condom lengthwise so that it opens up into a rectangle.
2
• If you are going to use the barrier for oral sex, you may wish to select a
condom without spermicide or lubrication. A flavoured condom may be
a good choice.
3
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STIprevention
Method
STI protection
Oral contraceptives
no
Transdermal patch
no
Vaginal Ring
no
Injectable contraceptive
no
Intrauterine system (IUS)
no
Intrauterine device (IUD)
no
Female sterilization
no
Female condom
yes*
Diaphragm and cervical cap
limited
Sponge and spermicides
limited
Male condom
Male sterilization
yes with latex condoms*
no
* Remember that no method of protection from STIs is perfect. Some STIs can be
passed through skin-to-skin contact.
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What To Ask Your Healthcare Provider
Following are some questions you might want to ask regarding your sexual
health. A good idea is to make a list before you visit.
Birth control related:
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How do I know what birth control method is best for me?
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How to take your method
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How to deal with missed pills, patches, rings, or injections
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What are the side-effects? Which are normal and how can I cope with them.
General women’s health
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Should I get a mammogram? How do I know if I'm doing my breast selfexam correctly?
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How often do I need a Pap smear or gynecological check-up?
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How do I know if my period is normal?
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Should I be tested for AIDS or other STIs?
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What Your Healthcare Provider May Ask You
Be prepared to answer questions about:
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Medical history (surgeries, vaccines, menstrual cycle, etc)
Medications you are taking
Allergies
Family history (medical conditions like diabetes, heart problems)
Lifestyle
Sexual practices
Don't be embarrassed to tell the truth or ask a question. They are professionals
and the information is required to give you the best care possible.