Contraception

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Contraception

Prescription and Permanent Birth Control Methods

By Dawn Stacey M.Ed, LMHC, About.com Guide to Contraception

Learn about contraception available only from your doctor. Prescription birth control can take the form of hormonal contraception – like birth control pills, the Patch, NuvaRing, Depo-Provera Shot, Implants, and Mirena IUD. It also includes barrier methods such as diaphragms, caps, and shields. Permanent birth control like a tubal ligation and vasectomy can be obtained from your doctor as well. Find out about each of these methods: pros and cons, effectiveness, STD protection, health risks, where to obtain, non-contraceptive advantages, and costs.

  1. Birth Control Pills
  2. NuvaRing
  3. Ortho Evra Patch
  4. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
  5. Diaphragms and Cervical Caps
  6. Depo Provera Shot
  7. Implanon
  1. Emergency Contraception
  2. Tubal Ligation
  3. Contraceptive Injections
  4. Vasectomy
  5. Progestin and Hormonal Birth Control
  6. Questions About Hormonal Contraception

Birth Control Pills

The pill is the common name for oral contraception. It's one of the safest, most effective, and popular methods of birth control. The pill is made up of synthetic forms of hormones that naturally occur in a female's body -- progestin and estrogen. There are two kinds of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills.

NuvaRing

The NuvaRing is a small, flexible circle about 2 inches in diameter. It is inserted it into the vagina once a month and left it in place for 3 weeks. It is then removed for the remaining week. The ring secretes synthetic estrogen and progestin to protect against pregnancy for one month.

Ortho Evra Patch

The Ortho Evra Patch is a thin, beige, plastic patch and is applied by sticking it to the skin of the stomach, buttocks, upper outer arm, shoulder, or upper torso once a week for 3 weeks in a row. It works best when it is changed on the same day of the week for the 3 weeks, and it is not applied in the fourth week. The patch releases synthetic estrogen and progestin, which provides weekly protection against pregnancy.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

The IUD is a small, T-shaped flexible plastic device that is inserted into the uterus. The Mirena IUD continuously releases a small amount of progestin and is effective for 5 years. The ParaGard (also known as Copper T 380A) is the only non-medicated IUD available in the United States and can be left in place for up to 10 years. This IUD has copper (which acts as a spermicide) coiled around it. One of the greatest hurdles facing IUD use is that many people have been lead to believe inaccurate information about it.

Diaphragms and Cervical Caps

The diaphragm is latex or silicone, dome-shaped cup with a flexible rim. It is inserted securely in the vagina and becomes a barrier which covers the cervix. It is put in place before intercourse and needs to be left for 6 to 8 hours after ejaculation. The diaphragm blocks the opening to the uterus while the spermicide hinders the sperm's movement. A cervical cap is also a barrier birth control device, fitted by your doctor and is used to prevent unplanned pregnancies. It is similar to the diaphragm (only smaller). The Femcap and Lea's Shield are two types of cervical caps

Depo Provera Shot

The depo shot, also known as DMPA, is an injectable form of progestin (one of the same synthetic hormones found in the pill). A woman must receive the shot every 3 months as this method will only provide optimal pregnancy protection for that amount of time. Two versions are available -- the Depo Provera shot and the Depo-subQ Provera injection.

Implanon

Implanon is a newer type of implant that is not yet broadly accessible. It consists of a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a cardboard matchstick, and it is also inserted under the skin in the arm. It is a progestin-only method and provides about 3 years of protection.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception (EC) is an option that reduces the risk of pregnancy, if taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. Emergency contraceptives have been available for more than 30 years and are a safe and effective method of contraception. EC is available in three forms: Plan B (progestin-only branded product), oral contraceptives (either progestin-only birth control pills or combined oral contraceptives), and the ParaGard IUD. The sooner it is obtained, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation (also known as tubal sterilization) is a surgical or nonsurgical procedure that permanently sterilizes a woman. A tubal ligation seals off or blocks the fallopian tubes thereby preventing an egg (ovum) from traveling to the uterus. It also prevents sperm from being able to enter the fallopian tube, where fertilization normally occurs. This method is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical clinic while the woman is under some form of anesthesia.

Contraceptive Injections

Birth control shots deliver synthetic hormones via an injection and are reversible birth control methods. Pregnancy protection ranges 30 days to14 weeks depending on the shot. Depo Provera and the Depo-subQ 104 Injection are progestin-only shots. Noristerat is another progestin injection but isn't available in the United States. Combined contraceptive injections contain both estrogen and progestin.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure where a small incision is made in the upper part of the man’s scrotum. The two tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm into the semen are cut apart and then tied off. After the procedure, a man will still produce semen, but it will be free of sperm and will not cause pregnancy.

Progestin and Hormonal Birth Control

Progestin is a common hormone found in birth control pills and hormonal contraception. What is it? Learn about the differences between progestins as well as the various progestin types. Information about the estrogenic effects, androgenic effects, and progestational selectivity for each type of progestin is discussed

Questions About Hormonal Contraception

Discussion and definition of hormonal birth control as well as the issues surrounding it. Learn about estrogen and progestin and how these hormones prevent ovulation. Discover how hormonal birth control methods, like the Pill, Depo Provera Shot, Patch, Ring, and Implants work to protect against pregnancy. Details about common side effects and medical risk factors are also included.

Newsletters

See More Newsletters

Contraception

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Contraception

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.