Birth Control: How Hormones Work to Prevent Pregnancy
You know birth control is designed to keep a woman from becoming pregnant, but what exactly is happening in a female body with those hormones? This interactive guide from the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals takes you on an insider’s tour of a woman’s body to understand the menstrual cycle and how five methods of hormonal contraception work to prevent pregnancy.[via]
Choosing a Birth Control Method That’s Right For You
There are many different options for birth control, and it is important to know which method will work best for you. This interactive guide will lead you through a series of questions to help determine which contraceptive option fits your lifestyle. This information is designed to help you have an informed discussion with your health care provider about choosing a method that works for you. [via]
A Brief Overview of Birth Control
There are multiple kinds of contraception available including Implants & IUD’s, Prescription barrier methods (diaphragm, femcap/cervical cap), “The Pill,” Other hormonal methods (Nuva-ring, the patch), Over-the-counter barriers, Abstinence and fertility awareness methods and Emergency Contraception Pills (ECPs). Below you will find brief explanations of each of these methods and resources for more information.
IUD and Implant methods
• Where is an IUD is implanted in the body?
In the uterus (IUD = intrauterine device)
• There are two types of IUD:
ParaGard (Copper T 380A) — contains copper and can be left in place for 12 years. ParaGard is effective immediately after insertion.
Mirena — continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestin, and is effective for five years. Mirena is effective immediately if inserted within seven days after the start of your period. If you have Mirena inserted at any other time during your menstrual cycle, use another method of birth control if you have vaginal intercourse during the first week after insertion. Protection will begin after seven days.
• The IUD is the most inexpensive long-term reversible method of contraception available in the world. Nationwide, the cost of the exam, insertion, and follow up visit ranges from $175-$500. Costs vary from community to community, based on regional and local expenses. IUD services are priced according to income at some family planning clinics and are covered by Medicaid.
• Implanon® is a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a cardboard matchstick. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm and contains progestin. Progestin is a synthetic hormone similar to the progesterone made by a woman’s ovaries. It works in two ways. It keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation). It also thickens the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from joining with an egg. In theory, it could prevent implantation of a fertilized egg, but it has not been proven that it does.
Results of long-term studies will not be available for some time, but researchers estimate that Implanon will be up to 99.9 percent effective for up to three years.
Prescription barrier methods
• Prescription barrier methods, such as diaphragms and Femcaps, prevent sperm from entering the uterus through the cervix and may or may not be used with spermicide
• A custom-fit diaphragm is a shallow dome shaped cup with a flexible rim inserted vaginally to block the cervix. It is made of this latex and can be left in for up to 24 hours. Additionally, it can be inserted up to 2 hours before sex and left in for 6 hours after sex. It may or may not hold spermicidal cream or jelly. It is 82-94% effective, but can be messy and aren’t suitable for women allergic to latex. Sixteen out of 100 women who use the diaphragm will become pregnant during the first year of typical use.* Six will become pregnant with perfect use.**
• Femcaps and Lea’s shields are also cervical caps that cannot be purchased over the counter, but they are made of silicone. Femcaps come in three sizes and are shaped like a sailors cap, while Lea’s shield is one-size-fits all thanks to an air valve; and they both can be left in for up to 48 hours.
• Some Conditions that May Rule Out Use of Diaphragms, Caps, and Shields
allergy to latex, silicone, or spermicide
childbirth in the last six weeks (10 weeks for FemCap)
difficulty with insertion
discomfort with touching one’s genitals
history of toxic shock syndrome
recent cervical surgery
recent abortion after the first trimester (after any recent abortion for FemCap)
sagging uterus
vaginal obstructions
• A woman may not be able to use a diaphragm if she has
frequent urinary tract infections
poor vaginal muscle tone
• She may not be able to use FemCap if she has
breaks in the vaginal or cervical tissue
cancer of the uterus, vagina, or vulva
a reproductive tract infection
poor vaginal muscle tone
• She may not be able to use a shield if she has
breaks in the vaginal or cervical tissue
frequent urinary tract infections
a reproductive tract infection
• Women should not use the diaphragm, cap, or shield during any kind of vaginal bleeding — including menstruation.
• The diaphragm, cap, and shield are intended for each woman’s use. Do not share them with friends.
• With proper care, the diaphragm and FemCap may last about two years, and the shield may last about six months.
After removal, wash with mild soap and warm water.
Allow to air dry.
Do not use powders — they can cause infections. Never use oil-based lubricants — such as Vaseline or cold cream — with diaphragms. They damage latex.
Examine regularly for small holes or weak spots by holding the device up to the light. Gently stretch the latex of the diaphragm between your fingers. Fill the cup of the diaphragm or cap with water and look for leaks. Diaphragms, caps, and shields can still be used if the rubber becomes discolored. But if the rubber puckers — especially near the rim — it has become too thin.
• Visit Planned Parenthood, aother family planning clinics, your HMO, or a private doctor for an exam and prescription. Diaphragms, caps, and shields may be purchased at a drugstore or clinic. An examination costs from $50 to $200. Diaphragms, caps, and shields average from $15 to $75. Spermicide jelly or cream costs from about $8 to $17 a kit. Medicaid may cover these costs. Private health insurance coverage for birth control varies. Clinics may offer lower prices than private health care providers.
The Pill
• There are two main types of hormonal birth control pills. They are the combined hormone pill and progestin-only pill (POP). The combined estrogen/progesterone pills work by usually preventing ovulation and also thickening the cervical mucus. POP’s work by usually thickening the cervical mucus and less frequently preventing ovulation.
• When starting on the pill for the first time, it takes this 7 days for it to become
effective.
• If you usually take your pill at 10am, for example, and you forget to take it one day, you have 12 hours in which to take it for it to still be effective.
Other hormonal methods
• Depo-Provera is a non-estrogen birth control shot. The shot is also known as DMPA. The D stands for “depot,” the solution in which the hormone is suspended. The hormone is medroxyprogesterone acetate. A shot of DMPA can prevent pregnancy for 12 weeks.
Each injection costs between $30 and $75. The total cost for each year of use ranges from $235 to $585.
• Nuva-ring and Ortho-Evra work the same way as the combined hormone pill to prevent pregnancy mainly by preventing ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from fusing with an egg.
• The Nuva-ring is a reversible prescription method of birth control. It is a small, one –size-fits all flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month. It is left in place for three weeks and taken out for the remaining week to allow for monthly menstruation. The ring releases synthetic estrogen and progestin to protect against pregnancy for one month.
The ring costs between $30 and $35 a month. The cost is covered by Medicaid.
• The Ortho-Evra patch is another reversible prescription menthod of birth control and releases the same hormones as the Nuva-ring, but through the skin and must be changed every week. It can be placed on the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, upper torso. The patch works best when it is changed on the same day of the week for three weeks in a row. Pregnancy can happen if an error is made in using the patch — especially if it becomes loose or falls off for more than 24 hours or if the same patch is left on the skin for more than one week.
Over the counter barrier methods
• Male condoms can be made of latex and non-latex materials, including porous and ineffective animal tissues.
• Female condoms are made out polyurethane.
One possible disadvantage and one possible advantage of using a female condom.: Possible disadvantages: shifting outer ring; not designed specifically for female anatomy; can by noise/difficult to insert; can slip in; cost about $2.50 (about 5x price of male condoms)Possible advantages: silicone gets hot; where the friction is felt (on the man/dildo as opposed to the woman); can by used as a dental dam or for anal sex; outer ring can stimulate the clit; does not depend on male erection.
• Many spermicides contain the chemical nonoxynol-9 compound, which can irritate genital tissues and increase the risk of transmitting HIV and other STIs.
Abstinence, withdrawal, and fertility awareness-base methods (FAMs)
• Name the method rhythm method is based on the calculation of a woman’s “safe” and “unsafe” days in her cycle. However, there is no perfectly “safe” day in a woman’s cycle – she is more unlikely to conceive during certain parts of her cycle, but this method is not foolproof.
• Some advantages of the withdrawal method are that it is free and has no chemical side effects. But precum may contain sperm; and this method allows the woman no control over the situation. Withdrawal is 96% effective with perfect use, but 73% effective with typical use.
• Fertility Awareness-based Methods (FAMs) include these strategies: checking temperature daily; checking cervical mucus daily; keeping careful track of menstrual cycle (CycleBeads are designed to make this easy).
Emergency Contraception Pills (ECPs)
• Emergency contraception (EC) can prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse. It is also called “morning-after” contraception, emergency birth control, or backup birth control. EC will not cause an abortion or affect an existing pregnancy. Still, a woman should not use emergency contraception if she is pregnant.
• ECPs can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex, but it dramatically decreases in effectiveness after 3 days.
• The sooner ECPs are taken, the more effective they are. When taken within the first 72 hours, ECPs are 75-89% effective.
• ECPs prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.
• Plan B® is a brand of hormone pills approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for emergency contraception. Certain birth control pills may also be prescribed for use as emergency contraception. Some EC regimens use “combination pills” with estrogen and progestin — synthetic hormones like the ones a woman’s body makes. Others, such as Plan B, are progestin-only.
Contraception
Birth Control: How Hormones Work to Prevent Pregnancy
You know birth control is designed to keep a woman from becoming pregnant, but what exactly is happening in a female body with those hormones? This interactive guide from the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals takes you on an insider’s tour of a woman’s body to understand the menstrual cycle and how five methods of hormonal contraception work to prevent pregnancy.[via]
Choosing a Birth Control Method That’s Right For You
There are many different options for birth control, and it is important to know which method will work best for you. This interactive guide will lead you through a series of questions to help determine which contraceptive option fits your lifestyle. This information is designed to help you have an informed discussion with your health care provider about choosing a method that works for you. [via]
A Brief Overview of Birth Control
There are multiple kinds of contraception available including Implants & IUD’s, Prescription barrier methods (diaphragm, femcap/cervical cap), “The Pill,” Other hormonal methods (Nuva-ring, the patch), Over-the-counter barriers, Abstinence and fertility awareness methods and Emergency Contraception Pills (ECPs). Below you will find brief explanations of each of these methods and resources for more information.
IUD and Implant methods
• Where is an IUD is implanted in the body?
In the uterus (IUD = intrauterine device)
• There are two types of IUD:
• The IUD is the most inexpensive long-term reversible method of contraception available in the world. Nationwide, the cost of the exam, insertion, and follow up visit ranges from $175-$500. Costs vary from community to community, based on regional and local expenses. IUD services are priced according to income at some family planning clinics and are covered by Medicaid.
• Implanon® is a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a cardboard matchstick. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm and contains progestin. Progestin is a synthetic hormone similar to the progesterone made by a woman’s ovaries. It works in two ways. It keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation). It also thickens the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from joining with an egg. In theory, it could prevent implantation of a fertilized egg, but it has not been proven that it does.
Prescription barrier methods
• Prescription barrier methods, such as diaphragms and Femcaps, prevent sperm from entering the uterus through the cervix and may or may not be used with spermicide
• A custom-fit diaphragm is a shallow dome shaped cup with a flexible rim inserted vaginally to block the cervix. It is made of this latex and can be left in for up to 24 hours. Additionally, it can be inserted up to 2 hours before sex and left in for 6 hours after sex. It may or may not hold spermicidal cream or jelly. It is 82-94% effective, but can be messy and aren’t suitable for women allergic to latex. Sixteen out of 100 women who use the diaphragm will become pregnant during the first year of typical use.* Six will become pregnant with perfect use.**
• Femcaps and Lea’s shields are also cervical caps that cannot be purchased over the counter, but they are made of silicone. Femcaps come in three sizes and are shaped like a sailors cap, while Lea’s shield is one-size-fits all thanks to an air valve; and they both can be left in for up to 48 hours.
• Some Conditions that May Rule Out Use of Diaphragms, Caps, and Shields
• A woman may not be able to use a diaphragm if she has
• She may not be able to use FemCap if she has
• She may not be able to use a shield if she has
• Women should not use the diaphragm, cap, or shield during any kind of vaginal bleeding — including menstruation.
• The diaphragm, cap, and shield are intended for each woman’s use. Do not share them with friends.
• With proper care, the diaphragm and FemCap may last about two years, and the shield may last about six months.
• Visit Planned Parenthood, aother family planning clinics, your HMO, or a private doctor for an exam and prescription. Diaphragms, caps, and shields may be purchased at a drugstore or clinic. An examination costs from $50 to $200. Diaphragms, caps, and shields average from $15 to $75. Spermicide jelly or cream costs from about $8 to $17 a kit. Medicaid may cover these costs. Private health insurance coverage for birth control varies. Clinics may offer lower prices than private health care providers.
The Pill
• There are two main types of hormonal birth control pills. They are the combined hormone pill and progestin-only pill (POP). The combined estrogen/progesterone pills work by usually preventing ovulation and also thickening the cervical mucus. POP’s work by usually thickening the cervical mucus and less frequently preventing ovulation.
• When starting on the pill for the first time, it takes this 7 days for it to become
effective.
• If you usually take your pill at 10am, for example, and you forget to take it one day, you have 12 hours in which to take it for it to still be effective.
Other hormonal methods
• Depo-Provera is a non-estrogen birth control shot. The shot is also known as DMPA. The D stands for “depot,” the solution in which the hormone is suspended. The hormone is medroxyprogesterone acetate. A shot of DMPA can prevent pregnancy for 12 weeks.
• Nuva-ring and Ortho-Evra work the same way as the combined hormone pill to prevent pregnancy mainly by preventing ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from fusing with an egg.
• The Nuva-ring is a reversible prescription method of birth control. It is a small, one –size-fits all flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month. It is left in place for three weeks and taken out for the remaining week to allow for monthly menstruation. The ring releases synthetic estrogen and progestin to protect against pregnancy for one month.
• The Ortho-Evra patch is another reversible prescription menthod of birth control and releases the same hormones as the Nuva-ring, but through the skin and must be changed every week. It can be placed on the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, upper torso. The patch works best when it is changed on the same day of the week for three weeks in a row. Pregnancy can happen if an error is made in using the patch — especially if it becomes loose or falls off for more than 24 hours or if the same patch is left on the skin for more than one week.
Over the counter barrier methods
• Male condoms can be made of latex and non-latex materials, including porous and ineffective animal tissues.
• Female condoms are made out polyurethane.
• Many spermicides contain the chemical nonoxynol-9 compound, which can irritate genital tissues and increase the risk of transmitting HIV and other STIs.
Abstinence, withdrawal, and fertility awareness-base methods (FAMs)
• Name the method rhythm method is based on the calculation of a woman’s “safe” and “unsafe” days in her cycle. However, there is no perfectly “safe” day in a woman’s cycle – she is more unlikely to conceive during certain parts of her cycle, but this method is not foolproof.
• Some advantages of the withdrawal method are that it is free and has no chemical side effects. But precum may contain sperm; and this method allows the woman no control over the situation. Withdrawal is 96% effective with perfect use, but 73% effective with typical use.
• Fertility Awareness-based Methods (FAMs) include these strategies: checking temperature daily; checking cervical mucus daily; keeping careful track of menstrual cycle (CycleBeads are designed to make this easy).
Emergency Contraception Pills (ECPs)
• Emergency contraception (EC) can prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse. It is also called “morning-after” contraception, emergency birth control, or backup birth control. EC will not cause an abortion or affect an existing pregnancy. Still, a woman should not use emergency contraception if she is pregnant.
• ECPs can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex, but it dramatically decreases in effectiveness after 3 days.
• The sooner ECPs are taken, the more effective they are. When taken within the first 72 hours, ECPs are 75-89% effective.
• ECPs prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.
• Plan B® is a brand of hormone pills approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for emergency contraception. Certain birth control pills may also be prescribed for use as emergency contraception. Some EC regimens use “combination pills” with estrogen and progestin — synthetic hormones like the ones a woman’s body makes. Others, such as Plan B, are progestin-only.
A History of Birth Control from Planned Parenthood.
Links to pages from the Association or Reproductive Health Professionals
The Pill
Using Birth Control Pills Regularly for Successful Contraception Fact Sheet PDF
Barrier Methods
Diaphragm
Cervical Cap
Female Condom
Male Condom
Implants
The Single-Rod Contraceptive Implant Fact Sheet PDF
Clinical Proceedings PDF
Rationale for Implantable Contraception
History of Subdermal Contraceptive Implants
Single-Rod Implant: Efficacy
Single-Rod Implant: Safety and Clinical Management
Non-Hormonal Intrauterine Device
Non-Hormonal Methods of Variable Reliability, please read each page carefully. We are not condoning this list as a whole as effective birth control.
“Othercourse”
Non-Hormonal Contraceptive Methods Table
Tubal Ligation
Tubal Microinserts
Male Sterilization
Vaginal Sponge
Spermicides
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods
Withdrawal