Contraception Methods
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Barrier Methods
Barrier methods are types of contraception that work by creating a physical barrier that prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg, while some also help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These include condoms, dental dams, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges.
Basal Body Temperature Method
The Basal Body Temperature (BBT) method is a natural family planning technique used to track fertility cycles. It involves measuring and recording a woman's body temperature first thing in the morning, before any physical activity. This temperature, known as the basal body temperature, typically rises slightly (0.5-1°F or 0.3-0.6°C) after ovulation due to increased progesterone levels.
Birth Control Pill
The birth control pill, also known as the oral contraceptive pill or simply "the pill", is a form of hormonal contraception taken orally by women to prevent pregnancy. The pill contains synthetic versions of the female hormones estrogen and progestin, which work to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to block sperm, and thin the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
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Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is a reusable, silicone cup-shaped barrier contraceptive device that fits snugly over the cervix. It works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus and is typically used in conjunction with spermicide for increased effectiveness. The cervical cap is smaller than a diaphragm and can be inserted up to 6 hours before sexual activity.
Cervical Mucus Method
The Cervical Mucus Method is a natural family planning technique that involves tracking changes in cervical mucus to predict fertility. This method relies on observing and interpreting the consistency, color, and amount of cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle to identify the most fertile days. Women use this information to either avoid or achieve pregnancy.
Condom
A condom is a thin sheath, usually made of latex rubber, that is worn over the penis during sexual activity. It acts as a barrier to prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the vagina. Condoms also help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by limiting skin-to-skin contact and the exchange of bodily fluids.
Contraception
Contraception, also known as birth control, refers to methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. These methods work by preventing the fertilization of an egg by sperm or by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Contraception allows people to have sexual intercourse with a reduced risk of unintended pregnancy.
Contraceptive Implant
A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm to prevent pregnancy. This long-acting, reversible contraceptive method releases a steady, low dose of progestin hormone into the bloodstream, which works to prevent pregnancy in multiple ways. The implant is highly effective, with a failure rate of less than 1%, and can provide contraception for up to three to five years, depending on the specific type.
Contraceptive Injection
A contraceptive injection, also known as the birth control shot or Depo-Provera, is a long-acting, reversible form of hormonal contraception. It involves injecting a synthetic form of the hormone progestogen into the body, typically in the arm or buttocks. This injection prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining.
Contraceptive Patch
The contraceptive patch is a form of hormonal birth control that is applied to the skin. It's a thin, beige, square patch that releases hormones (estrogen and progestin) through the skin and into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. The patch is worn for one week at a time for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week during which menstruation typically occurs.
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Dental Dam
A dental dam is a thin, flexible sheet of latex or polyurethane used as a barrier method during oral sex. Originally designed for dental procedures, it has been adapted for sexual health purposes to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during oral-vaginal or oral-anal contact. The dam acts as a barrier between the mouth and genitals or anus, preventing the exchange of bodily fluids.
Dental Dams
A dental dam is a thin, flexible sheet of latex or polyurethane used as a barrier method during oral sex. Originally designed for dental procedures, these sheets have been adapted for sexual health purposes to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during oral-vaginal or oral-anal contact. Dental dams create a physical barrier between the mouth and genitals or anus, helping to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids.
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a reusable, dome-shaped barrier contraceptive device used by people with vaginas to prevent pregnancy. Made of soft silicone or latex, it's inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse to cover the cervix, blocking sperm from entering the uterus. Diaphragms are typically used in conjunction with spermicide to increase their effectiveness.
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Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception, often referred to as the "morning-after pill," is a method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It works by delaying or preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg. Emergency contraception is not intended for regular use but rather as a backup method when primary contraception fails or is not used.
Essure
Essure is a permanent form of birth control for women that was available from 2002 to 2018. It involved the insertion of small, flexible coils into the fallopian tubes, which over time caused scar tissue to form, blocking the tubes and preventing eggs from reaching the uterus. This non-surgical sterilization method was designed as an alternative to tubal ligation.
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Reproductive Coercion
Reproductive coercion refers to behaviors that interfere with a person's reproductive autonomy. It involves actions aimed at controlling someone's reproductive choices, often without their knowledge or against their will. This can include sabotaging birth control methods, pressuring someone to become pregnant or to terminate a pregnancy, or using threats or manipulation to influence reproductive decisions.
Rhythm Method
The rhythm method, also known as the calendar method, is a natural family planning technique used to prevent pregnancy or increase the chances of conception. It involves tracking a woman's menstrual cycle to predict fertile days and either avoid or engage in sexual intercourse accordingly. This method is based on the assumption that ovulation occurs at a consistent time in each menstrual cycle.
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Spermicide
Spermicide is a contraceptive substance designed to prevent pregnancy by killing or immobilizing sperm. It comes in various forms such as gels, creams, foams, films, or suppositories and is typically inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. Spermicides work by creating a chemical barrier that damages sperm cells, preventing them from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
Sponge
A sponge, in the context of sexual health, refers to a small, round, spermicide-filled contraceptive device made of soft, spongy material. It's designed to be inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. The sponge works by covering the cervix and releasing spermicide to immobilize or kill sperm.
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Vaginal Ring
A vaginal ring is a flexible, plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina as a form of hormonal contraception. It releases a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones that are absorbed through the vaginal walls, preventing pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. The ring is typically worn for three weeks, followed by a one-week break for menstruation.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization and permanent contraception. It involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. After a vasectomy, sperm cannot mix with semen, preventing pregnancy during sexual intercourse. The procedure is nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.