Birth Control Options-Part 2

The only way to avoid pregnancy 100% is to not have sex altogether (abstinence), which in most cases is not a realistic option. In part one of this article, I discussed hormonal contraceptive choices.

Now, let’s discuss barriers and natural methods to prevent pregnancy.

Male condoms are used for both birth control and reducing the risk of disease. They can be made of latex, polyurethane or animal membrane (Lambskin) and are worn over the penis during intercourse. Condoms are 85% effective depending on if they are used alone or in combination with spermicides. Condoms are the only preventive barriers against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and they can also prevent HIV as they physically stop fluid transfer between parties.

The porous nature of lambskin condoms is the reason they are not recommended to prevent STDs.

Remember, do not use any oil-based lubricants (massage oil, baby oil, or petroleum jelly) if using latex condoms because they can cause the latex to weaken, tear or break.

Female condoms

Female condoms are made of two flexible rings with a polyurethane pouch that lines the wall of the vagina. The condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse. The efficacy of the female condom is around 79% and they are also more effective when used in conjunction with spermicide.

Diaphragm/cervical cap

Diaphragm/cervical caps are barrier methods that contain a flexible rubber cup that is placed into the vagina over the cervix, before intercourse, to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. Each method must be prescribed by your doctor for the correct type and size that your body needs. It should be left in place for 6 to 8 hours after intercourse. Its effectiveness is around 80-95% if used correctly. Risks can include irritation and allergic reactions to the diaphragm or spermicide, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). There were some reported cases of toxic shock syndrome when women left the diaphragm in too long and the cervical cap may cause an abnormal Pap test.

Sponge

I can't think of the sponge without being reminded of the Seinfeldepisode where Elaine conserves her remaining contraceptive sponges by refusing to have sex with men unless they are deemed “sponge worthy”. The sponge is a disposable polyurethane-foam device saturated with spermicide that is placed over a woman's cervix. The sponge releases spermicide for up to 12 hours and should be left in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse. The sponge is around 72-82% effective if used correctly. It was taken off the market but the Today sponge was reintroduced to the U.S. market in 2005.

Spermicide

Spermicides are made from a chemical called nonoxynol-9 that kills sperm on contact. It can often be used by itself (as a foam, cream, gel, film or suppository) and its efficacy is 71% but should be used with other forms of birth control to increase its effectiveness. The chemical used in spermicide, nonoxynol-9, may actually increase the risk of getting HIV from an infected person, because of the irritation it can cause to the lining of the vagina or rectum. It you choose to use spermicide as your only method of contraception, remember that this method can only be effective if you are at very low risk for STDs and HIV and it is still not recommended.

Natural Family Planning

Natural family planning is 98% accurate when used correctly. You have to seriously get in touch with your body and identify the signs and symptoms of fertility during your menstrual cycle so you can ether plan or prevent getting pregnant accurately.

The following methods are currently used to plan for or prevent pregnancy:

Calendar method. When you know your menstrual history (record your cycle for at least 6 months) you can begin to determine when you are most likely to conceive.

Cervical mucus method. By monitoring the mucus pattern change during your menstrual cycle, you can determine when you are less likely to conceive. The amount of estrogen and progesterone will vary during your cycle and will change the texture, quantity and appearance of cervical mucus. When you are closer to ovulation the mucus is clearer, stretchier and slippery.

Basal body temperature method. By measuring your body temperature each morning for a span of at least three months, you will be able to determine when you have ovulated by a raise in body temperature.

Post-Ovulation method. This method uses more than one natural family planning method at once. All the days from day one until the morning of the fourth day after predicted ovulation are unsafe days. Unfortunately with this method, half of your cycle is unsafe days.

Symptothermal method. You can have unprotected intercourse during the luteal phase and more than one natural family planning method is used at once to determine your fertility.

Two new natural family planning methods are also gaining in popularity; the Standard Days Method® and the TwoDay Method®. To understand more about natural family planning Click Here or look at the Birth Control guide written by the Mayo Clinic.

Given the variety of contraception options available, it is important to take your time and look at all the options and decide which methods of contraception fit your lifestyle and works for you and your partner.