Alternative Contraception Techniques
Vasectomy is a safe, simple and effective birth control
method.
Contraceptive Methods Defined.
A vasectomy, which is highly effective, should be
considered permanent. Other forms of contraception present alternatives
and options for the couple to consider, with various levels of protection,
convenience and permanence.
A significant number of couples who have experienced
a failure of their previous contraceptive method consider vasectomy as
a permanent solution. A vasectomy is more reliable and less troublesome
than most other methods, but convenience should not be the sole reason
for considering the procedure.
In considering the various alternatives, it may
be helpful to remember that…
-
A vasectomy and many other contraceptive methods do not provide protection
against sexually transmitted diseases.
-
Contraceptive methods must be used correctly and consistently in
order to provide the greatest effectiveness. Consult your physician
and follow professional recommendations.
-
For prescription and nonprescription contraceptive methods, read and follow
the package directions and instructions carefully; observe expiration dates;
and use with every sexual encounter.
Used by BOTH partners:
Abstinence – the man and the woman may
mutually decide to not have sexual intercourse. Conception is not possible
during a period of complete abstinence. While this is extremely effective
in avoiding pregnancy, most couples will not find it desirable for any
extended period of time.
Rhythm Method – this natural or "fertility
awareness" method requires that couples abstain from sexual intercourse
for five to 15 days per month in an effort to avoid the most fertile days
in the woman’s menstrual cycle. This is not a precise system, and
there is a risk of pregnancy if the couple is not accurate in judging
the "safe" and "unsafe" times.
No Method – couples who do not use any method
of contraception are at the highest risk of unintended pregnancy.
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Used by MALE partner:
Condom – a thin, formfitting sheath worn over
the man’s erect penis to block sperm. Usually made of latex rubber, but
also available in polyurethane and natural membrane, it can be highly effective
if used properly. Protection is further increased when used with a spermicidal
contraceptive such as foam, cream or jellies. There is a risk of a condom tearing,
breaking, slipping or leaking, any of which can lead to conception. Couples
sometimes forget to stop their activities to put on a condom.
Withdrawal – this is when the man attempts
to withdrawal from intercourse before ejaculation. Because sperm may be transmitted
to the female before ejaculation, or because the man may not withdraw in time,
this system is risky and unreliable.
Vasectomy – surgical sterilization for men,
usually performed with local anesthetic during an office visit. The procedure
is safe, highly effective and should be considered permanent. Permits the man
to be responsible for contraception. In left column
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Used by FEMALE partner:
Cervical Cap – a dome-shaped latex barrier
device that fits over the cervix and blocks passage of sperm into the
uterus. Similar to a diaphragm, it is commonly used with a spermicide.
Diaphragm – a shallow rubber cap, used
with a contraceptive jelly, which the woman places in her vagina to cover
the womb opening. This blocks and kills sperm to prevent conception. Usually
effective when used correctly.
Hormone Implant (Norplant® ) – a long-term
contraceptive system whereby small pellets are surgically inserted beneath the
skin of a woman’s upper arm. A progesterone-like hormone (levonorgestrel)
is released gradually over time. The hormone blocks ovulation and results in
an effective method of contraception during a five-year period. (See NOTE below.*)
Hormone Injection (Depo-Provera®) – a progesterone
injection administered every 12 weeks, which is highly effective, provided the
woman is consistent and timely about subsequent injections. The hormone blocks
ovulation. Many women stop the injections within the first year due to side
effects, including weight gain, pregnancy symptoms, abnormal or absence of periods,
depression and nervousness. (See NOTE below.*)
* NOTE regarding hormone-based methods. These methods
can produce significant side effects, and some women are not appropriate
candidates. Consult your physician. Estrogen-based and progesterone-based
contraceptives have different effects. Some women may benefit from one
type and not another.
Intrauterine Device (IUD) – a small plastic
device (T-shaped, about the size of a quarter) that is placed in the uterus.
Creates an imperceptible, low-grade inflammation that inhibits sperm and effectively
prevents fertilized egg from being implanted in the uterus. Normally replaced
every four years. May pose risk of infection.
Oral Contraceptive ("the pill") –
taken by mouth, the pill is an estrogen tablet that can provide a high success
rate when taken as directed. May pose slight increase in risk of stroke in some
women. Effective rate is high, but only when taken consistently.
Another form of oral contraceptive is a progestin-only pill, sometimes called
the "mini-pill." This contains a lower dose of progestin than combined
oral contraceptives (COC) and contains no estrogen. Must be taken at the same
time daily. Often prescribed during period of breast feeding. (See NOTE above.*)
Spermicides - chemical contraceptives, such
as foam, cream or jellies, which effectively kill sperm on contact in
the vagina. Are often used alone, but provide greater protection when
used in combination with condom, diaphragm or other methods. Generally
safe, with few side effects.
Tubal Ligation – surgical sterilization
for women, performed under general anesthesia, which involves surgically
tying, cutting or cauterizing the fallopian tubes in order to permanently
block egg passage from the ovaries to the uterus. Tubal ligation generally
requires a more significant surgery, general anesthetic, greater risks,
expense and recovery time than does a vasectomy for the male. Effective,
but should be considered permanent.
Vaginal Pouch – a barrier device, referred
to as a "female condom," made of lubricated polyurethane, which
fits inside the vagina to block sperm from reaching the uterus. Wider
than a male condom, but about the same length.
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In Summary:
- Consult with your doctor or a qualified health care professional
in learning about the different kinds of contraception methods.
- A range of protection, convenience and permanence is found in the
alternative forms of contraception.
- Some methods can be used by both partners, the male partner alone
or the female partner alone.
- Effective contraception is not the same as effective protection against
sexually transmitted diseases.
- The degree of success or effectiveness for most methods depends greatly
on the proper and consistent use of the method of choice.
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