Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Choosing A Contraceptive Full Version
Choosing A Contraceptive Full Version
Choosing A Contraceptive Full Version
www.sexualityandu.ca
sexualityandu.ca
Contents
Female condom
Diaphragm and cervical cap
Sponge and spermicides
sexualityandu.ca
Unintended Pregnancies
Unintended pregnancies with various contraceptive methods
Numbers given are pregnancies for every 1000 women during first year of use
Fallopian tube
Ovaries
Uterus
Cervix
Vagina
sexualityandu.ca
Femalereproductivesystem
Fallopian tube
Ovary
Uterus
Bladder
Clitoris
Cervix
Urethra
Vagina Rectum
sexualityandu.ca
F e m a l e menstrual c y c l e
Oralcontraceptives sexualityandu.ca
1. One of the most effective reversible birth control methods when taken
consistently and reliably
2. Simple and easy to use
3. Regulates menstrual cycle and reduces cramps
4. Does not interfere with intercourse
5. Decreases acne
6. Reduces the risks of endometrial and ovarian cancer
7. May reduce perimenopausal symptoms
Oralcontraceptives sexualityandu.ca
1. Must be taken every day. The progestin-only pill must be taken at the same
time every day
2. May cause irregular bleeding or spotting
3. Effectiveness may be reduced by other medications
4. Should not be used by women over the age of 35 who smoke
5. May increase the risk of blood clots, particularly in women who have certain
blood disorders or a family history of blood clots
6. Does not protect against STIs
7. May increase the number of headaches
8. May not be suitable for breastfeeding women
Transdermalpatch sexualityandu.ca
What is it?
• A patch that releases hormones through the skin
• Can be placed on the buttocks, upper outer arms, lower abdomen, or upper
torso excluding the breast
• A new patch is applied once a week for three weeks followed by one week
without a patch
What is it?
• A flexible, nearly transparent ring that measures 54 mm (about 2 inches)
across
• The ring releases a continuous dose of hormones for three weeks while
it is in the vagina
What is it?
• It contains a hormone called progesterone; it does not contain estrogen
• The injection is given in the upper arm or buttocks every 12 to 13 weeks
(four times a year)
What is it?
• A T-shaped device that contains a hormone called levonorgestrel
• The hormone is released slowly over time and acts on the lining of the
uterus
• It is inserted into the uterus by your physician in the doctor’s office
• Two threads may be felt in the vagina, so a woman can check for herself
to ensure that the IUS is still in place
Side effects that may occur during the first few months on hormonal contraception
include :
Reason:
Your body is getting used to birth control
Fluctuating hormone levels when you start
What is it?
• A T-shaped device with a copper wire around it
• It is inserted into the uterus by a physician in the doctor’s
office
• Two threads may be felt in the vagina, so a woman can
check for herself to ensure that the IUD is still in place
How does it work?
• Causes changes in the lining of the uterus
• Prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg
• Decreases the ability of the sperm to penetrate the cervical mucus
Sites of
Tubal occlusion “Having your tubes tied” Sterilization
What is it?
• A surgical procedure to close or block the fallopian tubes
• Techniques include:
• Laparoscopy – special instruments are inserted through two tiny
incisions (less than 1 cm long) in the abdomen
• Mini-laparotomy – also requires a small cut in the abdomen
Ligation
• Hysteroscopy – use of a thin telescope inserted into the uterus
• Fallopian tubes may be blocked by using one of the following:
• A clip or a ring
• Cautery (an electric current)
• Removing a small piece of each tube
• Hysteroscopy for the insertion of tubal plugs (Essure)
Clips
How does it work?
• The fallopian tube is blocked and therefore the
sperm and egg cannot meet
Essure Cauterization
Femalesterilization sexualityandu.ca
What is it?
• Soft, disposable, polyurethane sheath
• Available in drugstores without a prescription
Seminal vesicles
Vas deferens
Prostate gland
Penis
Epididymis
Testicle
Malebarriermethods sexualityandu.ca
Male Condom
What is it?
• A soft disposable sheath
• Available in various shapes, sizes, thicknesses,
colours and flavours
• Most are latex, but non-latex condoms are also
available in polyurethane, silicone, and lambskin
Vasectomy
What is it?
• A surgical procedure to close or block the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm
to the penis)
Site of
Vasectomy
Malesterilization sexualityandu.ca
General tips
• When using latex dental dams, gloves, or condoms, apply only water-
based lubricants. They are available at drugstores.
• Use new dental dams, gloves, or condoms for each partner.
• Do not re-use latex barriers or turn them over and use the other side.
STIprevention sexualityandu.ca
• When a dental dam is not available, a latex condom can be cut to create
a latex barrier.
1. Unroll a new condom.
2. Using scissors, cut off both ends of the condom, removing the
closed tip and the round loop at the base.
3. Cut the condom lengthwise so that it opens up into a rectangle.
2
• If you are going to use the barrier for oral sex, you may wish to select a
condom without spermicide or lubrication. A flavoured condom may be
a good choice.
3
STIprevention sexualityandu.ca
* Remember that no method of protection from STIs is perfect. Some STIs can be passed
through skin-to-skin contact.
sexualityandu.ca
Following are some questions you might want to ask regarding your sexual health. A good
idea is to make a list before you visit.
Don't be embarrassed to tell the truth or ask a question. They are professionals and the
information is required to give you the best care possible.