Contraceptives & Contraception

Contraceptive Methods - Male Condoms
Male condoms are thin sheaths made of rubber, vinyl or natural products which are placed on the penis once it is erect. Male condoms prevent sperm from gaining access to the female reproductive tract and also prevent micro-organisms (STDs, including HBV and HIV/AIDS) from passing from one partner to another. It is sometimes smeared with spermicide for added protection.

Contraceptive Methods - Female Condoms
Female condoms are thin sheaths of polyurethane plastic with polyurethane rings at both ends. They are inserted into the vagina before intercourse. Like male condoms, they prevent sperm from gaining access to the female reproductive tract and prevent micro-organisms (STDs, including HBV and HIV/AIDS) from passing from one partner to another.

Contraceptive Methods - Diaphragms
A diaphragm is a dome-shaped latex cup which is inserted into the vagina before intercourse and covers the cervix. Diaphragms prevent sperm from gaining access to the upper reproductive tract (uterus and fallopian tubes) and serve as a holder of spermicide.

Contraceptive Methods - Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped flexible device inserted into the uterine cavity. IUDs can be inert, copper-releasing or progestin-releasing. Copper-releasing IUDs interfere with the ability of sperm to pass through the uterine cavity and with the reproductive process before ova reach the uterine cavity. Progestin-releasing IUDs also thicken the cervical mucus and change the endometrial lining

Contraceptive Methods - Progestin-Only Pills
Progestin-Only Pills (POPs) contain the hormone progestin. They are taken daily by the woman. POPs suppress ovulation, thicken the cervical mucus, change the endometrium, and reduce sperm transport in the upper genital tract.

Contraceptive Methods - Spermicides
Spermicides are chemicals (usually nonoxynol-9) that inactivate or kill sperm. They are available as aerosols (foams), creams, vaginal tablets, suppositories, and dissolvable films. Spermicides cause the sperm cell membrane to break, which decreases sperm movement (motility and mobility) and their ability to fertilize the egg.

Contraceptive Methods - Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a voluntary surgical procedure for permanently terminating a man's fertility. Vasectomy can be done by the standard method or the no-scalpel technique which is the preferred method. Vasectomy blocks the vas deferens (ejaculatory duct) so that sperm are not present in the ejaculate.

Contraceptive Methods - Tubal Occlusion
Tubal occlusion is a voluntary surgical procedure for permanently terminating a woman's fertility. Tubal occlusion can be done by minilaparatomy or laparoscopy. Tubal occlusion blocks the fallopian tubes (tying and cutting, rings, clips or electrocautery) and sperm are prevented from reaching the ova and causing fertilization.

Contraceptive Methods - Combined Oral Contraceptives
Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) are pills which contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. They are taken daily. COCs suppress ovulation, thicken the cervical mucus (preventing sperm penetration) change the endometrium (making implantation less likely), and reduce sperm transport in the upper genital tract (fallopian tubes).

Contraceptive Methods - Withdrawal (Coitus Interruptus)
Withdrawal is a traditional family planning method in which the man completely removes his penis from the woman's vagina before he ejaculates. As a result, sperm do not enter the vagina and fertilization is prevented

Contraceptive Methods - Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
LAM is the use of breastfeeding as a contraceptive method. It is based on the physiologic effect of suckling to suppress ovulation. To use breastfeeding effectively as a contraceptive requires that the mother either feed the baby nothing but breastmilk or, at the very least, breastfeed for almost all feedings. In addition the baby must be less than 6 months old and the mother's menses cannot have returned.