Effective Methods of Contraception

Effective Methods of Contraception

There are many methods of contraception out there, but how many are more likely to prevent pregnancy? The methods available are not only for women, but for men too. The top five effective methods of contraception are male sterilization, female sterilization, contraceptive implant, IUD, and Depo-Provera (Lehmiller, pg.264).

First we will start with male sterilization. Male sterilization is a procedure that will permanently keep him from being able to get a woman pregnant. The procedure is done by a health care provider who will make tiny cuts in the scrotum. The tubes that carry the sperm are then tied off and cut. A fluid (semen) will still come out of the penis; it just won’t contain any sperm. This can be great because it is something that is completely controlled by him. It can be upsetting if he or the couple eventually change their mind and decide they want to have children, because this procedure lasts the rest of their life.

Female sterilization is a procedure that will permanently keep her from becoming pregnant. The procedure can be done two ways, one is surgical and the other is non-surgical. In surgical sterilization the fallopian tubes are cut, and then sealed or tied. In the non-surgical sterilization a small coil is placed into each fallopian tube. The coil then causes scar tissue to form in the tubes, which blocks them. If one chooses the non-surgical method, it will take up to three months for the scar tissue to fully block the tubes. This option like male sterilization is great because it is safe/effective, and it is something that can be controlled by her. However, this surgery lasts a life time, and if they change their mind it can be devastating.

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Contraceptive implants such as implanon and nexplanon are about the size of a match, and it is inserted in the arm to prevent pregnancy. They work by releasing a small amount of hormone into the body, which prevents the body from releasing eggs, and also changes the mucus of the cervix to make it harder for sperm to enter. This method is great because it goes into the upper arm and lasts for up to three years. It is not permanent, and can be removed by a health care provider at any time.

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An IUD is a small T-shaped device that is made of soft, flexible plastic. There are currently two types available in the United States. ParaGard is a copper IUD made up of copper and plastic, it prevents pregnancy by blocking the sperm from meeting with and fertilizing an egg. Mirena also works by stopping the sperm from meeting with and fertilizing an egg. The mirena also prevents pregnancy by releasing a small amount of progestin which prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg. The IUD is inserted into the uterus by a health care provider, and it is effective for about five to ten years.

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Depo-Provera is an injection of the hormone progestin. This prevents pregnancy by keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs. The shot also causes the cervical mucus to thicken, which blocks sperm from meeting with and fertilizing an egg.  Each injection lasts for about 12 weeks, and it is important that the shot is given on time every time to prevent pregnancy. An interesting fact about the shot is that women who take the shot are less likely to have cancer of the uterus and pelvic inflammatory disease. If a woman decides that she wants to get pregnant, it may take up to a year after stopping the injection to become pregnant. Another interesting fact about the shot is that using it longer than two years may cause the bones to thin and it can worsen over time. Normal bone growth returns when she stops taking the shot.

There are many more methods of contraception than I mentioned here. There are a few more that are close to the effectiveness as the ones mentioned above. They are; male condom, oral contraceptives, contraceptive patch, and the vaginal ring. The effectiveness of any contraception depends on the user, and if they are using them correctly. I encourage those of you who are interested in the different types of contraception to research them and figure out what works best for you.

References

Birth Control Implant (Implanon and Nexplanon) :: Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). Birth Control Implant (Implanon and Nexplanon) :: Planned Parenthood. Retrieved June 28, 2014, from http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/birth-control-implant-implanon

Lehmiller, J. J. (2014). Sex Education, Contraception, and pregnancy. The psychology of human sexuality (p. 264). Oxford: John Wiley & Sons.

Office of Population Affairs (OPA). (n.d.).Shot. Retrieved June 28, 2014, from http://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/contraception/shot/

Office of Population Affairs (OPA). (n.d.).Female Sterilization. Retrieved June 28, 2014, from http://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/contraception/female-sterilization/

Office of Population Affairs (OPA). (n.d.).IUD. Retrieved June 28, 2014, from http://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/contraception/iud/

Office of Population Affairs (OPA). (n.d.).Male Sterilization. Retrieved June 28, 2014, from http://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/contraception/male-sterilization/