Birth Control Comparison

wl-hunter · #1 10-12-2004, 05:16 AM

Hi Brothers,

did some comparisons earlier and hope this is useful to some of us here.

Part I
There are many forms of birth control currently on the market, some methods having been used for decades, while others are relatively new. While this article does not provide detailed information about each method of birth control, its purpose is to compare the basic facts regarding the various methods, including pros and cons of the different contraceptives available. The purpose of this article is to help inform samsters who may wish to have children sometime in the future, but do not want them at the moment. Therefore, I am only reviewing non-permanent, reliable methods of birth control, eliminating such methods as sterilization, withdrawal method, rhythm douching and breast-feeding. These birth control methods will be reviewed separately.

Method: The Birth Control Pill (The Pill)
What is it?: A pill that contains synthetic estrogen and progestogen
How does it work?: The pill comes in packages using cycles of 21 or 28 days that must be taken daily. The hormones in the pill prevent your body from ovulating, which means that an egg is not released each month and pregnancy will not result.
Effectiveness: 97-99% effective
Advantages: Easy to use, regular and lighter menstrual cycles, reduced cramping, link to reduced rates of uterine and ovarian cancer, may clear up acne, allows for spontaneous sexual activity.
Disadvantages: Possible weight gain, must remember to take pill every day, less effective when taken with antibiotics, does not protect against STD's, and requires a prescription, possible side effects.

Method: Depo-provera
What is it?: An injection containing progestin.
How does it work?: An injection is given every 12 weeks, which stops the body from producing estrogen and progesterone. As a result, ovulation does not occur, as no egg has matured for release and the uterus lining is not able to receive a fertilized egg.
Effectiveness: 99% effective
Advantages: no chance of forgetting to take a pill, no chance that the method will be used incorrectly, injection only 4 times a year, decreases chances of ovarian and uterine cancer, may be used by women who are breast feeding, highly discreet, permits spontaneous sexual activity.
Disadvantages: all women will experience prolonged menstrual bleeding and spotting between periods, followed by many women having irregular menstrual bleeding or even none at all, injection must be given by physician, does not prevent STD's, there is nothing to reverse the injection if it doesn't agree with you and it takes 12 weeks to wear off, possible delay of fertility after last injection, various side effects.

Method: Norplant
What is it?: 6 small plastic rods containing progestin that are implanted in the upper arm.
How does it work?: The rods are inserted in a fan like pattern and slowly releases progestin, which prevents ovulation and prevents the uterus wall from being able to accept a fertilized egg.
Effectiveness: 99%
Advantages: Implants last for five years, human error in misuse of contraceptive is eliminated, fertility is immediate after implants are removed, menstrual cramps decrease and menstruation is lighter, easily reversible, allows for spontaneous sexual activity.
Disadvantages: requires minor surgery, quite expensive, bleeding and spotting during first year, possibility of irregular periods, possible weight gain, may cause acne, may be visible or may cause scarring in the arm at site of implant, removal may be costly.

Method: Intrauterine Device (IUD)
What is it?: A small plastic or copper device inserted into the uterus by a physician.
How does it work?: The full effects of the IUD are still not completely understood, but it is thought that the copper that some IUD's have impedes the movement of the sperm in the uterus, preventing fertilization. There are also some IUD's that contain progesterone , thereby interfering with ovulation and thickening of the uterine walls. The copper IUD's can have a life of up to 10 years, while the ones that release progesterone must be replaced yearly.
Effectiveness: 97-99% effectiveness.
Advantages: effective immediately, no chance of forgetting a pill, lasts a long time, allows for spontaneous sexual activity.
Disadvantages: periods become longer and heavier and cramps worsen, spotting between periods, body may expel the device, risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), increased risk of vaginal infections, must be inserted by a health care professional.

wl-hunter · #2 10-12-2004, 05:18 AM

Part II

Method: Diaphragm
What is it?: A soft rubber dome like object supported by a spring that fits over the cervix and is held in place by the vaginal muscles.
How does it work?: The diaphragm must be filled with spermicidal cream or jelly and in combination therefore creates both a physical and chemical barrier, stopping and killing any sperm that attempt to enter the cervix. The diaphragm must be inserted up to 2 hours before intercourse and must be left in for at least 6 hours afterwards, and additional spermicidal jelly or cream must be added without removing the diaphragm before having repeated intercourse. Your doctor must fit you for the correct size.
Effectiveness: 85-90% effective.
Advantages: No interference with the body's hormones, resulting in no real side effects, does not affect fertility, spermicidal jelly acts as lubricant.
Disadvantages: Some men and women have allergic reactions to the latex of the diaphragm, can be messy, does not allow for spontaneous sexual activity, increased risk of bladder infection.

Method: The Cervical Cap
What is it?: Similar to the diaphragm, the cervical cap is made out of latex and fits snugly over the cervix.
How does it work?: Your physician must fit you for a cervical cap, which is best used with a spermicide and fits over your cervix to provide a physical barrier to prevent sperm from entering the cervix and uterus. It may be left in for up to 2 days.
Effectiveness: 80-90% effective
Advantages: Does not interfere with your body's natural hormones, does not affect fertility, allows for somewhat spontaneous sexual activity.
Disadvantages: May become dislodged during intercourse, can be messy, may be difficult to insert, possible latex reaction may develop.

Method: Condoms
What is it?: Either made of latex, or animal membrane (natural skin), the condom fits over the man's penis, preventing sperm from entering the woman.
How does it work?: The man puts it on over an erect penis just prior to sexual intercourse and the ejaculate remains inside. Combining a spermicide with condoms decreases the chance of pregnancy if the condom breaks. Condoms must be removed immediately after intercourse, and is a disposable, one time use article.
Effectiveness: 90% effective if used alone, 95-97% if used with a spermicide as well.
Advantages: Condoms are widely available from grocery stores, drug stores and vending machines. They are inexpensive, easy to use, do not interfere with the body's natural hormones, and protect against STD's.
Disadvantages: Can be messy and inconvenient, decrease physical sensation, interrupt sexual spontaneity, people with latex allergies can use the "natural skin" condoms, but these do not protect against STD's.

Method: Today Sponge
What is it?: A small polyurethane device (similar to a diaphragm but smaller) that is inserted over the cervix and feels like vaginal tissue.
How does it work?: The sponge fits over the cervix and contains large amounts of spermicide, it acts as both a physical and chemical barrier to prevent sperm from entering the cervix. This one-time use device simply needs to be moistened with water and inserted. It can remain in the vagina for up to 24 hours, and may be used multiple times without additional spermicide being added. Must remain in vagina for at least 6 hours after last act of intercourse.
Effectiveness: 89-91% effective
Advantages: inexpensive, widely available non-prescription method of contraception, does not interfere with hormones or fertility, allows for relatively spontaneous sex, are safe for people with latex allergies, not perceptible by either partner during intercourse.
Disadvantages: messy, does not protect against STD's