Vaginal Spermicides
Vaginal spermicides are available over the counter in the form of cream, jelly, foam, film, vaginal suppository or tablets. These products contain a sperm killing chemical. There is debate about the effectiveness of using vaginal spermicides alone but it is thought that they have a failure rate of approximately 21% per year. Women who choose this method of contraceptive should be sure to follow the package directions exactly as each product is different. Allow the spermicide to remain in the vagina for 6-8 hours following intercourse and do not douche or rinse the vagina during this time to ensure that all sperm are killed. Natural Family Planning Being aware of your fertility is another way of reducing your chances of getting pregnant. Natural family planning is the only method accepted by some religions and it requires extreme attention and a highly motivated couple for it to be successful. It works by not having sexual intercourse on the days when you are most likely to ovulate. These methods estimate a woman's fertility based upon changes in the cervical mucus or changes in body temperature.Withdrawal
The effectiveness of withdrawal depends upon the man's ability to withdraw his penis from the vagina before he ejaculates. This method does not guarantee that pre-ejaculatory sperm has not been released into the vagina and does not provide protection against AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, or infections.Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM)
Women who are breast feeding exclusively may be protected against pregnancy for up to 6 months after the birth if her period has not returned. This method is highly effective when used correctly. LAM works by preventing an egg from being released from your ovary. Once you begin to feed your baby food other than breast milk, or when your period returns you need to choose another method of birth control.Surgical Sterilization
When you are sure that your pregnancy days are over for good, sterilization is an option that may be considered. Either partner may choose surgical sterilization--tubal ligation for the woman, or vasectomy for the male. It's important that you do not consider this a temporary means of contraception that can be reversed if you change your mind. Sterilization reversal is major surgery which is often unsuccessful.Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception works by preventing pregnancy within a few hours or days of unprotected sex. Methods used for emergency contraception include combined oral contraceptives, progestin only pills, and insertion of an IUD.When Unplanned Pregnancy Occurs
When birth control methods are practiced faithfully, most methods of contraception are highly effective against an unplanned pregnancy occurring. However, sometimes other factors come into play and contraception does fail. If you find yourself faced with and unplanned pregnancy you will need to make a decision about how you will proceed. Will you choose abortion, adoption, or parenting? It's a decision that no one can make for you and one that you will have to live with for the rest of your life. Be sure to choose what feels right for you, and don't let yourself be influenced by others feelings.An Important Message About Condoms
Condoms should always be used, in addition to any other birth control methods, by anyone who is not in a long term monogamous relationship. Care should be taken not to use oil-based lubricants (petroleum jelly, lotions, or baby oil) with latex or lambskin condoms as they can weaken the material.Women today have the choice of using the traditional male condom, or using the female condom. The Reality® condom is approved by the FDA and is shaped similar to the male condom. The closed end has a flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina, up to 8 hours before sexual intercourse, while the open end remains partly outside the vagina. The female condom should never be used at the same time your partner is using a male condom.
Condoms, whether male or female, are intended for one-time use and should never be reused. If the cost of condoms is an issue for you, visit your local family planning clinic. Many family planning clinics will happily give you as many condoms as you need.
