Difference between revisions of "Contraception"
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Except for condoms, most methods offer little protection against [[STD|sexually transmitted disease]]s.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/birth-control/BI99999</ref> | Except for condoms, most methods offer little protection against [[STD|sexually transmitted disease]]s.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/birth-control/BI99999</ref> | ||
| − | ''Effectiveness/Failure rate refers to the percentage of women experiencing unwanted pregnancy in first year of continuous use.'' | + | ''Effectiveness/Failure rate refers to the percentage of women experiencing unwanted pregnancy in first year of continuous use. These numbers are not additive, e.g. use for two years does not double the risk.'' |
== Barrier Methods == | == Barrier Methods == | ||
Revision as of 01:25, April 5, 2007
Under revision
Contraception (Lat. against conception) generally refers to methods of preventing pregnancy (birth control). There are many different methods, each having its own level of effectiveness and safety. The safest and most effective form of birth control is abstinence. The argument could be made that this is not actually "birth control" as there was never a risk for a pregnancy, but in common parlance, abstinence is the first line of protection. Except for condoms, most methods offer little protection against sexually transmitted diseases.[1]
Effectiveness/Failure rate refers to the percentage of women experiencing unwanted pregnancy in first year of continuous use. These numbers are not additive, e.g. use for two years does not double the risk.
Barrier Methods
- Male condom: latex condoms are the most effective method of preventing STDs. 85% effective against pregnancy, increased to 95% if used with intravaginal spermicide - higher effectiveness (99%) when used as directed.
- Female Condom
- Sponge: 85% effectiveness
- Cervical cap: about 85% effectiveness
- Diaphragm: about 84% effectiveness
- Shield: 85% effectiveness
Hormonal Methods
- Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs): 92-99% effective when used as directed
- Depoprogesterone (Depo-Provera): 97% effective
- Vaginal ring (Nuva Ring): 92% effective
- "Rhythm method" (also sometimes referred to as a method of "timed abstinence"): low effectiveness
- Patch: 99.7% effective
Other
- Copper Intrauterine device (IUD): 99% effectiveness
- Hormonal Intrauterine device: over 99% effectiveness
- Withdrawal: low effectiveness
- Spermicide: about 70% effectiveness when used alone
- Male Sterilization
- Female Sterilization
Religious Perspectives
In general, the Catholic Church is opposed to contraception. Other Christian denominations vary. Islamic and Jewish views are quite diverse.
References
Trussell J. Hatcher RA, Cates W Jr, Stewart FH, Kost K. A guide to interpreting contraceptive efficacy studies. Obstet Gynecol. 1990; 76 :558-567.