Contraceptives – A wide variety of methods used to prevent pregnancy. Their effectiveness ranges from very effective to unreliable, and each method has advantages and disadvantages. Following are two lists: 1. Effective Contraceptives, and 2. Less Reliable Contraceptives.
- “The Pill”
- Condom – male
- Condom – female
- Intrauterine Device (IUD)
- Cervical Cap
- Less Reliable Contraceptives
- Vaginal foams, cream and jellies
- Vaginal sponge
- Calendar method
- Temperature Method
Emergency Contraception is a special type of pregnancy prevention treatment, which is given within 72 hours after unprotected sexual activity. It is most often used after situations such as broken condoms, and rape. Treatment involves taking certain hormones.
Tubal Ligation, a less common form of contraception today, involves having one’s tubes (fallopian tubes) tied. The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This very effective form of contraception requires written consent. It can be done along with other surgery, or as a separate procedure.
For each method listed above, a description of how it works, and key advantages and disadvantages, is provided in a Contraceptives Table in our Women’s Health Channel.