ContraceptionThe use of drugs, devices, or techniques

to postpone pregnancy. This is also known as birth control.

Things to Consider When Deciding on Contraceptives

Religious beliefs Personal Values Health Economic Situation Reliability Safety Potential Health Risks

Types of Contraceptives

Barrier methods The IUD or coil Oral “Pill” Patch Vaginal Ring Natural family planning (NFP) Withdrawal Sterilization

Birth Control Pill Birth control pills are a kind of medication that women can take daily to prevent pregnancy. They are also sometimes called“the pill” or oral contraception. Some birth control pills contain two hormones —

estrogen and progestin. These are called combination pills. Some are progestin-only pills.  Most women on the pill take combination pills.

The hormones in the pill work by keeping a woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs — ovulation. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no egg to join with sperm. The hormones in the pill also prevent pregnancy by thickening a woman’s cervical mucus. The mucus blocks sperm and keeps it from joining with an egg.

Vasectomy-Sterilization

http://video.about.com/contraception/Vasectomy.htm

During a vasectomy, the vas deferens from each testicle is clamped, cut, or otherwise sealed. This prevents sperm from mixing with the semen that is ejaculated from the penis. An egg cannot be fertilized when there are no sperm in the semen. The testicles continue to produce sperm, but the sperm are reabsorbed by the body. (This also happens to sperm that are not ejaculated after a while, regardless of whether you have had a vasectomy.) Because the tubes are blocked before the seminal vesicles and prostate, you still ejaculate about the same amount of fluid.

IUD http://video.about.com/contraception/IUD.htm An IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is wrapped in

copper or contains hormones. The IUD is inserted into your uterus by your doctor. A plastic string tied to the end of the IUD hangs down through the cervix into the vagina. You can check that the IUD is in place by feeling for this string. The string is also used by your doctor to remove the IUD.

Types of IUDs Levonorgestrel (LNg) IUD. The levonorgestrel (LNg) IUD, also

known as Mirena, releases levonorgestrel, which is a form of progestin. The LNg IUD appears to be slightly more effective at preventing pregnancy than the copper IUD. Also, unlike other IUDs, it may reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The LNg IUD is effective for at least 5 years.

Copper IUD. The most commonly used IUD is the copper IUD (such as Paragard). Copper wire is wound around the stem of the T-shaped IUD. The copper IUD can stay in place for at least 10 years and is a highly effective form of contraception.

Birth Control Patch

http://video.about.com/contraception/Birth-Control-Patch.htm

The Birth Control Patch is a tiny skin patch with the same hormones as in many birth control pills. Women can wear this patch on the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso (except for the breasts), or the outer part of the upper arm. You should not place the patch on skin that is red, irritated, or cut, or skin where you apply makeup, creams, or powders.

How Does the Birth Control Patch Work? A new birth control patch is worn for one week and

then replaced on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks. The fourth week is a "patch-free week". This is when you should have your period.

The Vaginal Ring

Over the course of 3 weeks, the vaginal ring releases a continuous low dose of estrogen and progestin. Higher estrogen and progestin levels signal your brain not to release the hormones that cause egg maturation. Without an egg ready to be released into the fallopian tube, ovulation cannot occur.

Inserted into your vagina for 3 weeks, and removed for one and a new one is put in after the ring free week.

Withdrawal

Only 75% effective!

NFP-Natural Family Planning http://www.nfpandmore.org/

How to obtain female birth control

http://www.adagiohealth.org/ 1611 Peach Street 814-453-4718

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

http://www.familyplanning.org/