Middlesex-London Health Unit

Birth Control Methods - Overview

There are currently many types of birth control available.

Make sure you have all the information you need before you use any of these methods. Speak with your doctor or public health nurse at a clinic. Some of these methods are only prescribed by a doctor. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. A doctor can explain any safety issues with you so you can make your own decision.


THE PILL (Oral Contraceptive)
Typical Effectiveness Rate - 97%

What is it?
� Pills that contain hormones and are taken daily for 21 or 28 days

How does it work?
� Contains hormones that stop the egg from being released
� Makes cervical mucus thicker to stop sperm from getting into the uterus

Where can you get it?
� By prescription only from your family doctor, some walk-in clinics, or family planning clinics

The Pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex condom every time.


THE CONDOM (For Men)
Typical Effectiveness Rate - 88%-97%

What is it?
� A tube of latex rubber or polyurethene worn over the erect penis
�
How does it work?
� It catches semen, which contain sperm
� More effective when used with spermicide (foam)
�
Where can you get it?
� Drugstores, some grocery stores, and birth control clinics


THE CONDOM (for Women)
Typical Effectiveness Rate - 80%

What is it?
� A polyurethene pouch worn inside the vagina
�
How does it work?
� A woman inserts it before intercourse
� Catches semen

Where do you get it?
� Some drugstores and birth control clinics


SPERMICIDES (sponge, foam, gel, contraceptive film)
Typical Effectiveness Rate - 79%

What is it?
� Sperm-killing chemicals, usually nonoxynol-9
�
How does it work?
� Placed in the vagina before intercourse
� Spermicide is released which kills sperm

Where can you get it?
� Drugstores, birth control clinics

Spermicides do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex condom every time.


INTRA UTERINE DEVICE (IUD)
Typical Effectiveness Rate - 96%

What is it?
� A small piece of plastic or copper placed in the uterus. May contain hormone
� Stays inside the uterus up to 5-7 years

How does it work?
� Mechanism of action not fully understood
� May prevent the sperm from reaching the egg
� May change the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized ovum

Where can you get it?
� patient needs to be assessed by a Health Care Provider
. IUD must be prescribed by a Health Care Provider
. IUD must be inserted and removed by a Health Care Provider

The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex condom every time.


FERTILITY AWARENESS METHOD (Billings Method/Sympto-Thermal Method)
Typical Effectiveness Rate - 70%-80%

What is it?
� A combination of natural methods of birth control. eg. ovulation method

How does it work?
� A woman keeps a record of her menstral cycle
� The Fertility Awareness Method allows her to identify when she is close to ovulation (releasing an egg) so she can:
- avoid intercourse
- use a more effective method (ie. condom)
- get pregnant

Where can you get it?
� A woman can take special classes to learn how to use this method effectively

The Fertility Awareness Method does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex condom every time.


DEPO-PROVERA
Typical Effectiveness Rate - 99.7%

What is it?
� A hormone injection given every 10 to 12 weeks

How does it work?
� Hormone makes cervical mucus thicker
� May stop eggs from leaving the ovary

Where can I get it?
� Needs to be prescribed and given by a Health Care Provider

Depo-Provera does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex condom every time.


LACTATIONAL AMENORRHEA METHOD (LAM)

What is it?
� Natural method of birth control using breastfeeding

How does it work?
� Stops ovulation under certain conditions
� Mother must not have had her period yet
� Baby must be less than six months old
� Mother is breastfeeding at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours during the night
� Baby must be fully or nearly fully breastfeeding with no more than 1 or 2 mouthfuls a day of anything other than breastmilk (avoid the use of pacifiers)

Where can I get it?
� It is strongly recommended that you get more information from a Public Health Nurse or Lactation Consultant before beginning this method

LAM does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex condom every time.


DIAPHRAGM, CERVICAL CAP
Typical Effectiveness Rate - 82%

What is it?
� Latex barrier which covers the cervix at the back of the vagina

How does it work?
� Used with spermicide
� Holds spermicide in place to kill sperm

Where can you get it?
� Doctor or clinic prescribes the right size of diaphragm or cervical cap for the woman

No protection against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex condom every time.


STERILIZATION
Typical Effectiveness Rate - 99.6%

What is it?
� Permanent surgical methods of birth control

How does it work?
� For Men: doctor cuts the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles
� For Women: doctor cuts or blocks the fallopian tubes that carry the eggs to the uterus

Where can I get it?
� See your family doctor, urologist or obstetrician for more information
� For Men: doctors perform surgery in office or hospital
� For Women: doctors perform surgery in hospital

Sterilization does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex condom every time.


FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BIRTH CONTROL, CONTACT:

1. Your doctor, obstetrician or midwife.

2. For FREE and confidential information on Birth Control and STI's contact:

� The Clinic at the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 663-5446

3. For information on Fertility Awareness (Billings-Ovulation method) contact 455-6512.

For more information please contact The Clinic, 50 King Street, corner of King and Ridout. Call 663-5446.
Last Updated: 2004-07-21
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