Female Contraceptives
There are many different types of
contraceptives will not only give you more control over your body, but also allow you to feel more confident in handling sexual encounters.
Types of Female Contraceptives
Here are the different types of female contraceptives on the market. Keep in mind that some require a doctor's prescription or need to be performed by a doctor, such as administering hormonal injections.
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Female condoms. Contraceptive device that is worn inside the vagina to create a barrier.
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Diaphragm. This device stops sperm from entering the vagina by using a spermicide.
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polyurethane foam, a sponge covers the uterus and prevents sperm from entering.
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Vaginal contraceptive film. A thin sheet that is placed near the cervix and kills off sperm.
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Spermicide. Spermicide comes in many different forms, such as
gels and creams. It inactivates or kills off the sperm.
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Oral contraceptives. Known as The Pill, these contraceptives are taken by mouth and contain such hormones as progestin and estrogen.
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Injections. Birth control shots that contain the hormone progestin.
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Patch. This patch is worn on the skin and releases the hormones progetin and estrogen.
* Vaginal Ring. This ring is worn inside the vagina and releases hormones.
* Sterilization. A medical procedure that involves tying a woman's fallopian tubes.
Barrier Methods vs Hormonal Methods
While all female contraceptives work to prevent pregnancy, they do so in different ways. Barrier forms of birth control act as barriers between the sperm and the vaginal canal. Examples of these types of birth control methods include
contraceptive sponges, and diaphragms. They carry very few side effects, if any, and are virtually risk free. Things to consider however, is that barrier methods are not always as effective as one would hope they would be. For example, 2 out of every 100 women using
condoms will become pregnant. For added protection, choose to use 2 types of barrier methods together.
Hormonal methods are very effective on the other hand, generally being 99% successful in preventing pregnancy when used properly. In addition, hormonal forms of birth control don't need to be used at the time of intercourse, so there's no prior planning involved. Many forms don't even require that you use them daily, as with the
Pill. Injections will last for months, while the
Nuvaring offers protection for 4 weeks. The downside to these types of birth control methods is that they contain hormones, which is at the center of controversy, especially for teens.
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