Contraception

What is it? Contraception is any method or technique used to prevent pregnancy Contraception can come in many different forms

Implant (IMPLANON) An Implant is a single thin rod placed under a the skin on the woman’s upper arm It releases progestin in the woman’s skin over a period of 3 years This does NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases or infections 0.5% Failure rate *These methods do NOT protect against STI’s!!!

Intrauterine Device (Paraguard or Mirena) An IUD is placed inside a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy It can stay in the uterus for years This does NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases or infections Paraguard does not have hormones. Mirena does have hormones % Failure rate *These methods do NOT protect against STI’s!!!

Hormonal Methods Oral contraceptives or “the pill” is a taken by a woman at the same time each day to prevent pregnancy. Their a many varieties of birth control pills, thus talking to a doctor is key to finding which one will be best for you! *These methods do NOT protect against STI’s!!! Injections or shots (Depo-Provera) of hormonal progestin may be given to women by their doctor every three months to prevent pregnancy. 9% Failure rate 6% Failure rate

Hormonal Methods The patch is worn on a woman’s lower abdomen, buttocks or upper body to release hormones that prevent pregnancy. The Patch is changed each week. Patch locations should be rotated to approved sites to prevent irritation. The contraceptive ring (Nuva Ring) is placed inside a woman’s vagina and replaced every 3 weeks. It releases hormone progestin and estrogen to prevent pregnancy. 9% Failure rate *These methods do NOT protect against STI’s!!!

Barrier Methods Male condoms are worn by the man and prevent sperm from getting into the woman’s body. This method also DOES protect against STD’s and STI’s. Female condoms are worn by the woman and also prevent sperm from getting into the her body It can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse and may also protect against STD’s and STI’s 21% Failure rate 18% Failure rate

Emergency Contraception Also known as the morning after pill, emergency contraception should only be used after unprotected sex or failed birth control. The pill must be taken within 72 hours of intercourse. This does not protect against or cure STI’s. If you are already pregnant, Plan B will not end the pregnancy. Approximately 25% Failure rate

Myth: A female cannot get pregnant the first time she has sex. Myth: Douching, showering or bathing can prevent pregnancy. Fact: A woman’s chances for getting pregnant are always the same. Fact: Douching does not prevent pregnancy and it is impossible to douche, shower, or bathe fast enough to “wash away the sperm”.

Myth: A female can’t get pregnant while she is on her period. Myth: A female can’t get pregnant if a male “pulls out” before he ejaculates. Fact: Generally during a woman’s period she is not ovulating, but it is possible to get pregnant during any part of the menstrual cycle. Fact: Once a male becomes aroused, he ejects pre- ejaculate fluid and pregnancy is still possible (this method may also be hard to control.