Implants and injections

Hormone systems using progestin are very reliable and come in several forms. One type is injected into the body once every three weeks. Another is implanted underneath the skin, and depending on the number of rods implanted can last for three to five years. Transdermal patches deliver the hormone dosage through the skin. One patch is worn for a week, and is then replaced each week for three weeks. The fourth week no patch is worn and the woman experiences a period. The vaginal ring is a small flexible appliance that is inserted on the first day of the menstrual period and removed exactly three weeks later and discarded. After a week off, the next ring is inserted for the next cycle. It delivers both estrogen and progestin to the woman's system. These hormonal methods have the same efficacy, benefits, and side effects as birth control pills.

Intra-uterine devices, called IUD's, have been around for many years. They lost favour for a while when the Dalkon Shield was recalled, but are making a come-back with improved devices. The newer IUD's are considered very safe and effective. One type of IUD is made to last for one year, and the other can be worn for ten years.

Diaphragms are made of latex or silicone and are a barrier method of birth control. They are inserted into the vagina before intercourse and are left inside for several hours after. Often they are used with a spermicide. Just as with condoms, those that are made of latex cannot be used with an oil-based lubricant, since this can wear down the material and enable sperm to gain entry through a rip or tear.

The sponge is a combination barrier/spermicide method and is considered fairly safe. As with any type of birth control, the more carefully directions are followed the safer it is. A spermicide in the sponge is activated by running the sponge briefly under water. The sponge is then inserted into the vagina where it creates the physical and chemical barrier to sperm. It is effective for 24 hours after insertion regardless of the number of repeat instances of intercourse. Some men and women are sensitive or allergic to the spermicide and cannot use the product due to burning or irritation. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare complication.

One method considered very unsafe, but better than nothing, is withdrawal. The man withdraws from the woman before ejaculation occurs so that sperm do not enter her vagina. While this works well for the ejaculate at the end of intercourse, men also produce semen before ejaculation, and the woman can still become pregnant from this alone.

Sterilization is the only sure-fire method of birth control other than abstinence. Women have tubal ligations so that the egg cannot reach the uterus. Men have vasectomies where the tube through which the sperm travels is surgically closed off. Once this is done, sperm can no longer travel from the testicle to the penis.

Article by Rachel Goodchild

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