January 1999 Common Ways of ContraceptionBy Polly Lau, Cran Sin,Teny Siu & Wong Po Kwan
How it works?These pills contain man-made female sex hormones which prevent the egg from maturing and being released from the ovary.
How to use?Pills should be taken daily at one particular time for 21 days. Then the user should either stop taking pill or take sugar pill for seven days to complete a 28-day cycle.
Advantages:
1. Reduces the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.
Disadvantages:1. Common side effects: weight gain, increased appetite, mood swings, depression, headaches, and skin problems.
Effectiveness:99%
![]() How it works?Prevents sperm from reaching the cervix.
How to use?The condom should be unrolled over an erect penis, allowing a pocket at the end to collect sperm.
Advantages:
1. No prescription needed.
Disadvantages:
1. It may break.
Effectiveness:80-99% (Increased if used with spermacide)
![]() How it works?It is a kind of birth control pills used to prevent implantation. Also called "Morning After Pill".
How to use?Two pills should be taken within 72 hours after an unprotected intercourse. Two more should be taken 12 hours later. The pills would not stop an already-begun pregnancy from proceeding.
Advantages:1. Reduces the risk of pregnancy in case one has unprotected intercourse; or the condom breaks; or one's diaphragm/cervical cap drops.
Disadvantages:
1. Must be prescribed by a physician.
Effectiveness:90-95% according to records; 75.4% according to studies.
![]() How it works?The soft, rubber dome forms a barrier that prevents mobile sperm entering the cervix and uterus. Spermicidal gel, which kills or immobilizes sperm, is often used with them.
How to use?
Diaphgragm: Apply spermicide and place it deep into the vagina, over the cervix.
Advantages:
1. Safe.
Disadvantages:
1. Prescription is necessary.
Effectiveness:85%
![]() How it works?They can be in the form of creams, foams, vaginal suppositories or vaginal film. They form chemical barriers that either kill the sperm or make them inactive and thus unable to go through the cervix to the egg.
How to use?Must be applied into the vagina within 30 minutes after the ejaculation. It may also be used one hour before the intercourse. The package instructions must be followed.
Advantages:
1. No need for prescription.
Disadvantages:
1. Less effective.
Effectiveness:80%
|