January 1999

Common Ways of Contraception

By 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.
2. Periods are more regular.

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.
2. Protects against sexually transmitted diseases.
3. Safe.

Disadvantages:

1. It may break.
2. User needs to plan ahead.
3. Women may be allergic to spermacide or latex.
4. Animal membrane condoms DO NOT protect against HIV.
5. Not reusable.

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.
2. Used only for emergency situations.
3. May impair the baby if pregnancy occurs.

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.
Cervical Cap: Fill the cap with spermicide and place it snugly over the cervix.

Advantages:

1. Safe.
2. Can be inserted several hours before lovemaking.
3. Cervical Cap may be left in place for 24-28 hours.
4. No need to apply spermicide for every intercourse.

Disadvantages:

1. Prescription is necessary.
2. Must be left in place for six to eight hours after intercourse.
3. Must be replaced periodically, and possible to dislodge.
4. Diaphragm can be messy.

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.
2. No known risk to one's health.
3. Does not require re-application for each sex act.
4. One product available can last for 24 hours.

Disadvantages:

1. Less effective.
2. Must wait for eight hours before taking a bath or douche.

Effectiveness:

80%

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