Birth control and family planning

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Barrier methods of birth control - series	Before and after vasectomy	Birth control pill - series	Cervical cap
Hormone-based contraceptives	Intrauterine device	Side sectional view of female reproductive system	The diaphragm
The male condom	Tubal ligation	Tubal ligation - series	Vaginal ring

TUBAL LIGATION

• During tubal ligation, a woman's fallopian tubes are cut, sealed, or blocked by a special clip, preventing eggs and sperm from entering the tubes. It is usually performed immediately after childbirth, or by laparoscopic surgery.
• Tubal ligations are best for women and couples who believe they never wish to have children in the future. While viewed as a permanent method, the operation can sometimes be reversed if a woman later chooses to become pregnant.

VASECTOMY

• A vasectomy is a simple, permanent procedure for men. The vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm) are cut and sealed.
• A vasectomy is performed safely in a doctor’s office using a local anesthetic to numb the area.
• Vasectomies are best for men and couples who believe they never wish to have children in the future. While often viewed as a permanent method, they can sometimes be reversed.

EMERGENCY ("MORNING AFTER") BIRTH CONTROL

• The "morning after" pill consists of two doses of hormone pills taken as soon as possible within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
• A prescription is required.
• The pill may prevent pregnancy by temporarily blocking eggs from being produced, by stopping fertilization, or keeping a fertilized egg from becoming implanted in the uterus.
• The morning after pill may be appropriate in cases of rape; having a condom break or slip off during sex; missing two or more birth control pills during a monthly cycle; and having unplanned sex.
• Risks include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, and headache.

UNRELIABLE METHODS

• Coitus interruptus is the withdrawal of the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation. Some semen frequently escapes prior to full withdrawal, enough to cause a pregnancy.
• Douching shortly after sex is ineffective because sperm can make their way past the cervix within 90 seconds after ejaculation.
• Breastfeeding. Despite the myths, women who are breastfeeding can become pregnant.

CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:

• You would like to further information about birth control options.
• You want to start using a specific method of birth control that requires a prescription or needs to be inserted by a health care provider.
• You have had unprotected intercourse or method failure (for example, a broken condom) within the past 72 hours, and you do not want to become pregnant.

Review Date: 06/27/2005
Reviewed By: Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Clinical Fellow, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.