Other methods of contraception

• Skin patches:

  • Contraceptive patch contains oestrogen and progesterone
  • Small patch that's stuck to the skin
  • Each patch lasts one week
• Implants

  • Contraceptive implant is inserted under the skin of the arm
  • Releases a continuous amount progesterone, which stops the ovaries releasing eggs, making it harder for sperm to swim to the egg, preventing fertilised egg in the uterus
  • Can last for three years
• Injection

  • Contraceptive injection also contains progesterone
  • Each dose lasts 2 to 3 months
• Barrier methods:

  • Condoms are worn over the penis during intercourse to prevent the sperm entering the vagina
  • Also are female condoms that are worn inside the vagina
  • Condoms are the only form of contraception that protect against sexually transmitted diseases
• Barrier methods:

  • A diaphragm is a shallow plastic cup that fits over the cervix to form a barrier
  • Has to be used with spermicide
  • Spermicide can be used as a contraceptive, but it is not as effective as using it with a diaphragm
• Intrauterine devices

  • An intrauterine device is a T shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to kill sperm and prevent implantation of a fertilised egg
  • Two main types: Plastic IUDs that release progesterone
  • Copper IUDs that prevent the sperm surviving in the uterus
• Surgical methods

  • Sterilisation involves cutting or tying the fallopian tubes , which connects the ovaries to the uterus in a female,
  • Or the sperm duct , the tube between the testes and penis in a male
  • Permanent procedure
  • Small chance that the tubes can rejoin
• Natural methods

  • Pregnancy may be avoided by finding out when in the menstrual cycle the woman is most fertile and avoiding sexual intercourse on those days
  • The only way to be completely sure that sperm and egg don't meet is to not have intercourse- this is abstinence