How Natural Family Planning Works
The aim of natural family planning is to prevent pregnancy by avoiding sex, or using barrier methods of contraception, during the woman’s fertile time. Natural family planning involves using your body’s signs and symptoms to assess if you’re currently fertile and likely to get pregnant if you have sex.
It’s important that you are taught natural family planning by a qualified teacher. You can check the availability of instructors in your local area by visiting the Fertility UK website.
The information in this section is designed to serve as an overview only. It’s not a substitute for proper instruction and training.
There are different fertility indicators you can use in combination to increase the effectiveness of natural family planning. For example:
- daily readings of your body temperature
- changes to your cervix such as discharge, and changes in its position
- the length of your menstrual cycle
What Are The Health Risks For Smokers Who Use Birth Control
If you smoke and are 35 or older, you should not use hormonal birth control. Smoking tobacco and using hormonal birth control raises your risk for blood clots and high blood pressure. Smoking and high blood pressure are risk factors for a heart attack or stroke. The risk for a heart attack or stroke also goes up as you age.
How Female Sterilisation Is Carried Out
Female sterilisation is usually a minor operation, with most women returning home the same day.
Tubal occlusion
A laparoscopy is the most common method of female sterilisation. The surgeon makes a small cut in your abdominal wall near your belly button and inserts a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a small telescope that contains a tiny light and camera. The camera allows the surgeon to see your fallopian tubes clearly.
A less common way to do female sterilisation is a mini-laparotomy. This is a small incision, usually less than 5cm , just above the pubic hairline. Your surgeon can then access your fallopian tubes through this incision. A laparoscopy is usually the preferred option because it’s faster. But a mini-laparotomy may be recommended in some cases.
Your surgeon will discuss what is best with you.
Blocking the tubes
The fallopian tubes can be blocked by either:
- applying clips plastic or titanium clamps are closed over the fallopian tubes
- tying and cutting the tube this destroys 3 to 4cm of the tube
Removing the tubes
If blocking the fallopian tubes has been unsuccessful, the tubes may be completely removed. Removal of the tubes is called salpingectomy.
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The Most And Least Effective Birth Control Methods
The idea of contraception has been around for thousands of years as a way to prevent pregnancy. While some of the first written descriptions of contraception appear as early as 1550 B.C., the safest and most effective methods of birth control were developed and refined in the 20th and 21st centuries.
To determine the most and least effective birth control methods, 24/7 Wall St. analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most common forms of contraception. The most effective birth control methods led to 12 or fewer pregnancies in every 100 women, and the least effective methods led to 18 or more pregnancies per 100 women.
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The effectiveness of a contraceptive method does not correlate with the rate of usage, as some of the least effective methods are the most common. The leading form of birth control in the United States is the oral contraceptive pill, used by 9.7 million women. With a 9% failure rate, the pill is less effective than five other major forms of birth control. The second most common form of birth control, female sterilization, is the fourth most effective contraceptive.
These are the most and least effective forms of birth control.
15. Spermicide> Popularity:< 0.1% of women who practice birth control> Method: Over-the-counter
> Popularity: 1.4% of women who practice birth control> Method: N/A
13. Sponge> Popularity:< 0.1% of women who practice birth control> Method: Over-the-counter
Contraception Resulting In 18 Or More Pregnancies Per 100 Women In A Year
- Male condom: 18% of women whose partners used a male condom experienced an unintended pregnancy within the first year of typical use.
- Female condom: 21% of women who used a female condom experienced an unintended pregnancy within the first year of typical use.
- Withdrawal: 22% of women who used withdrawal experienced an unintended pregnancy within the first year of typical use.
- Sponge: 24% of parous women and 12% of nulliparous women using a sponge experienced an unintended pregnancy within the first year of typical use.
- Fertility-Awareness Based Methods: 24% of women using fertility-awareness based methods experienced an unintended pregnancy within the first year of typical use.
- Spermicide: 28% of women using spermicide experienced an unintended pregnancy within the first year of typical use.
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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Condoms
It’s important to consider which form of contraception is right for you and your partner. Take care to use condoms correctly, and consider using other forms of contraception as well.
Advantages
When used correctly every time you have sex, condoms are a reliable method of protecting both partners from STIs. They’re also effective at preventing pregnancy.
You only need to use them when you have sex. They do not need advance preparation and are suitable for unplanned sex.
In most cases, there are no medical side effects from using condoms.
Condoms are easy to get hold of and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavours.
Disadvantages
Some couples find that using condoms interrupts sex. Communicating about sex with your partner can help avoid embarrassment and make sex better.
Condoms are very strong, but may split or tear if not used properly.
Some people may be allergic to latex, plastic or spermicides. You can get condoms that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
If condoms aren’t used properly, they can slip off or split. Practice and communication with your partner can help avoid this.
Hormonal Birth Control Pill
The combination birth control pill contains estrogen and progestin. The progestin-only pill, or minipill, only contains progestin.
Both pills work to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus . It is taken daily ideally at the same time. The minipill must be taken within the same three-hour window each day.
How Effective Is It?
Typical use: About 91% effective
The progestin-only pill is slightly less effective than the combination pill.
How Much Does It Cost?
A one-month pack can cost up to $50, but they are usually covered by insurance or programs such as Medicaid. They may also be available for a reduced price at Planned Parenthood.
Pros
- Can have side effects
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What Is Emergency Contraception
There are two options for emergency contraception: the emergency contraceptive pill or a copper IUD.
ECP can be taken up to three days after unprotected sex. If you are an average weight, the ECP is 98% effective. If you weigh more than 70kg, the ECP is less effective and a copper IUD is recommended. If you weigh more than 70kg and you choose to take ECP, you should ask if taking a double dose is the right option for you.
The copper IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex, and is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy if:
- you haven’t used protection
- your normal contraception fails e.g. condom splits
- you have missed more than one contraceptive pill
- you have been vomiting or had diarrhoea while on the pill
- you have missed your injection
- you have been forced to have sex without contraception.
It is not a good idea to use ECP as your regular method of contraception – it is less effective than if you were using a LARC or hormonal method.
At A Glance: Facts About The Iud
There are different types of IUD, some with more copper than others. IUDs with more copper are more than 99% effective. This means that fewer than 1 in 100 women who use an IUD will get pregnant in one year. IUDs with less copper will be less effective.
An IUD works as soon as it’s put in, and lasts for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type.
It can be put in at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you’re not pregnant.
It can be removed at any time by a doctor or nurse and you’ll quickly return to normal levels of fertility.
Changes to your periods are common in the first 3 to 6 months after an IUD is put in. For example, your periods may be heavier, longer or more painful. But they’re likely to settle down after this. You might get spotting or bleeding between periods.
There’s a very small chance of infection within 20 days of the IUD being fitted.
There’s a risk that your body may expel the IUD.
If you get pregnant, there’s an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. But because you’re unlikely to get pregnant, the overall risk of ectopic pregnancy is lower than in women who don’t use contraception.
Having the IUD put in can be uncomfortable. Ask the doctor or nurse about pain relief.
An IUD may not be suitable for you if you’ve had previous pelvic infections.
The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections . Use condoms as well as the IUD, to protect yourself against STIs.
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Discouraged By The Cost Of Birth Control We Can Help
We do our best to help you afford the birth control method you choose no matter what your situation is. Whether you have your own health insurance, are on your parents plan, or dont have insurance at all, weve got you covered. Find a health center near you.
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Many insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover Planned Parenthood services.
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Well help you navigate your states health insurance plans. Learn more
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Is health insurance not an option for you? We can get you set up with state or locally funded programs that help cover the cost of your birth control.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Female Sterilisation
Advantages of female sterilisation are that:
- it can be more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
- tubal occlusion and removal of the tubes should be effective immediately you should continue to use contraception until your next period
- it will not affect your sex drive
- it will not affect the spontaneity of sexual intercourse or interfere with sex
- it will not affect your hormone levels
Disadvantages of female sterilisation are that it:
- does not protect you against STIs, so you should still use a condom if you are unsure about your partner’s sexual health
- is very difficult to reverse a tubal occlusion and reversal operations are rarely funded by the NHS
Salpingectomy is not reversible. IVF may be an alternative way to get pregnant, but would have to be paid for privately.
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What Are The Most Effective Methods Of Pregnancy Prevention
Pregnancy prevention is an important topic that should be discussed frequently with the teenagers. Unintentional pregnancy rate has gone up among the youth and it is growing at an alarming rate year in year out. One cannot expect the youth to totally stop having intercourse, but a little awareness and proper education can be of help. This is why I am writing this blog post to outline a couple of what I personally consider the most effective methods to prevent the youth from unplanned pregnancy.
Contraception Is Not Just About Preventing Pregnancy
Before jumping into efficacy, when we talk to patients about contraceptives, we first narrow down what they want out of it, she says. In women, birth control can also help lighten heavy periods, regulate menstrual cycles, and clear up acne, according to the Office on Womens Health.
Thats not to say that birth control should only be a concern for women. According to Meera Shah, MD, MPH, birth control is every partners responsibility.
Everyone should be counseled on all methods of contraception, she says, from birth control pills to vasectomies, regardless of their gender.
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How The Ring Works
The ring continually releases oestrogen and progestogen, which are synthetic versions of the hormones that are naturally released by the ovaries. This:
- reduces ovulation
- thickens vaginal mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to get through
- thins the lining of the womb so that an egg is less likely to implant there
Can You Use Iuds For Emergency Contraception
Yes, both copper-containing IUDs and progestin-containing IUDs can be used as a form of emergency contraception when used within 120 hours of having unprotected sex. This is the most effective form of emergency contraception. The benefit of using IUDs for emergency contraception is that youre seeking a method of birth control and youre preventing future unwanted pregnancies.
Progestin-containing IUDs work by causing your cervical mucus to become thicker so sperm cant reach an egg. The hormone also thins the lining of your uterus, so menstrual bleeding becomes lighter. The copper-containing IUD works by stopping the sperm from reaching the egg.
How is it available?
A healthcare provider prescribes and inserts IUDs.
How effective is it?
IUDs can be close to 100% effective at preventing pregnancy when inserted within five days of having unprotected sex.
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Where Can You Get The Progestogen
Most types of contraception are available for free in the UK. Contraception is free to all women and men through the NHS. Places where you can get contraception include:
- most GP practices talk to your GP or practice nurse
- sexual health clinics they also offer contraceptive and STI testing services
- pharmacies they can give an initial 3-month supply
- some young peoples services
Some brands of the desogestrel progestogen-only pill are available to buy in a pharmacy without a prescription. They can also be bought from online pharmacies. Look for the NHS internet pharmacy logo before buying.
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you’re under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacists won’t tell your parents . They’ll provide you with contraception as long as they believe you fully understand the information you’re given and are able to use the contraception safely.
Doctors, nurses and pharmacists have a responsibility to make sure that you are safe and free from harm. They’ll encourage you to consider telling your parents , but they won’t make you. The only time that a professional will not be able to keep confidentiality is if they believe you’re at risk of serious harm, such as abuse. If this was the case they would usually discuss it with you first.
Where Can You Get The Combined Pill
Most types of contraception are available for free in the UK. Contraception is free to all women and men through the NHS. Places where you can get contraception include:
- most GP practices talk to your GP or practice nurse
- sexual health clinics they also offer contraceptive and STI testing services
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you’re under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won’t tell your parents . They’ll provide you with contraception as long as they believe you fully understand the information you’re given and are able to use the contraception safely.
Doctors and nurses have a responsibility to make sure that you are safe and free from harm. They’ll encourage you to consider telling your parents , but they won’t make you. The only time that a professional will not be able to keep confidentiality is if they believe you’re at risk of serious harm, such as abuse. If this was the case they would usually discuss it with you first.
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At A Glance: The Contraceptive Injection
If used correctly, the contraceptive injection is 99% effective. This means than 1 woman in 100 who use the injection will become pregnant in a year.
In real world use about 6 women in 100 become pregnant in a year because people forget to get their next injection .
The injection lasts for 8, 12 or 13 weeks . You don’t have to think about contraception every day or every time you have sex.
It can be useful for women who might forget to take the contraceptive pill every day.
It can be useful for women who can’t use contraception that contains oestrogen.
It’s not affected by medication.
It may provide some protection against cancer of the womb and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Side effects can include weight gain, headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness, and irregular bleeding. The injection can’t be removed from your body. So if you have side effects they’ll last as long as the injection and for some time afterwards.
Your periods may become more irregular or longer, or stop altogether .
It can take up to 1 year for your fertility to return to normal after the injection wears off. So it may not be suitable if you want to have a baby in the near future.
Using Depo-Provera affects your natural oestrogen levels, which can cause thinning of the bones.
The injection does not protect against sexually transmitted infections . Use condoms as well as the injection to protect yourself against STIs.
What Are Barrier Methods
Condoms protect against sexually transmissible infections and from unintended pregnancy.
You can buy internal condoms from our website and from some pharmacies.
You can get a prescription for condoms from Family Planning or your doctor, or you can buy them from this website, pharmacies, supermarkets, and other shops.
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