Comparison of birth control methods: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:51, 8 July 2023

Revision as of 18:19, 4 August 2023

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===Hormonal methods===

The [[Intrauterine device|IUD (intrauterine device)]] is a T-shaped device that is inserted into the [[uterus]] by a trained medical professional. There are two different types of IUDs, a copper or a [[Hormonal intrauterine device|hormonal]] IUD.<ref name=":04"/> The [[Copper IUDs|copper IUD]] (also known as a copper T intrauterine device) is a non-hormonal option of birth control. It is wrapped in copper which creates a toxic environment for [[sperm]] and eggs, thus preventing pregnancy.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Copper IUD (ParaGard) - Mayo Clinic|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/paragard/about/pac-20391270|access-date=2021-11-18|website=www.mayoclinic.org}}</ref> The failure rate of a copper IUD is approximately 0.8% and can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. The [[Hormonal IUDs|hormonal IUD]] (also known as levonorgestrel intrauterine system or LNGLNg UIDIUD) releases a small amount of the hormone called [[Progestogen (medication)|progestin]] that can prevent pregnancy for 3–6 years with a failure rate of 0.1-0.4%.<ref name=":04"/> IUDs can be removed by a trained medical professional at any time before the expiration date to allow for pregnancy.{{citation needed|reason=WP:healthlinedotcom|date=July 2023}}

[[Oral contraceptive pill|Oral contraceptives]] are another option, these are commonly known as '[[Combined oral contraceptive pill|the pill]]'. These are prescribed by a doctor and must be taken at the same time every day in order to be the most effective. There are two different options, there is a [[Combined oral contraceptive pill|combined pill]] option that contains both of the hormones [[estrogen]] and [[Progestogen (medication)|progestin]]. The other option is a progestin-only pill. The failure rate of both of these oral contraceptives is 7%.<ref name=":04"/>

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A [[Contraceptive sponge|sponge]] can also be used as a contraceptive method. Like the diaphragm, the contraceptive sponge contains [[spermicide]] and is inserted into the vagina and placed over the [[cervix]] to prevent [[sperm]] from entering the [[uterus]]. The sponge must be kept in place 6 hours after sexual intercourse before it can be removed and discarded. The failure rate for women who have had a baby before is 27%; For those who have not had a baby, the failure rate is 14%.<ref name=":04"/>

The [[Condom|male condom]] is typically made of [[latex]] (but other materials are available, such as [[Lambskin condom|lambskin]], to avoid [[Latex allergy|allergies]]). The male condom is placed over the male's penis and prevents the sperm from entering the partner's body. It can prevent pregnancy, and STDs such as, andbut not limited to, HIV if used appropriately. Male condoms can only be used once and are easily accessible at local stores in most countries. The failure rate is 13%.<ref name=":04"/>

The [[female condom]] is worn by the woman; it is inserted into the vagina and prevents the sperm from entering her body. It can help prevent [[Sexually transmitted infection|STDs]] and can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse. The failure rate is 21%.<ref name=":04"/>

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===Surgical methods===

[[Tubal ligation]] is also known as 'tying tubes',. thisThis is the surgical process that a medical professional performs. This is done by closing or tying the fallopian tubes in order to prevent sperm from reaching the eggs. This is often done as an [[outpatient surgical procedure]] and is effective immediately after it is performed. The failure rate is 0.5%.<ref name=":04" />

A [[vasectomy]] is a minor surgical procedure where a doctor will cut the [[vas deferens]] and seal the ends to prevent sperm from reaching the penis and ultimately the egg. The method is usually successful after 12 weeks post-procedure or until the sperm count is zero. The failure rate is 0.15%.<ref name=":04" />

==User dependence==

Different methods require different levels of diligence by users. Methods with little or nothing to do or remember, or that require a clinic visit less than once per year are said to be ''non-user dependent'', ''forgettable,'' or ''top-tier'' methods.<ref name="Hatcher20th">{{cite book |editor1-last=Hatcher |editor1-first=Robert A. |editor2-first=James |editor2-last=Trussell |editor3-first=Anita L. |editor3-last=Nelson | name-list-style = vanc |title=Contraceptive Technology |publisher=Ardent Media |___location=New York |year=2011 |edition=20th |isbn=978-1-59708-004-0}}{{page needed|date=June 2012}}</ref> Intrauterine methods, implants, and sterilization fall into this category.<ref name="Hatcher20th" /> For methods that are not user dependent, the actual and perfect-use failure rates are very similar.

Many hormonal methods of birth control, and LAM require a moderate level of thoughtfulness. For many hormonal methods, clinic visits must be made every three months to a year to renew the prescription. The pill must be taken every day, the patch must be reapplied weekly, or the ring must be replaced monthly. Injections are required every 12 weeks. The rules for LAM must be followed every day. Both LAM and hormonal methods provide a reduced level of protection against pregnancy if they are occasionally used incorrectly (rarely going longer than 4–6 hours between breastfeeds, a late pill or injection, or forgetting to replace a patch or ring on time). The actual failure rates for LAM and hormonal methods are somewhat higher than the perfect-use failure rates.

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[[condom|Male]] and [[female condom]]s provide significant protection against [[sexually transmitted disease]]s (STDs) when used consistently and correctly. They also provide some protection against [[cervical cancer]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Winer RL, Hughes JP, Feng Q, O'Reilly S, Kiviat NB, Holmes KK, Koutsky LA | title = Condom use and the risk of genital human papillomavirus infection in young women | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 354 | issue = 25 | pages = 2645–54 | date = June 2006 | pmid = 16790697 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMoa053284 }}</ref><ref name="Hogewoning2003">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hogewoning CJ, Bleeker MC, van den Brule AJ, Voorhorst FJ, Snijders PJ, Berkhof J, Westenend PJ, Meijer CJ | title = Condom use promotes regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and clearance of human papillomavirus: a randomized clinical trial | journal = International Journal of Cancer | volume = 107 | issue = 5 | pages = 811–6 | date = December 2003 | pmid = 14566832 | doi = 10.1002/ijc.11474 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Condoms are often recommended as an adjunct to more effective birth control methods (such as [[IUD]]) in situations where STD protection is also desired.<ref name=DualProtection>{{cite journal | vauthors = Cates W, Steiner MJ | title = Dual protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections: what is the best contraceptive approach? | journal = Sexually Transmitted Diseases | volume = 29 | issue = 3 | pages = 168–74 | date = March 2002 | pmid = 11875378 | doi = 10.1097/00007435-200203000-00007 | s2cid = 42792667 }}</ref>

Other barrier methods, such as [[Diaphragm (contraceptive)|diaphragmdiaphragms]] may provide limited protection against infections in the upper genital tract. Other methods provide little or no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

==Effectiveness calculation==