S.P.E.E.K. - Pregnancy Prevention > Hormonal Methods

OTHER Birth
Control Methods

Method	What is it?	How it works	Advantages	Dis-advantages*	Effective-ness
ParaGard Intrauterine copper contraceptive	•a small, T-shaped device inserted by a medical provider into the uterus •may remain in place for up to 10 years •contains copper	•prevents sperm from reaching an egg •impairs sperm function •may affect the uterine lining which may prevent implantation of a fertilized egg	•no hormones involved •low chance of failure due to “improper use” •can stay in for 10 years •doesn’t interrupt sex play •fertility returns very quickly after removal	•may cause increased menstrual bleeding •may cause menstrual cramps or backaches •possibility of infection when the IUD is inserted •becomes ineffective if it partially or completely falls out	•less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant in a year
*Mirena* levonor- gestral releasing intrauterine system	•a small, T-shaped plastic device inserted into the uterus •may remain in place for up to 5 years •contains the hormone levonorgestrel, a type of progesterone	•prevents sperm from reaching an egg •thickens cervical mucus, limiting the chance of sperm entering the uterus •may affect the uterine lining which may prevent implantation of a fertilized egg	•low chance of failure due to “improper use” •can stay in for five years •doesn’t interrupt sex play •lighter periods •just like the pill, but without having to remember to take it	•may cause hormonal changes •may cause menstrual cramps or backaches •possibility of infection when the IUD is inserted •becomes ineffective if it partially or completely falls out	•less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant in a year
Spermicide	•cream, foam or gel film that stops sperm from moving •best with another method like male or female condoms	•blocks sperm from getting past the cervix and reaching the egg •purchase at a drugstore or get from a clinic •follow directions on the package carefully •insert into the vagina before sex as instructions recommend •must be left in for 8 hours after sex, and not washed or douched	•no hormones involved •don’t need a prescription or visit to the doctor •may be easy to use	•not very effective when used on its own •may increase risk of HIV and other STIs •may irritate the vagina or penis •may feel messy •cost	•if always used as directed, 15 out of 100 teens will get pregnant in a year •if not always used as directed, 29 out of 100 teens will get pregnant in a year •strongly suggest use condoms every time
Birth control Sponge (Today Sponge)	•soft, white sponge about 2 inches wide that weakens or kills sperm •sits below the cervix and is filled with spermicide •a nylon loop is attached to remove it	•blocks sperm from getting past the cervix and reaching the egg •purchase at a drugstore or get from a clinic •wet with 2 tablespoons of water •insert into the vagina before sex so it sits below the cervix •leave in place for 8 hours after sex and then thrown away afterwards	•no hormones involved •don’t need a prescription or visit to the doctor •may be easy to use •can insert it up to 16 hours before sex so won’t interrupt sex	•may be difficult to insert •may irritate the vagina •may increase risk of HIV and other STIs •may slightly increase risk of toxic shock syndrome if left in longer than 24 hours •may cause yeast infection •cost •may feel messy for some females	•if always used as directed, 9 out of 100 women who never had children will get pregnant in a year; 20 out of 100 women who had children will get pregnant in a year •if not always used as directed, 16 out of 100 women who never had children will get pregnant in a year; 32 out of 100 women who had children will get pregnant in a year •strongly suggest use condoms every time

*keep in mind everybody is different so some of
these side effects may apply to you and some may not.

Back to the Pregnancy Prevention Page