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Contraception Basics
| Important
reminders! |
| Remember:
no single type of birth control is one hundred percent effective
at guarding against an unwanted pregnancy. To best prevent pregnancy,
more than one method of contraception should be used at the
same time. When choosing birth control, keep in mind that not
all contraceptives protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Deciding what kind of birth control to use can be difficult.
If you are unsure about which methods are best for you, arrange
an appointment with a doctor at Student
Health by calling (215) 662-2853. |
Important reminders!
Remember: no single type of birth control is one
hundred percent effective at guarding against an unwanted pregnancy.
To best prevent pregnancy, more than one method of contraception
should be used at the same time. When choosing birth control, keep
in mind that not all contraceptives protect against sexually transmitted
diseases. Deciding what kind of birth control to use can be difficult.
If you are unsure about which methods are best for you, arrange
an appointment with a doctor at Student Health by calling (215)
662-2853.
 What
is contraception or birth control?
Contraception,
also known as birth control, is the intentional prevention of
pregnancy. If you are having sex or plan to in the near future,
and do not want to become pregnant, you should choose and use
at least one of the many contraceptive methods available.
How do I access contraceptive methods?
Some
types of birth control, such as condoms
and spermicides, are fairly inexpensive and are accessible without
a prescription at drug stores and supermarkets. Other methods,
including the diaphragm, IUD, all of the hormonal methods, and
sterilization require a prescription from a doctor after an assessment
of personal preferences and physical health. To make an appointment
with a doctor, call Student Health at (215) 662-2853. When discussing
your health with a physician, make sure to give a complete medical
history, as medical complications can result from some types of
birth control. Be aware that some methods may cost more to use
initially, but may be less expensive in the long run.
What kinds of contraception are there? (under
construction)
- Abstinence
- In choosing not to have penile-vaginal sex, the risks of pregnancy
are almost nonexistent.
- Hormonal
Methods - These contraceptives work by altering a
woman’s body chemistry. They prevent release of an egg from
the ovaries into the uterus. Some make the uterus an “unfriendly”
environment for sperm. Hormonal methods are available in pill,
patch, injection,
and vaginal ring options.
- Barrier
Methods
- These methods, such as male and female
condoms, cervical caps, and
diaphragms, work by providing a physical
barrier between the sperm and egg. Click here for more information
about barrier types of birth control.
-
Intrauterine Device (IUD) - The IUD causes low-grade
inflammation of the uterus, which interferes with the movement
of sperm. Some IUDs release hormones as well, making implantation
of a fertilized egg unlikely. Click here for more information
about IUDs.
- Spermicides
– Spermicides prevent pregnancy by killing or weakening
the man’s sperm. To learn more about spermicides, click
here.
- Sterilization
– While sterilization is among the most effective methods
of contraception, it is a permanent procedure and is not 100%
effective. Additional information about sterilization is available
by clicking here.
- Withdrawal
– Withdrawal is an ineffective type of birth control, especially
when compared with the other options available. For more information
about withdrawal, click here.
- Fertility
Awareness Methods – When people want to prevent
pregnancy but cannot or will not use other contraceptives for
personal, medical, or religious reasons, fertility awareness methods
are often used. While less effective as other contraceptives and
harder to use, some women prefer them because they do not involve
using any hormones or chemicals. Click here for fertility awareness
methods information.
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