Contraceptive methods

Natural methods of contraception

"Natural" contraception methods include the Knaus-Ogino method which calculates the fertile days of a woman's cycle, measuring a woman's temperature on waking, and examination of the cervical mucus (Billings method). The latter two determine the days of ovulation on which the woman can become pregnant by measuring body temperature or examining the consistency of the mucus in the vagina. The so-called coitus interruptus also belongs to the natural contraceptive techniques. In this case, sexual intercourse is interrupted shortly before the man ejaculates.
The Pearl Index, which indicates the reliability of contraceptive methods, shows that the "natural" methods are comparatively unreliable and are associated with a high rate of unplanned pregnancies.

Barrier methods

The so-called "barrier methods" use mechanical or chemical aids to prevent the sperm from entering the womb (uterus), so preventing fertilization of a mature ovum (egg). Examples of such mechanical aids include condoms, diaphragms (including vaginal pessaries) and cervical caps. The condom is the only contraceptive method which also offers protection against venereal and sexually transmitted diseases.
Diaphragms and cervical caps are inserted into the vagina before intercourse, thus covering the neck of the womb (cervix). As an additional precaution, chemical protective agents are frequently used, for example, spermicide suppositories, creams or sponges which kill the sperm or form a foam that is difficult for sperms to penetrate.

Intrauterine device (coil)

Another option is the intrauterine device (IUD), also known as the coil. It usually has a T-shaped structure, is made of plastic, and is often wrapped with a fine copper wire. A gynecologist inserts the coil into the womb, where it can stay for up to five years. The IUD is therefore a longer-term contraceptive which is frequently used by women who have already borne children and/or have completed their family planning (for the time being).

Hormonal contraception

A wide range of hormonal contraceptives is available. If used correctly, they are regarded as the most reliable method of contraception after male or female sterilization. Unlike the barrier methods, they are not used directly before or during sexual intercourse, an aspect that many users consider an advantage. The Pill is probably the world's best-known hormonal contraceptive. However there are also other contraceptives based on hormones and which contain different hormone doses. Examples include patches, hormone-containing vaginal rings, implants, hormone-releasing IUDs, and depot injections such as the one-month and three-month injection.
There is also the "morning-after pill", which can be taken within a strictly limited time frame after unprotected intercourse, or if some other method of contraception has failed (e.g. if a condom bursts), to prevent pregnancy 'after the event'. However, this is not a classic method of contraception and should only be used in exceptional cases.
In most countries all hormonal contraceptives are only available with a physician’s prescription.

Contraception

Click here for more information about contraception.

• Social importance of contraception
• Choice of contraceptive method – an individual decision
• Benefit/risk profile of the combined pill