Birth Control Devices for Women

Although there are many different forms of birth control available to women, certain methods may not be good options for some women. For example, not all women are good candidates for birth control pills. Others don’t like the idea of receiving injections or the thought of implantation. In addition, some women don’t want to wear a patch on a daily basis. Yet, these women may prefer to have a form of birth control they can use that doesn’t require application immediately before or just after having sexual intercourse. There are several options that fit into this category of birth control.

The diaphragm is a round piece of flexible rubber with a rigid rim that is placed in the vagina and against the cervix. Spermicide is put in and around the rim of the diaphragm. The diaphragm should be inserted no more than two hours before intercourse. The diaphragm prevents semen from entering the uterus and the spermicide paralyzes the sperm. If the diaphragm is not removed, more spermicide should be inserted into the vagina before having sex each time. Do not remove the diaphragm for at least eight hours after intercourse.

A diaphragm is 82–94% effective if used correctly. Your health care provider must perform a pelvic exam to fit you for a diaphragm. In addition, you may have to be refitted for a new diaphragm if you gain or lose 10-15 pounds.

The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped cup made out of plastic or soft rubber that fits snugly over the cervix. It is used in the same way as a diaphragm. Spermicide is applied to the cup and the cap is inserted into the vagina and up to the cervix – no more than two hours before having sex. The cap blocks the cervix, and the spermicide paralyzes the sperm. More spermicide must be applied to the cap before having sex each time but do NOT remove the cap each time. Do not remove the cervical cap for at least eight hours after intercourse.

The cervical cap is 82-94% effective if used correctly. The cap can be kept in place for up to 48 hours. You must visit your health care provider and have a pelvic exam to be fitted for a cervical cap.

A vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a small, flexible, donut-shaped device that slowly releases estrogen and progesterone into the bloodstream. The hormones in the vaginal ring prevent the release of an egg by the ovaries and increase mucus production in the cervix, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter. A vaginal ring is inserted high into the vagina. It is inserted and removed much like a tampon. It stays in place for three weeks in a row. It is removed for a one week break when the menstrual period occurs and then a new ring is inserted.

The vaginal ring is available by a prescription from your health care provider. It is 98-99% effective if used correctly and is effective as long as it stays in the vagina. If the ring is removed for more than three hours, use an additional form of birth control. In addition, use an additional form of birth control the first seven days after inserting the first vaginal ring.

Some medications, such as antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, migraine medications and herbal remedies containing St. John’s Wort can cause the vaginal ring to be less effective. Use an additional birth control method while taking these medications. Side effects include irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, weight gain, headaches, and vaginal discharge or irritation. There is also an increased risk for blood clots, heart attack and stroke, especially if you smoke.

An IUD, (intrauterine device) is a small, plastic, flexible, T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus. There are several types of IUDs:

• ParaGard T380A can be kept in place for 10 years. It contains copper, which is slowly released into the uterus. The copper stops the sperm from reaching the egg and prevents fertilization.
• Mirena is an IUD that contains progesterone, which causes the cervical mucus to become thicker so the sperm cannot reach the egg. It also changes the lining of the uterus, so implantation of a fertilized egg cannot occur. This IUD is kept in place for five years.
• Progestasert contains a hormone that is released into the uterus over a one-year period and is replaced each year. It also uses the hormone progesterone in the same way as the Mirena IUD.

You must have a pelvic exam and set of cultures before getting an IUD. Your health care provider places the IUD inside the uterus through the cervix. IUDs are placed while during a menstrual period. The IUD is 99 percent effective and rarely causes serious side effects. Side effects include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), painful and heavy periods, backaches and headaches.

Be sure to talk with you health care provider about these as well as other birth control options. Exploring your options will help you to make the best choice for your personal birth control needs.