Comparison of Contraceptive Methods (Barrier, Natural, Intrauterine)

Barrier methods of contraception

Condom

Advantages

• protects from sexually transmitted diseases
• easy to use
• available without prescription

Disadvantages

• might break or slip off
• decreases sensitivity
• must be put on during intercourse
• might cause allergy (latex condom)

Contraceptive effectiveness: 85 percent

Diaphragm

Advantages

• inserted for a long time
• does not affect breast feeding
• can be used by women of any age

Disadvantages:

• selected by a doctor depending on the width and length of the vagina and on the size of the cervix
• if the size is wrong the diaphragm increases the risk of inflammation
• does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases

Contraceptive effectiveness: 84 percent

Intrauterine devices

Advantages

• high contraceptive effectiveness
• does not affect breast feeding
• inserted for a long time

Disadvantages

• must be inserted by a doctor after an examination
• might cause pains in stomach, especially during the first year of use
• abundant periods
• increases the risk of infections and tubal pregnancy
• might get out of the womb
• cannot be used by women who do not have children

Contraceptive effectiveness: 99.2 percent

Natural methods of contraception

Charting basal body temperature

Advantages

• absolutely free contraception
• does not require any devices or medications
• does not have side effects
• helps to learn more about own body and state of health

Disadvantages

• requires a great deal of discipline: taking temperature every morning before getting up, charting the temperature, using the same termometer
• abstinence during fertile days
• inaccurate interpretation of the results due to some conditions that rise the temperature (diseases, alcohol, others)
• no protection from sexually transmitted diseases

Contraceptive effectiveness: 85 percent

Monitoring cervical mucus

Advantages

• does not require any devices and medications
• helps to learn more about own body and fertility and to note changes in cervical mucus that might be symptoms of an infection
• no side effects

Disadvantages

• a woman might make wrong conclusions because she might confuse cervical mucus with some other discharges
• samples of cervical mucus must be analyzed daily
• does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases
• abstinence during fertile period

Contraceptive effectiveness: 85 percent

Coitus interruptus

Advantages

• always available
• does not cos anything
• does not affect hormonal status and breastfeeding
• can be used by women of any age

Disadvantages:

• sperm might get into the vagina
• both partners cannot relax being afraid of failure
• often causes sexual disorders
• no protection from sexually transmitted diseases

Contraceptive effectiveness: 80 percent

Chemical methods of contraception

Spermicides

Advantages

• can be used at any age
• can be used by breastfeeding women
• can be used during a long period of time and can be combined with other contraceptives

Disadvantages

• requires a 10-15 minute interval between applying and sexual intercourse
• vaginal irritation
• sometimes causes allergy
• prohibits intimate hygiene procedures during an hour after sexual intercourse

Contraceptive effectiveness: 71 percent

Sterilization

Advantages

• 100 percent effectiveness for the rest of the life

Disadvantages:

• infertility for the rest of the life
• complications related to the operation

Contraceptive effectiveness: 100 percent