This silicone cap fits against your cervix. Spermicide is applied inside the cap before it's inserted.
Benefits and drawbacks: There are no hormones, and like the diaphragm and female condom, you can insert the cap before sex, which gives you privacy and control over your contraception. That said, a poor fit or a silicone allergy prevents some women from using the cap. And it's typically only 60 to 80 per cent effective.
Our expert says: "Like a diaphragm, a cap needs to be properly fitted by your doctor," says Mirosh.
Contraceptive sponge
The sponge is a soft polyurethane foam device filled with spermicide that you place deep in your vagina before sex. It's effective for up to 12 hours. You must leave the disposable sponge in for at least six hours after the last time you have sex, and for no longer than 30 hours in total.
Benefits and drawbacks: The sponge does not require fitting or insertion by a doctor, and does not have hormones. On the downside, it increases your risk of yeast or other vaginal infections, as well as irritation of your vulva and vagina, and your partner's penis. It's only about 60 to 80 per cent effective.
Our expert says: "The sponge may be chosen by women who want or need to avoid hormonal contraception," says Mirosh. "However, they must be aware of the high failure rates."
Spermicides
Spermicides include creams, jellies, suppositories, gels and films that you use with another form of contraception, such as a condom or diaphragm.
Benefits and drawbacks: They do not contain hormones, and can be used by women who are breast-feeding, but they are only 79 per cent effective when used alone. As well, some people are allergic to spermicides.
Our expert says: "This method is under your control, won't disrupt your cycle and does not have a negative effect on your bone health," says Prior.
For more information on hormonal contraception, visit the Centre for Menstruation Cycle and Ovulation Research's website at www.cemcor.ubc.ca; the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research at www.menstruation research.com; the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health at www.cfsh.ca; and Sexualityandu.ca.
Withdrawal: Timing isn't everything
Men cannot always control when they are going to ejaculate, and even before they do, they release pre-ejaculate, which also has sperm in it. This is why withdrawal isn't an effective birth control method.
Surgical Options
• For women, tubal ligation and tubal implants often require hospitalization and general anesthesia.
• For men, vasectomies (which block or cut the male sperm duct to prevent sperm from entering ejaculate) carry fewer risks and can be performed in a doctor's office in about an hour.
• Both procedures have a less than one per cent failure rate and are considered permanent, since reversal is difficult, costly and not guaranteed, especially for women. But neither protects against sexually transmitted infections.
In an emergency…
Here are three ways to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex:
1. A single dose of a contraceptive pill called plan B.
2. A series of two doses of contraceptive pills, called the Yuzpe method.
3. The insertion of an iUD. Up to 99 per cent of women who use one avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
Emergency contraceptives can be obtained from your doctor, at a walk-in clinic or directly from your pharmacist.
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