There are temporary and permanent methods available to men and women.   Of the temporary methods there are hormonal and non-hormonal methods available.   The non-hormonal methods include:   condoms, diaphragms, sponges,  withdrawal methods, cervical caps,   non-hormonal  IUDs,  and    rhythm methods.   Hormonal methods that are reversible  (temporary)  include:     birth control pills,  plan B,   birth control patches,  the  birth control ring,  hormonal IUD,   implants, and shots.  Permanent methods include sterilization for men (vasectomy),  and women,  including laparoscopic sterilization and hysteroscopic sterilization.

Of course, the permanent methods are more effective (for preventing pregnancy)  than the temporary methods.   The decision to proceed with a permanent method should  only be made if a person is absolutely sure that no more children are desired.   The biggest problem after a permanent procedure is regret that it was done. And attempts to reverse the procedure are never as effective in the long run as not ever having it  done.   So you’ll want to be sure that you are done, done,  done.

Of the temporary methods there is a variation in ease of use with the non-hormonal methods probably the easiest with the least amount of side effects.   However,  efficacy in preventing pregnancy ranges from about 40% for the withdrawal methods to 75-80% with the barrier methods  (such as condoms,  diaphragms and cervical caps),  to around 98 % with the Copper T IUD.  The hormonal methods  range between 97 to 99% efficacious,   of  course depending upon consistent and reliable usage.  a person’s body weight may have an effect on efficacy of certain hormonal methods such as the pill or the patch;   and antibiotics may reduce the reliability of the pill.

To listen to a program on contraceptive options please click on  the following link: Dr. Rachel Yankama – VoiceAmerica: Contraceptive Options

Birth control options–what is best for you?   Pills?   Patches?  Rings?  IUDs?  Permanent forms?  or Temporary methods?   What works and what is not as effective.  we’ll go over pros and cons of each method.