Planning 10: Health Unit Contraception Methods

Hormonal Types How it works Positive Features Negative Features

Oral contraceptive-
combined pill &
progesterone only pill
-Prevent the female
body from releasing
an egg each month.
-Thicken the mucus of
the entrance to the
womb
-Makes it difficult for
the egg to implant
-Doesnt interrupt sex
-Most females dont
have side effects.
-Decrease chances of
cancer and cramps
and more regular
periods
-Completely reversible
-Easy to take
-Not protection
against STIs
-If a pill is missed,
additional
contraceptive
measures are
required.
-Can be expensive
Contraceptive
Injections
Progestogen is
injected into a muscle
and then is gradually
released into the
bloodstream. It works
mainly by stopping the
release of the egg
from the ovary
*Do not have to
remember to take a
pill every day.
*Every 2-3 months.
*It does not interfere
with sex.
*help with some of
the problems of
periods, such as
premenstrual tension,
heavy periods and
pain.
*Cannot be removed
once given.
*Side-effects will last
for more than 2-3
months
*It takes some time
after the last injection
to become fertile
again.
*Your periods are
likely to change.
Contraceptive patches *Prevent ovulation
*Thicken the mucus in
the neck of the womb
*Similar advantages to
the pill
*Not daily
*Easy to use

*Same as the pill
Barrier Types How it works Positive Features Negative Features
Male and female
condom
-Prevent sperm from
entering the vagina.
-Prevent STIs
-Only necessary when
you have sex.
-Protect from STIs
-No side-effects
-No prescription
-Interrupt sex
-Sometimes they
break

Other Types How it works Positive Features Negative Features
Diaphragms & caps *Form a barrier
between the sperm
and the entrance of
the womb
*Necessary only when
having sex
*No health risks
*Can be inserted at
any convenient time
before sex
*Messy
*Needs practice
*Can cause irritation
and infection
Emergency
Contraception
-High dose of
progesterone to
prevent the egg from
implanting
*Option when
mistakes happen
*Just use as
emergency
Intra-uterine devices
(IUDs)
*Preventing the
sperm from surviving
in the womb and
reaching an egg.
*Make it difficult for a
fertilised egg to reach
the womb
*Effective for 5 years
*Do not interrupt sex
*Normal fertility
returns as soon as
removed
*Can cause heavier
and longer periods
*Do not protect
against STIs
*Small risk of
expulsion or
perforation
Fertility awareness *Sex is avoided during
fertile periods
*Fertility is monitored
nu the woman


*Can be used to plan
or avoid a pregnant
*Does not involve
chemicals
*No physical side-
effects
*Necessary to keep
daily records
*Does not protect
against STIs
*Both partners need
commitment
Other Types How it works Positive Features Negative Features
Sterilisation/Vasectomy -The tubes that carry
the sperm are cut and
blocked
-The Fallopian tubes
are cut or blocked
-Permanently and
highly effective
-Cannot be reversed
-Do not prevent from
STIs