PAT I E N T I N F O R M AT I O N

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FAMILY PLANNING METHODS

Summary of Contraceptive Options This information sheet provides a very simple summary of the main contraceptive options available. It gives a brief description of each method and indicates the circumstances in which its use may or may not be appropriate. It also highlights any special considerations that should be taken into account. Readers are advised to refer to more detailed information sheets and to their healthcare provider for each of the methods listed in order to make a final and informed decision.
Key e: Effectiveness: number of unplanned pregnancies per 100 woman-years of use (= Pearl Index) (i.e. the lower the number, the more effective the method). NB: special comments metHoD female sterilization e moDe of actioN appropriate For women with a completed family Not appropriate NB When there is doubt whether more children will be wanted later, also not immediately after delivery Can be reversed, but with difficulty and uncertain success

<1 Blocking of the Fallopian tubes, so that sperm and egg cannot meet

male sterilization

<1 Blocking the vas For men with a complete When there is doubt deferens, so that no family whether more children sperm cells are ejaculated will be wanted later

Semen test has to show that there are no sperm cells, before other methods of contraception can be stopped. Can be reversed, but with difficulty and uncertain success Works for 35 years, needs to be removed if pregnancy is desired

implant

<1 One or two small plastic rods, under the skin in the upper arm, release a progestagen, which makes the mucus of the cervix impenetrable to sperm cells, and in most women also stops ovulation <1 Injection with progestagen, which makes the mucus of the cervix impenetrable to sperm cells and also stops ovulation in most women

For women who want 23 years of contraception, without having to think about it

When some irregular bleeding is unacceptable

injection

For women who want 12 weeks of contraception, without having to think about it

When some irregular bleeding is unacceptable

Works for 12 weeks, cannot be removed after injection, needs to be repeated if continued contraception is needed

T h i s l e a f l e t h a s b e e n w r i t t e n , a s a s e r v i c e t o m e d i c a l e d u c a t i o n , b y D r H a n s Ve mer, T h e N e t h e r l ands I s s u e d b y T h e G l o b a l L i b r a r y o f Wo m e n s M e d i c i n e w w w. g l o w m . com

FAM I LY P L A N N I N G M E T H O D S

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metHoD Vaginal ring

moDe of actioN

appropriate For women who only want to think twice per month about contraception For women who only want to think about contraception once a week

Not appropriate NB For smokers, or for women with thrombosis in their history Works for 3 weeks when in the vagina, then has to be replaced after a stop week Not well suited in humid climates, can be visible

<1 Releases an estrogen and a progestagen, which stop ovulation

patch

<1 Releases an estrogen and a progestagen, which stop ovulation

For smokers, or for women with thrombosis in their history

combined oral contraceptive pill progestagen only pill, or estrogen free pill

<1 Contains an estrogen For women who want to For smokers, for women and a progestagen, which take a pill daily with thrombosis in their stop ovulation history, for women who tend to forget daily pill intake 1 Contains a progestagen, which makes the mucus of the cervix impenetrable to sperm cells and in a number of women also blocks ovulation <1 Makes mucus of the cervix impenetrable to sperm and prevents implantation of an egg For women who do not want or cannot take estrogen For women who tend to Most progestagen only pills must not be forget daily pill intake taken more than 3 hours late, but some can be taken up to 12 hours late For women at risk for sexually transmitted disease Women need to check regularly whether it is still in place. IUD needs to be replaced after 5 years Women need to check regularly whether it is still in place Provides some protection against sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS

intrauterine device (iUD) with hormone

For women who only want to think about contraception once in 5 years

intrauterine device (iUD)

2 Prevents implantation of an egg

For women who do not want to think about contraception for a number of years For men whose partner cannot or does not want to take contraceptives, for men with multiple partners, for men with infrequent intercourse For women who cannot or do not want to use other contraceptives, who have multiple partners or infrequent intercourse For women who cannot or do not want to use other contraceptives, who have multiple partners or infrequent intercourse

For women with heavy menstruation, or for women at risk for sexually transmitted disease

male condom

2 Prevents sperm entering the vagina

female condom

5 Prevents sperm entering the vagina

Provides some protection against sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS

Diaphragm

6 Prevents sperm from entering the uterus

For women who are not Has to be used with familiar with their vagina a spermicide

T h i s l e a f l e t h a s b e e n w r i t t e n , a s a s e r v i c e t o m e d i c a l e d u c a t i o n , b y D r H a n s Ve mer, T h e N e t h e r l ands I s s u e d b y T h e G l o b a l L i b r a r y o f Wo m e n s M e d i c i n e w w w. g l o w m . com