Birth Control Chart (Page 5 of 5) in pdf

the fourth week, no patch is worn and a female will have her menstrual period. The birth control patch works by

preventing ovulation and by blocking the sperm from entering the cervix.

The contraceptive patch does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Side effects and risks may include headaches, menstrual cramps, nausea, abdominal pain and skin irritation. The

contraceptive patch may not work as well in females who weigh more than 198 pounds.

Vaginal Contraceptive Ring

The vaginal ring is a small plastic ring that is placed into the upper vagina. The ring releases hormones into a

female's body. It is kept in the vagina for three weeks. During the fourth week, a female removes the ring and she

will then have her menstrual period. The vaginal ring works by preventing ovulation and by blocking the sperm

from entering the cervix.

The vaginal contraceptive ring does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Side effects of vaginal rings may include headaches, nausea, vaginal infections and irritation, and irregular

vaginal bleeding.

Natural Family Planning/Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)

Couples use these methods to tell what time of the month the female is most likely to get pregnant. There are

several ways to do this, including watching changes in the female's body, like temperature or the cervical mucus.

Teen girls and women whose menstrual cycles are not regular may find it hard to know when pregnancy could

happen. They must pay very close attention to the menstrual cycle. And they can't have sex near ovulation.

Pregnancy can occur up to six days before and up to three days after eggs are released by the female (ovulation).

Natural Family Planning does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Sterilization

Sterilization is surgery that permanently blocks the path for eggs or sperm. In women, the fallopian tubes are

closed or cut. In males, the tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm to the penis are closed or cut. Sterilization is

meant to be a permanent way of preventing pregnancy. It does not change hormones in the body or the ability to

enjoy sex.

Sterilization does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Withdrawal

The withdrawal method is a method of contraception which prevents the sperm from being released into the

female's vagina during sex. The male must take his penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. However, it is

possible that some sperm may be in the fluid that comes from the penis before ejaculation, and the male may fail

to withdraw his penis completely or in time, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of this method.

The withdrawal method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Information source: Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Birth Control Chart Page 5