chapter 7

the pill

Combination Birth control pills

Cycle of active and inactive pills

Active pills contain high levels of estrogen and progestin

Inactive pills are sugar pills

patch

Thin patch applied to the skin that administers estrogen and progestin

Each patch lasts 7 days

3 weeks on, and 1 week off

Vaginal Ring

Flexible plastic ring that is inserted high into the vagina

Releases estrogen and progestin

Remains in place for 21 days, followed by a 7-day ring-free period

injection

Injection of progestin

Repeated every 3 months

short term Hormonal Methods of birth control

pill

patch

vaginal ring

injection

long-acting (more than a year) reversible contraceptives

implants

intrauterine device (IUD)

Copper IUD

implants

Thin rods or tubes containing progestin that are inserted under the skin

Effective for about 3 years

Typically placed in inner arm

intrauterine device (IUD)

Small T-shaped piece of plastic that is inserted into the uterus

Releases progestin

Effective for 3-7 years (depending on brand)

copper IUD

Small T-shaped piece of plastic wrapped in copper wire

Releases copper ions—thickens cervical mucus, changes lining of uterus

Copper ions repel sperm

Effective for 10 years

male condoms

Thin sheath that fits over the penis

Catches the semen so that it cannot enter the vagina

Should not be skin tight at the tip; need some space

Protects against STD’s

female condom

Pre-lubricated polyurethane tube with a ring at each end

Prevents sperm from entering the vagina and blocks the entrance to the uterus

which condom is least effective?

female condom

diaphragms

Flexible rubber dome with metal rim that is inserted ~1-2 hours before sex and needs to be left in 6 hours after sex

Only effective if spermicide is applied before insertion

what is the most common emergency contraceptive

plan b

what is a plan b

Pill with high doses of progestin

Prevents ovulation and thickening of uterine wall

Much less effective if you have already ovulated

best to take a plan b

within 1-5 days after sex

withdraw method

pulling out

NOT effective, 22% failure rate - precum has semen

Fertility Awareness (rhythm) Methods

Only method approved by the Roman Catholic Church

three Fertility Awareness (rhythm) Methods

calendar method

basal body temp method

cervical mucus method

calendar method

Tracking when you have your periods

basal body temperature method

Body temp right after you wake up takes a dip when you ovulate

Cervical Mucus Method

Paying attention to the discharge to see where you are in your cycle

sterilization

vasectomy and tubal ligation

male sterilization

Vasectomy

Vas deferens is tied or cut

Can still ejaculate!

female sterilization

Tubal Ligation

Procedure in which fallopian tubes are cut and tied or permanently blocked

medical abortion

Approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks and under

Causes thinning of uterine lining and causes contractions to expel embryo

OVER HALF of all abortions are medical abortions

Taken as a pill, can be used to remove a spontaneous abortion

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Approved for pregnancies up to 14 weeks

Performed at outpatient clinic with local anesthetic

Cervix is dilated, curette is used to scrape tissue from uterine wall, then suctioned out

Dilation and evacuation (D&E)

Performed in pregnancies 14+ weeks

Performed at outpatient clinic with local anesthetic

Procedure is same as D&C, but more equipment is required - forceps