Coitus Interruptus and contraceptives

Coitus Interruptus is the oldest documented method of contraception. References to the method have been found in texts as old as 500 BC. Coitus Interruptus is also called withdrawal and pull out method. The male partner withdraws from the vagina just before orgasm or ejaculation occurs. It requires self control on the part of the male partner and then it has a 4% failure rate. All modern methods of contraception have a failure rate of 0.3% to 8%. Condoms for example have a perfect failure rate of 2%. The method is still quiet prevalent and is perfect in situations of unplanned sexual encounters. It is often practiced by male partners who do not want their mates to deal with side effects of modern contraception, such as weight gain and mood swings.


There are enough contraception (birth control) options to confuse anyone. Do you use a mainstream pill, an IUD or a progestin only pill? Can you reverse an IUD and a vasectomy? Is the female condom a good option or the male condom? Here are some answers. We discuss 12 popular methods of contraception.

Emergency contraception Buy Here
Popular brands are Plan B and Next Choice
Emergency contraception is an option for unplanned situations. Such pills contain a higher dose of estrogen and progesterone than combination pills. They work best within 72 hours of the episode but may be effective up to 5 days. Plan B is also known as the morning after pill and is available to women over 18. It is available over-the-counter.


Male condom Buy Here
Popular brands of the male condom (or condom) are Durex, Trojan, Okamoto and lifestyles.
Condoms form a protective barrier between the vagina and the penis. They are worn by the male and capture the ejaculate during sexual intercourse and prevent it from reaching the uterus. Condoms not only protect against pregnancy but also against sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and HIV. Condoms are made of various material including latex, polyurethane and lambskin. Lambskin protects against pregnancy but does not work for HIV. Condoms should not be used in combination with oil and hand lotion as it increases the risk of failure. Usually condoms are safe but two in a hundred do fail. They are available in various textures; smooth, rubbed, etc. The down side to condoms is they can only be worn after an erection.

Female condoms Buy Here
Popular brands are Femy, Reality, Long Love and Protectiv
Female condoms protect against STD and pregnancy. They are made of polyurethane or soft plastic. They form a barrier between the penis and the vaginal wall and do not let the ejaculate reach the uterus. Like the diaphragm the female condom is inserted deep into the vagina over the cervix. Unlike male condoms female condoms can be safely put in place for up to twelve hours before sex. Male condoms, however offer better protection with less chances of failure. The material and form of female condoms is not as fine as latex condoms. Some men prefer female condoms as they can be pre inserted. Female condoms also cover more length making it less likely for skin fluid contact.

Birth Control Products

Combination Pills
Popular brands of the combination pill are LoEstrin 1/20, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Yaz, Estrostep Fe, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 and Yasmin
This is one of the most popular methods of contraception among women. It needs to be taken exactly in a 24 hour gap and then it is 99% effective. It not only protects against pregnancy but also restores regular menstruation. As a side effect or benefit it eases hot flashes. It should be avoided by women suffering from headaches and migraine. It works best for non smoking women under 35 years of age.

Progestin-only pills
Popular brands of the Progestin-only pill are Nora-BE, Ovrette, Micronor and Nor-QD
Unlike combination pills Progestin-only pills, as the name suggests, do not contain estrogen. They are popularly known as “mini pills”. They do not affect lactation in breast-feeding women. Use progestin-only pills if you are at risk of blood clotting. It is safe for women who smoke, have a heart condition or are diabetic. They have to be taken in a 24 hour cycle. A delay of more than 3 hours affects the effectiveness increasing the chances of failure drastically. Repeated use of a backup plan may not be a healthy choice in the long term.

Extended-cycle Pills
Popular brands are Seasonale, Seasonique and Lybrel
Extended-cycle pills extend the cycle to 90 days and prevent pregnancy. Lybrel extends the period to 365 days but you need to continue to take it every day. It is a new product and there is not enough research to support the safety of extending menstruation for long periods.

Vaginal rings
Popular brand is Nuvoring
The vaginal ring is a flexible plastic ring containing progestin and estrogen. It delivers the combination directly into the vagina. The ring is placed in the vagina for three of 4 weeks. It protects from unwanted pregnancy for 3 weeks and allows you to have periods at the wonted time. Like the combination-pill it is safe for non smoking women under 35 years of age. It may not be the best option for women with tendency to blood clotting and certain cancers.

Diaphragm
Popular brands are Ortho All-Flex, SILCS, Milex Wide Seal, Semina
Diaphragms are dome shaped and made of rubber. They cover the cervix and prevent the sperm from entering the uterus. Diaphragms are not completely safe and need to be used in combination with a spermicidal gel. They need to be fitted by a heath professional. Diaphragms need to be refitted with change of weight of more than 10 pounds. This is not the right choice for women with fluctuating weight. Women prone to bladder infections need to consider another option.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Popular brands are Paragard and Mirena.
Paragard is surgically implanted and are made of copper. It forms a barrier and prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg. Mirena however works by releasing hormones and also needs to be surgically implanted. Both these devices work effectively for 10 years and are 99% effective. The removal cost can be up to $500. IUDs are not recommended for women who have not given birth. Expansion of the uterus at the time of implanting an IUD can be painful for such women. It is a long term solution, so if you plan to have children, it is not the correct solution.

Patch
Popular brands is Ortho Evra and Silvia
The patch works for a week. It releases hormones into the blood stream through the skin. It is worn on the buttock, arm, or abdomen. It is not safe for women prone to blood clots. The patch delivers 60% more estrogen than low-dose pills.

Implants
Popular brands are Norplant and Implanon
Implants are completely safe. They are implanted under the skin on the arm and are about the size of a matchstick. The cost is around $800 and work for three years. It may not be the right choice for overweight women and those taking St. John’s wort.

Sterilization
The three procedures of sterilization are Tubal ligation, Essure or vasectomy
Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure which involves blocking off the fallopian tubes from carrying the ovum to the uterus. Tubal implant also called Essure is a non surgical option. In this technique a small coil is inserted into the fallopian tubes. Both these procedures are for women. In men the procedure is called vasectomy. It is a minor surgical procedure involving cutting of the tubes carrying the sperm from the testicles. It is not a reversible procedure.


This article is for information only. Consult your doctor for the correct method of contraception for you.