Methods of Birth Regulation by Effectiveness
| Method | Possible Side Effects | % Effect-iveness Theoretical | % Effect-iveness Actual | Contin uation % Rate At One Year |
Harmful to Fertility? | Who is Responsible for Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Family Planning | ||||||
| Creighton Model FertilityCare | None | 99.5 | 96.8 | 89 | No | Man & Woman |
| Ovulation Methods | None | 97-99 | 93-98 | 65 | No | Man & Woman |
| Sympto-Thermal Methods | None | 98-99 | 96-97 | 69 | No | Man & Woman |
| Barrier Methods | ||||||
| Condom | Allergic reaction or irritation | 97 | 88 | 63 | No | Man |
| Diaphragm |
Allergic reaction or irritation Can be difficult to remove |
94 | 82 | 58 | No | Woman |
| Vaginal Spermicides* Creams, Gels, Suppositories | Allergic reaction or irritation | 94 | 79 | 43 | No | Woman |
| Sterilization Surgeries* | ||||||
| Tubal Ligation | Operations may be complicated by bleeding and/or infection Increased rates of: hysterectomy, ectopic pregnancy, painful periods |
99.8 | 99.6 | 100 | Yes | Woman |
| Vasectomy | May increase risk of prostate cancer | 99.9 | 99.8 | 100 | Yes | Man |
| Intrauterine Device (IUD)* | Heavy, irregular or painful menses; painful intercourse; infection; ectopic pregnancy; perforation of uterus; infertility. Requires replacement every 5 years. |
98 | 97 | 80 | Yes | Woman |
| Birth Control Pills (2 hormones) * Contraceptive: suppresses ovulation (the release of the egg ). If ovulation occurs, the sperm may be prevented from reaching the egg because of thickened cervical mucus. **Abortifacient: if ovulation occurs (3-5% of cycles) and conception occurs, the “pill” acts by preventing the attachment of early human life to the uterus | Common: may delayreturn of normal fertility. Breast tenderness, breast cysts, depression, weight gain, headaches, nausea and vomiting, irregular bleeding. Rare: possible increased risk of breast cancers, liver tumors, elevated blood pressure, heart attack, blood clots, stroke | 99.6 | 94 | 72 | May Delay | Woman |
| Progestational Agents (one hormone) *Contraceptive and ** Abortifacient: works like the birth control pill, but ovulation occurs more frequently; 10-50% of cycles for Norplant and5% for Depo-Provera. Depo-Provera (injection every three months) |
Delays return of fertility by an average of nine months after last shot; irregular menses; acne; weight gain; headaches; anxiety; breast pain |
99.7 | 99.7 | 70 | Delays | Woman |
| Terms: Conception: Union of sperm and egg; the beginning of human life *Contraception: prevents conception **Abortifacient: agent that ends human life after conception has occurred | Compiled by Peter Danis, M.D. and the American Academy of FCS Credit: St.Louis NFP Program | |||||