Male Sterilization

Male Sterilization A vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control for males. It is a surgical procedure, typically involving local anesthesia, in which the vas deferens are cut, tied, or blocked off so that sperm cannot leave the scrotum. This procedure prevents the expulsion of sperm from the male’s body during ejaculation, thus eliminating…

Male Contraception

In recent decades, development of reliable and reversible methods of female contraception greatly expanded family planning options available to females. Male contraceptive development, however, has been greatly overlooked. Currently, male condoms and vasectomies are the only forms of reliable male contraception  effective at preventing pregnancy for a female partner (and, in the case of latex…

Female Sterilization

What is Female Sterilization? Female sterilization is meant as a permanent and irreversible form of pregnancy prevention. There are two types of procedures: tubal ligation and the insertion of tubal implants (commonly referred to as its brand name Essure). There are two common types of tubal ligation surgeries, the mini-laparotomy, and the laparoscopy. Both tubal…

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

The IUD is a highly effective, long lasting form of birth control.  The two different types, the hormonal IUD and the copper IUD, function in different ways, resulting in differing advantages and disadvantages.  The IUD must be inserted by a trained health care professional, and it does not prevent against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). What Is…

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)

The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), more commonly known as Plan B or “the morning-after pill,” can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or the failure of a primary birth control method. The name “morning after” is misleading: it can (and should) be taken sooner than the morning after or a few days after intercourse. The…

Spermicides

What Are Spermicides? Spermicide is a substance that kills sperm on contact. Spermicides are available in a variety of different forms including creams, gels, foams, suppositories and films.1 Spermicides are inserted deep into the vagina, near the cervix, with a plastic syringe applicator, or they are inserted with a diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.3…