Method Type
Advantages
Contraindications
Disadvantages
Side Effects
100
This includes tubal ligation and vasectomy.
What are permanent methods of sterilization?
100
Improves acne, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), fibroid bleeding, endometriosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many premenstrual symptoms.
What are oral contraceptives (progestin only, combination)?
100
This method is contraindicated in women over 35 who smoke or have smoked in the last 12 months, in women with hypertension, or women with a history of thrombophlebitis and thromboembolic disorders.
What are oral contraceptives (OCs)?
100
This does not provide protection from STDs and the woman must remember to take it around the same time every day.
What are oral contraceptives?
100
Side effects include cramping and bleeding with insertion, menorrhagia (increased bleeding during menstruation), and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).
What are intrauterine devices (IUDs)?
200
This includes spermicides, condoms, sponges, diaphragms, and cervical caps.
What are barrier methods (chemical and mechanical)?
200
This method can be used up to 120 hours AFTER unprotected intercourse, rape, or incorrect use or failure of other contraceptives.
What is emergency contraception (morning after pill, Plan B One-Step, Next Choice)?
200
Should not be used concurrently with vaginal medications.
What are condoms?
200
This might cause skin irritation and be less effective for women greater than 90 kg (198 lbs).
What is a transdermal contraceptive patch (Ortho Evra)?
200
Frequent use or sensitivity may cause genital irritation, which can increase susceptibility to infection.
What are spermicides (gel, foam, films, suppositories)?
300
This includes Mirena (LNG-IUS) & ParaGard (Copper T 380A).
What are intrauterine devices (IUDs) or intrauterine systems?
300
This method is acceptable to most religions, helps a women learn about her body, and does not require any drugs or hormones.
What is natural family planning (calendar, standard days, cervical mucus, two-day, symptothermal)?
300

Should not be used while menstruating or for women with a history of toxic shock syndrome. (name two)

What is a sponge, diaphragm, or cervical cap?

300
Reversal is difficult, expensive, and might not be successful.
What is sterilization (vasectomy and tubal ligation)?
300

Toxic shock syndrome can develop if used too long or during menstruation.

What is a diaphragm and spermicide or cervical cap?

400
These are the two LEAST reliable methods of contraception, usually used when women are not well educated on the risks or other options or when women do not want to use other options for personal or medical reasons.
What are breastfeeding and coitus interruptus (withdrawal)?
400
Only need to use once every 12 weeks and increases milk supply in breastfeeding women.
What is hormone injections (Depo-Provera/ medroxyprogesterone acetate)?
400
This is not suitable for women with recent or recurrent pelvic infections, bleeding disorders, a history of ectopic pregnancy, or abnormalities of the uterus.
What are intrauterine devices (IUDs)?
400
Using these usually interrupts love-making, which increases the chance that they will not be used. (name two)
What are spermicides/gel/foam/films/suppositories and condoms?
400
A major side effect is irregular bleeding, although amenorrhea might occur after long-term use.
What is a contraceptive/progestin implant (Implanon, Nexplanon)?
500
These are the three most common methods of contraception in the United States.
What are oral contraceptives (OCs), female sterilization, and male condoms?
500
This has the lowest failure rate (0.05%), provides protection for 3 years, and is safe during breastfeeding.
What is contraceptive/progestin implant (Implanon, Nexplanon?
500
This method should not be used for more than two years unless no other method is suitable.
What are hormone injections (Depo-Provera/ medroxyprogesterone acetate)?
500
This requires a high level of education and motivation as well as periods of abstinence each month.
What is natural family planning?
500
Some women might have discomfort, vaginal discharge, or expulsion, and it may be felt during intercourse.
What is a contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing/ ethinyl estradiol)?
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