I thought I'd write a quick guide, that's easy to read and contains every contracepton I could find. All information is from www.emedicinehealth.com and a complete defination and discription can be found at that site.

BARRIER METHODS

Condoms (male) :-

Stops

sperm from entering the vagina by using a latex sheath that covers the penis. It dervies from early human practice of using animal intestines as a barrier to sperm. Protection from Std's (sexually transmitted diseases).

Rate of Failure: 14% with proper and consistent use.

Cause of Failure: Incorrect placement, slippage, incorrect lubricant used (oil based lubricates causes condoms to fall apart)

Availability: Are found in most supermarkets and chemist, also can be found in many public toilets. They are affordable and come in many different types for more pleasure and comfort, and come in different colours, flavours, glow in the dark etc.

Disadvantages:-  Can decrease sexually pleasure for both male and female, latex allergies, risk of slippage and breakage with incorrect use.

Condoms (female):-

Brand name: Reality. Is similar to a male condom but has 2 flexiable rings, the first smaller ring anchors the condom in the vagina, the larger ring anchors the condom outside of the vagina. It measures 7.8 cm in width and 17cm in length. It works like a male condom but must not be used with a male condom as the risk of breakage is increased. It stops the sperm from entering the vagina. Provides better protection against STD's. Can be used with oil based lubricants and be inserted up to 8hrs prior to sex.

Rate of Failure: 15% with proper and consistent use.

Cause of Failure: Use with other condoms, slippage, breakage and incorrect placement.

Disadvantage: Does not contain spermicide, it is difficult to place, the rings cause discomfort, may cause UTI's (urinery tract infection) if left in to long.

Availablity: Drugstores and Chemists

Diaphragms:-

A shallow cup like deviced made with latex inserted into the vagina. It comes in different sizes and is used inconjunction with spermcide. It prevents sperm from entering the vagina. It must be inserted prior to sex and not removed for at least 6 hrs after. It is reusable.

Rate of Failure: With proper and consistent use 20%

Disadvantage: Prolonged use or left in to long may increase UTI's,  left in longer then 24hrsmay  increases risk of toxic shock. Requires professional fitting and training to place them. Ill fitting diapragms may cause vaginal errosion. Requires proper cleaning to avoid infections and the diaphragm becoming smelly. Does not protect against STD's. Need to reapply spermcide between each session or sex act. Allergic reactions.

Availability:- By prescription only.

Cervical Cap:-

A soft latex cap like device that fits over the womens cervix. It stays in place using a groove that seals around the cervix. It is smaller than the diapragm and comes sizes. This device derives from the 18th century practice of using orange or lemon rind against the cervix prior to sex. It is used with spermicide and can be inserted as long as 8 hrs before hand and must be left in for 8hrs after. Provides continuous protection and spermcide does not have to be reapplied between multiple sex acts. It is reusable.

Rate of Failure:- With proper and consistent use @ 40%

Disadvantage:- Can cause cevical errosion and toxic shock syndrome if left in for more than 48hrs. It needs to professional fitting and training to use. Obesity will make it harder to use. Must have normal PAP smears to use this device and it does not protect against STD's. Allergic reactions.

Availability:- By prescription only.

Sponge:-

Introduced in 1983 and should be available from 2003, this devices is a circular, polyurethane device conataining nonoxynol-9 spermicide and used once. The sponge is uinserted into vagina and is designed to trap and absorb sperm before sperm enters the cervix. It last for 24hrs before it must be removed and has a loop to for easy removal. Provides immediate and continuous protection during multiply sex acts and must be left in for 6hrs after.

Rate of Failure:- with proper and consistent use @ 28 pregnancies per 100 women

Disadvantage:- Allergic reactions, may cause toxic shock if left in longer than 30hrs, does not protect against STD's

Availability:- From drug stores, chemists and pharmacies.

Hormone Methods

The Pill:-

As suggested it is a pill of which there are 2 types estrogen and progestin, taken orally and contains 21 active and 7 inactive. There over 30 different kinds available and prevents ovulation. It has also been known to control irregular and heavy periods and allows the women to control when she has her period. It has also been known to prevent benign breast diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease and functional cysts also certain ovarian and endometrial cancers, which were not listed. It must be taken at the same time of day everyday.

Rate of Failure:- With proper and consistent use 0.1% with typical use 5%

Disadvantages:- May cause nausea, breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, loss of periods, headaches, depression, anxiety, low sex drive. Does not protect against STD's. May take time for ovulation cycle to return.

Additional Risks:- Some women may be at risk of venous thrombosis (blood clots) in particular women who smoke and higher or abnormal cholesterol levels. Women who have diabetes/ or smoke may be at risk of high blood pressure, obesity, stroke and heart disease.

Availability:-Prescription only

91 Day pill

Known as Seasonale, it is an active pill that is taken for 12wks or 84 days followed by 7 inactive pills. It works exactly like the the pill.

Rate of Failure:- Is the same as the pill (0.1% with proper and cnsistent use and 5% with typical use)

Disadvantages:- Same as the pill with an increase in inbetween period bleeding. Does not protect against Std's.

Additional Risks:- Are the same as the pill

Availability:- Prescription only.

Progestin (Mini Pill)

Is the same as the pill but is designed for breast feeding mothers. Read the pill for all information pertaining to the mini pill.

Birth Control Patch

Is a transdermal patch that is attached to the skin weekly and comes a 3/4 cycle. The patch is applied weekly for 3 wks then is not worn for 1wk for menstration (period). Releases small amounts of hormones daily.

Rate of Failure:- Same as the pill.

Disadvantages:- Skin irritation, can fall off, allergic reactions and is less effective for women over 198pds or 79.2 kgs. Does not protect against std's.

Availability:- Prescription only.

Vaginal Ring

Known as Nuvaring and was developed in the 70's, it works same the as the pill except it is inserted in the vagina and absorbed. It is good for people who have digestive problems as it's placed in the vagina.

Disadvantages: It can fall out. If left out for more than 3hrs it will no longer be effective until 7 days later after re insertion. Does not protect against stds.

Rate of Failure:- Same as the pill

Additional Risks:- Same as the pill

Availability:- Prescription only

Implant

Also known as levonorgestrel or implanon. A rod or rods that are placed in the arm of  women releasing hormones directly into the body. It works within 24hrs. It last up to 3 or 5 yrs. Ovulation generally returns within 3 wks of removal. It can be used by breast feeding mothers and those who forget to take birth control tablets. For women who should not get pregnant or have medical conditions that make traditional method of birth control ineffective.

Disadvantages:- It is a surgicial prodecure and does leave scarring. It is difficult to insert and remove. Can lead to non menstrational bleeding (bleeding not associated with a period), weight gain, headaches, mood changes, facial hair growth, milk flow from the nipples and acne. Not recommended for heavy smokers, women with a history of eptopic pregnancies, diabetes, high cholesterol, severe acne, high blood pressure, heart disease, migraines and depression  Does not protect against std's.

Rate of Failure:- 1st year 0.2%  5th year 1.1%

Availability:- Prescription only and must be inserted by a Doctor.

Interuterine Devices IUD'S

A small T shaped device place in the uterus, with a plastic string attached for easy removal. There are 2 types a copper IUD and a Horomonal IUD

Copper IUD

The copper IUD works by releasing copper in small amounts into the uterus it  stops the sperm from being able to go to the egg (immobilisation) and changes the linning of the uterus.

It is place by a doctor and must be removed by one. It is important to be totally honest before having one place as infections can cause serious damage to the uterus. They are not aproppiate for everyone.

Hormonal IUD

Releases small amounts of hormones into the uterus, thickening the cervical mucus thus stopping sperm entering the uterus. It changes the lining of the uterus. It must be replaced every 5yrs

Disadvantages:- Cramping may occur during and after placement. A course of antibotics are given to prevent infections. Dizziness and pain on insertion. May require small surgicial procedure to remove. 50% increased chance of miscarriage if device is still in place at conception and is decreased to 25% after removal. Infections are higher in women who fall pregnant whilst using device. May puncture the wall of the uterus during insertion. Possibility of increased menstrual pain and bleeding during menstration whilst using the copper IUD. Increased risk of inflammatory disease. Does not protect against STD'S and may increase the chance of transmitting STD's.

SEE www.emedicine.com for a full list of risks of using IUD's.

 Injections

Depo-Provera or DMPA

A synthetic hormone (medroxprogestrerone acelate) given via injection every 3 months. It is active within 24hrs and it stops ovulation. Does not affect a womens weight or any medicines being taken or be affected by medicines. It lowers the risk of certain endometrial and ovarian cancers. May regulate irregular periods>

Disadvantages:- A woman may not get her periods, irregular periods for some uses. It can delay ovulation and pregnancy. (70% fall pregnant within 12 months, 90% within 24 months) It can stay in the body for several months after the last shot. Can cause weight gain, depression and with DMPA, possible bone density loss). Does not protect against STD's.

Rate of Failure:- 0.3%

Availability:- Prescription only every 3 months.

Combo injection (Lunelle)

Thickens the lining of the fallopian tubes to prevent sperm travelling up the fallopian tubes, thins the uterine lining preventing implantation. Fertility is regained within 2/3 months after last shot. May protect uterus from some cancers and endometriosis and also reduces ovarian cysts and tumors.

Disadvantages:-  May cause irregular bleeding, mild depression, mood changes, possible decrease sex drive. Does not protect against Std's.

Added Risks:- Changes vision, higher risk for gall bladder disease. Should be avoided by women who have a history of bloodclots. stroke, heart disease, breast cancer, unexplained waginal bleeding, high blood pressure. Should not be used if your a women over the age of 35 who smokes.

Availability:- By monthly prescription. It is NOT available in the USA.

 Emergency Contraceptives (also known as Emergency Postcoital Contraceptives or The morning after Pill)

Are various estrogens and or progestins in higher does and are taking after unprotected sex. They last up to 72hrs after taken. There are number of different brands on the market but essentially work like the pill. The affects and disadvantages will vary depending on which one is used. It does not protect against STD's. Rate of failure is also dependent on which one is taken.

Read the pill for a better understanding or see www.emedicine.com .

RU486

Is not a contraceptive and is not included except to say it's not a contraceptive.